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One of the most popular programs of ̽����ѡ’s Community Music School has been the Children’s Musical Theatre Program. This fall, the CMS is taking it to the next level, launching a new musical theatre program for middle school and high school students.

“The middle school and high school musical theatre program is a natural progression from our children’s theatre program,” said Dr. Elizabeth Tracy, CMS director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to give local and area students an authentic theatre experience.”

Interested students in grades 7-12 can audition Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 6 p.m. for the inaugural production, “Into the Woods.” Experience is not necessary. Students are asked to prepare one minute of a musical theatre song to be performed unaccompanied at the audition. Students unable to make the Aug. 8 audition are welcome to send a video to Tracy at etracy [at] heidelberg.edu with the subject line “Into the Woods” audition.

“We are looking for people who are excited to act and to try something new,” Tracy said.

Rehearsals for “Into the Woods” begin Aug. 12 and will be held weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and one day per weekend. Those cast in the show would not rehearse every night. Show dates are Oct. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. at Heidelberg’s Gundlach Theatre.

“We have a talented team of directors, choreographers and designers who will work with our students. It should be very exciting.”

In addition to the new middle school and high school program, the Community Music School has a busy season planned. The Children’s Musical Theatre Program, comprised of children in grades 2-8,  will present “Annie” on Dec. 1-2 and “Mulan” on May 25-26. Registration for “Annie” is now open.    

The Youth Orchestra, which rehearses Saturday mornings, and the Youth Wind Ensemble, which rehearses Sunday evenings, are getting ready to resume. Also this year, the Community Music School will again collaborate with Dance Unlimited for a musical theatre course that has expanded to three levels, teaching students how to act, sing and dance on stage simultaneously.

To familiarize yourself with all of the programs offered by the Community Music School, plan to attend an open house 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in Brenneman Music Hall. CMS instructors will perform, all of the programs will be explained and sign-up can be completed that day. Most of the classes begin Sept. 9 or after.

For additional information on all of the available programs, check the ̽����ѡ Community Music School’s Facebook page or email Tracy at etracy [at] heidelberg.edu.