New Youth Theatre Class Launched at Marion’s Lincoln Theatre

Marion, VA – This fall, young aspiring actors in the region are in for an exciting opportunity. Starting next week, enrollment begins for a new youth theatre class at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Marion. The theatre is welcoming children and teenagers to sign up for a program that promises to culminate in a vibrant production of “Aladdin Jr.” in early 2025.

This initiative is led by renowned opera singer and experienced theatre instructor, Rachel Helton, who has spent the past year building the program. Helton, also an adjunct professor of voice at Emory & Henry University, noticed a significant gap in theatre opportunities for youth in the Southwest Virginia area. Motivated by this observation, she decided to take the lead in bringing more such opportunities to the community.

“The program has really taken off this year,” said Helton. “We now plan to perform three shows annually with over 75 students from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.”

After successfully establishing a summer theatre camp in Bristol, VA, Helton realized the potential for expanding the program further. She opted to bring the class to Marion after recognizing the need for more youth theatre opportunities in the area.

“I figured why not take the class to more kids in the region and work something out with the Lincoln,” Helton remarked. Having performed at the Lincoln Theatre herself, she approached Bob Watkins, the theatre’s executive director, who eagerly embraced the idea of enhancing the theatre and community by adding a youth class.

Helton strongly believes in the transformative power of theatre. “I have seen the transformations of children that become involved in our classes and theatre. They build confidence, develop speaking skills, make great friends, work as a team, and can celebrate the remarkable accomplishment of bringing a show from script to stage! It is a positive, uplifting experience…” she said.

Financial constraints won’t be a barrier for interested students, as the academy has partnered with FAME Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships for youth participation in music and theatre classes. “This partnership will allow us to involve more students,” Helton noted.

Rehearsals for “Aladdin Jr.” will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the Lincoln Theatre. The classes will be held weekly until the performances on Jan. 17 and 18, 2025. The program is open to children and teens aged 8 to 18.

For those interested in joining, more information is available at the Bristol Academy of Music’s website, or inquiries can be sent via email to the academy’s contact email.

With this new addition to Marion’s cultural offerings, children in the region can look forward to an engaging experience that not only hones their theatrical skills but also fosters personal growth and community spirit. The upcoming production of “Aladdin Jr.” is anticipated to be a delightful event, showcasing the talents and hard work of the local youth.

The Lincoln Theatre’s incorporation of this new class marks a promising step forward in nurturing the creative talents of young people in Southwest Virginia. By providing a platform for these young actors to shine, Rachel Helton and her team are not just offering a class; they are planting the seeds for a thriving local arts scene.