Flat Rock Playhouse Launches Studio 52

Flat Rock Playhouse announced today the launch of Studio 52, a division of the Vagabond School of Drama, est. 1952. Kicking off for Summer 2015, Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52 is an eight week long series of camps, intensives and mini seminars all focusing on Theatre, Musical Theatre and Film for all ages Kindergarten through adult.

"Commitment to education has been a guiding principle at Flat Rock Playhouse since its inception. We are truly thrilled to continue this legacy with the introduction of Studio 52," says Playhouse Artistic Director Lisa K. Bryant. "Studio 52 will feature an excellent line up of classes for all levels, including adults. Participants will work side-by-side with not only our exceptional resident teaching staff, but will also benefit from the teaching talents of guest instructors from all over the country."

Leading the charge at Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52 this summer will be J.J. Ruscella who is currently leading the next generation of acting programs in one of the country's oldest conservatories, Shenandoah University. In addition to being an award winning actor/director/writer, he has also served as Director of the New York Film Academy at Disney/MGM Studios.

Let's put on a show! For the Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52 Summer Sessions starting June 15th, rising first through third graders will immerse themselves in the joys of theatre by studying such topics as Dr. Seuss, Fairy Tales, The World of Carl Sandburg and The Wonderful World of Animated Features. Rising fourth through sixth graders will concentrate on such topics as Wizards Witches and Warlocks, Young Adult Dystopia, Superheroes and In a Galaxy Far Far Away. For rising 7th through 12th grade, Flat Rock Playhouse will be presenting A Pre-Professional High School Program to be taught by guest director Charles Goforth who has taught acting at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Cornell University and Shenandoah.

The Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52 Summer Sessions will also include Musical Theatre camps focusing on Jukebox, Pop/Rock, Classic and Broadway Blockbuster musicals.

Fresh from his triumphant production of The Wizard of Oz, resident Director and Instructor, Dave Hart, will be tending to the Theatre and Music Theatre programs. And returning will be Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre alumni Olivia Palmer who is joining the teaching ranks at Flat Rock Playhouse for the first time this summer.

Want to be in a movie? For the Flat Rock Playhouse Film Academy, rising 4th through 12 graders will be divided into two groups - Journeyman and Initiate - and will learn the process of Film Acting and Production with topics including Basic Camera and Sound Operation, Filmmaking 101, Lighting and Color Grading Essentials and Screenwriting. Each week both levels will script, shoot and edit their own Music Videos, PSAs, Commercials or Documentaries. Each Friday these works will be shown at the Flat Rock Cinema in a private screening for family and friends. The Flat Rock Playhouse Film Academy will be taught by J.J. Ruscella as well as guest instructors Joachim Schirmacher, Jon Graham and Caleb Forsyth - all armed with extensive credits in front of the camera as well as behind.

In addition to the one week camps, Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52 will present a series of Saturday Morning Snapshots focusing on such topics as How to Make a Movie with your Smartphone or Tablet, Stage Combat, Clowning and Musical Theatre Workshops with the cast of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying and Gypsy.

Calling all adults! Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52 will be presenting two one week long summer "MasterCamps - Where the Professionals Train the Professionals."

Jem Schofield, an accomplished producer, director of photography, educator and founder of the C47 | The Filmmaker's Intensive will take residence at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown teaching a filmmaking camp for adults in June where they will learn the entire filmmaking process from the words on a page to the final shot. Schofield's client base includes Canon USA Inc, The New York Times, TED and Apple. No prior filmmaking experience is necessary to attend.

Led by Jeff Wirth, the second masterclass session is a one week MasterCamp on Dramatic Improv for advanced actors. Wirth has consulted with Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Disney Imagineering and the New York Film Festival.

Date night? Need a sitter? Parents are encouraged to check out Flat Rock Fun Nights from June 17th through August 7th. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 PM, experienced instructors will be on hand for an exciting night of theatre and games for rising 1st through 7th graders.

For those traveling from out of the area to attend Studio 52, the Millhouse Lodge has been selected as the primary hotelier for classes held at the Robin R. Farquhar Educational Building located on property at Flat Rock Playhouse. The Millhouse Lodge is located at 1150 W. Blue Ridge Road in Flat Rock. Special discounts for students will apply; please call 800.736.6073 for more information.

For those traveling for the MasterCamps with Jem Schofield and Jeff Wirth, special discounts for lodging at the Inn on Church in Hendersonville have been arranged as these classes will be offered at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown. The Inn on Church is located at 201 Third Avenue, Hendersonville, mere blocks away from the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown and close proximity to many shops and restaurants. Those interested should call 828.696.2001.

"Do not miss out on the chance to work side by side with a world class faculty found this summer at Flat Rock Playhouse Studio 52," says Bryant. "Set your imagination free to dream, to take risk and to create. Come play with us!"

For a detailed overview of class descriptions, pricing and schedule, please visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org/education.

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