(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre has announced its newest endeavor - The Newton Theatre School of the Arts, located at 219 Spring Street in Newton. The School of the Arts will serve students from 5 years of age and older, with acting classes, production workshops, choreography, visual arts and more. Classes will start in January 2018 and will culminate with a Spring musical of Annie Jr.

To introduce the school to the public there will be an open house on Saturday, December 16th from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. It will be a chance to see the new class location, register for classes and to meet and mingle with the instructors. Sample classes with the instructors will be held throughout the day for a School of the Arts experience. Snacks and beverages will be available. Those who register for a class during the open house will have the $25.00 registration fee waived.

Heather Ball has been named Director of The Newton Theatre School of the Arts. Heather is very passionate about creating an environment where students of any age can come and explore a wide variety of art forms. Heather has worked as a professional scenic artist and set designer in the theatre industry for the past twenty years. She began her career running the paint department at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ. In 2008 she became an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Theatre & Dance at Montclair State University. In addition to several current theatre projects, Heather is also creating a visual art library of the lost homes of Manville, NJ. Heather is excited to be working with the amazing crew at the Newton Theatre and the artist educators within the School of the Arts.

The winter schedule includes the following classes: 

Theatre Kids - Using the theme of Storybook Theatre children will explore acting, choreography and blocking in this introduction to the exciting world of theatre for children ages 5-7.

Acting I Fractured Fairy Tales - Students, ages 8-12, will work together to rewrite some of their favorite fairytales and perform them onstage in this fun and engaging class. 

Acting Foundations and Improv - Students will utilize acting games and improvisation exercises to build their confidence on stage and focus on basic acting skills every performer needs to know. Ages 13-17

Play Production Workshop - Students will create an original script through improvisation, acting, games and storytelling.  For 13-17 year olds who may have interests outside of acting will experience directing, playwriting, and stage management.

Spring Musical - The Newton Youth Theatre Company will be taking the stage with its debut production, Annie Jr., open to all students from 7-17 by audition. Professional directors, choreographers, stage mangers, and theatrical design teams support these quality productions.

For a complete schedule, tuition and additional information, contact the school at 973-383-3700 or visit www.TheNewtonTheatre.com/school.

The historic Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ.  Additional information may be found at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com or by calling 973-940-NEWT.  

 Skylands Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, is dedicated to providing programs that educate, entertain and inspire all audiences regardless of ethnicity, age or income level.