New Youth Theatre Class Kicking Off at Lincoln Theatre in Marion

If you’re a young theatre enthusiast in Southwest Virginia, some exciting news is coming your way! Marion’s Lincoln Theatre is set to begin a new youth theatre class, and the buzz is all about the upcoming production of “Aladdin Jr.”, which is scheduled for early 2025.

This initiative is spearheaded by Rachel Helton, an accomplished opera singer and adjunct professor of voice at Emory & Henry University. Helton noticed a significant gap in theatre opportunities for kids in the region. After a successful run of theatre camps in her Bristol Academy of Music, she decided it was time to expand these opportunities to more children in the area.

A Summer Camp Success Leads to Year-Round Opportunities

Helton’s journey into youth theatre started in 2023 with a summer camp at the Bristol Academy of Music’s main studio in Bristol, Virginia. “The program has really taken off this year,” she said. They’ve already performed several shows with over 75 students from both Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

Seeing the excitement and positive impact on the kids, Helton thought it made perfect sense to bring the class to Marion. She reached out to Bob Watkins, the executive director of the Lincoln Theatre. “He enthusiastically agreed that a class would be a great addition to the theatre and community,” Helton shared.

Transforming Lives Through Theatre

Helton is passionate about the experiences these classes offer children. “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 explained. This is why she believes every child should have this opportunity.

Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of any child wanting to join, either. The academy has partnered with FAME Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships for kids to participate in music classes and performances. “This will allow us to involve more students,” Helton noted.

Details on the New Class and How to Join

The weekly theatre class, aimed at ages 8 to 18, will start rehearsals for “Aladdin Jr.” on Tuesday, September 3, at the Lincoln Theatre. Performances are slated for January 17 and 18.

To learn more about the class or to sign up, you can visit the Bristol Academy of Music’s website. Additionally, you can reach out via email for further information. This new initiative is an exciting step forward, promising to nurture the talents and passions of young people in the region.

Community Response and Future Aspirations

The community has responded enthusiastically to this new venture. According to local reports, various parents and community members have expressed their excitement at the chance to see their children engage in such a fulfilling activity right in their hometown.

Helton has big dreams for the future of the program. With the success of the summer camps and the high interest in the upcoming classes, she aims to expand even further, possibly offering even more classes and larger-scale productions in the coming years.

“This is just the beginning,” Helton said. “As more children get involved and the community continues to support us, the possibilities are endless. We want to make sure that every child who wants to participate in theatre can do so, regardless of their background or financial situation.”

So, if you or someone you know is an aspiring young actor or actress in the Southwest Virginia area, now is the perfect time to get involved. The Lincoln Theatre’s new youth class is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and shine on stage.

Get Involved

For those interested in enrolling or seeking additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Bristol Academy of Music’s website and their email are great resources for anyone looking to join this thrilling new chapter in Marion’s theatre scene.

The launching of this youth theatre class is not just about learning lines or memorizing dance steps—it’s about building a vibrant community where kids can feel empowered and inspired. Here’s to a future filled with creativity and countless curtain calls!