DramaFest! May 2 at Hayes Center

Salute the power of theatre on May 2 at DramaFest!, an all-day celebration of the many aspects of theatre for children and young adults.

This free, family-centric event, which begins at 10 a.m., will take place at the Blowing Rock Stage Company’s home, the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road (off U.S. 321) in Blowing Rock.

“We have so many students who attend our summer CAMPservatories and after-school theatre classes,” education director Kim Cozort Kay said. “Our TOPs (Theatre Outreach Programs) classes emphasize ensemble work as well as literacy and listening skills. These students will be able to share their original pieces they have written, as well as tried-and-true monologues and scenes from well-known works. There will also be fun exercises and theatre games.”

Highlights of DramaFest! include the costume/character parade beginning at 10 a.m. and a short film, The Making of Peter Pan. Hot dog lunches will be served on the premises beginning at 11:30 and serving until 1:30 p.m., just in time for a 2 p.m. matinee of the Rocket Players Youth production of Disney’s High School Musical 2. All events are free with the exception of Disney’s High School Musical 2 and hot dog lunches.

“Children of all ages and parents are invited to come spend the day with us here at the Hayes Center,” Kay said. “DramaFest! is a wonderful opportunity to meet our teaching team and to see our students in action. We will be able to answer any questions regarding theatre classes and camps. But more importantly, everyone will be able to see many different shows all day long. If you want to participate in the costume parade, come to the dress up center at 9:30, borrow a costume and join in the fun or you can bring your own.”

 
DramaFest! Schedule:

9:30 a.m.: Line-up for Costume/Character parade
10 a.m.: Costume/Character Parade on Hayes Center grounds
10:30 a.m.: Imagination Station class shares Eric Carle’s adaptation of The Winners
11 a.m.: Fairy Tale Theatre shares Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Ida’s Flowers        
11:30 a.m.: Intermediate Class shares “Bits of TheatrEVERYTHING!”
12 p.m.: Beginning Acting Class shares their original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Bells
12:30 p.m.: TOPs Tap! Tap class demonstrations
12:45 p.m.: Freestyle dance: everyone on the floor!
2 p.m.: Disney’s High School Musical 2 – Wilson Theatre (see ticket prices below)

Face Painting, Juggling, Dress-up Centers, Basic Swordplay Demonstrations, Theatre Games and Short Film happening all day.

All DramaFest! events are free with the exception of Disney’s High School Musical 2. Tickets for Disney’s High School Musical 2 are $14, $7 for students, and are available now by calling the box office at (828) 295-9627.

For more information about DramaFest!, call education director Kim Cozort Kay at (828) 295-9168, e-mail kim@blowingrockstage.com or visit www.blowingrockstage.com and www.hayescenter.org.

The Blowing Rock Stage Company produces all shows in the Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road (off Hwy 321), Blowing Rock, NC. Tel: 828-295-9627