The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training announces The Backstage Xperience

AUGUSTA - The board of directors for The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training is pleased to announce funding has been secured for The School's next major outreach program, The Backstage Xperience, an interactive educational event that will give students an inside look at the workings of a professional theater.

Grants from the Binda Foundation, Eaton Corporation, CM Contracting, Worgess Insurance, and a partnership with other nonprofits will make this program possible. "This project has been in the works for a long time. The School is finally able to launch this event thanks to generous corporate and foundation grants," board President Mark Hires reports.

Created by Barn Theatre Founder Betty Ebert shortly before her death in 1995 and revitalized by a new board of directors in 2010, The School's mission is to support the apprentice program at the Barn Theatre and to bring theater to students. "Successful nonprofit organizations must secure grants from corporations and foundations as well as support from individuals," Hires shares. "Securing funding for this program is a huge step in ensuring that Betty's dream continues."

About 525 school-aged students and their chaperones will have the opportunity to attend the The Backstage Xperience at the Barn Theatre, followed by performances of "Legally Blonde The Musical" on July 10, 11 and 12 and "The Wedding Singer" on July 24, 25 and 26. Participation is free and includes a free meal and a free ticket to the show.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," explains Hires. "The success of this program will foster future outreach programs and give more opportunities to the apprentices."

Students will tour the theater, including technical design areas that are typically off-limit to the public. Interactive presentations of technical and performance aspects of theater will give students hands-on learning about professional theater production. Q&A sessions will accompany the demonstrations.

"The great thing is that these students will learn the specific technical work that went into the show," says school Dean Penelope Ragotzy. "They'll see rendering of Elle Wood's costumes, learn about techniques that went into constructing the amazing set pieces for this show, and see it all come to life on stage."

"Some of these students might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater and learn from professionals at this level," says Hires. "It's an amazing opportunity to spark students' creativity and drive their passion for theater."

Several nonprofit and youth organizations will be sending groups to this event, but individuals are also welcome to form their own small groups of students and chaperones to attend. The Backstage Xperience is free!

To register your group for this event or for more information, please e-mail info@barntheatreschool.org.

The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training
The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training is a designated non-profit 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. Charitable contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent provided by State and Federal Law. For more information, log onto www.barntheatreschool.org.