Have you thought about getting involved in the arts? Have you thought that you would like to play the piano or the violin? Have you read or heard what getting involved in the arts can do for your children, your grandchildren? Participating and appreciating the arts has many advantages for everyone. That is the mission of the Soo Theatre Project.
You can read all about the Soo Theatre and STARS class offerings in the ad in today’s paper. All the arts come together at the historic Soo Theatre. Learn to dance, sing, paint a scene, learn about music and rhythm at a young age, or learn to play an instrument as a retiree. You can explore, learn and perform on stage in a Broadway musical, a kids musical, even an opera. You can attend great live performances produced on Soo Theatre’s stage.
Soo Theatre can do all this because of the fabulous faculty we have.
Karen Hughes Beacom teaches voice and harp. She also makes the connections that bring great musical theatre, opera, summer camps and other musical events to the Soo Theatre stage. Last spring Karen produced and directed Annie, Jr. – the first fully staged musical for Soo Kids Theatre. Look for another kids theatre production next spring.
Dottie Case teaches violin, viola and piano. She also directs the STARS Youth Orchestra, the New Horizons adult string group, and she helps put together recitals and other events where our musical groups perform. Dottie also directs elementary students in summer musical theatre camps, and a she plays in the pit orchestras at Soo Theatre.
Betty Struble has been teaching people to play the piano for many years. She also has a background in teaching elementary music, accompanying singers and instrumentalists, and playing the organ. Taking piano lessons from Betty is fun.
Ronda McGreevy teaches individual piano lessons, and she teaches group piano. Learning to play with others makes it more fun. Ronda also teaches guitar, voice and ukulele. She leads the Arts Exploration camp each summer, and you might also see her accompanying singers at the vocal camp.
Maggie Twining is an accomplished cellist. She teaches cello and bass, leads both a youth and an adult cello group at Soo Theatre. Maggie also plays in our pit orchestras, as well as the Sault and Marquette Symphonies.
Benjamin Gulder teaches our youngest violin players, using the Suzuki method. Children can learn as young as 4 years old using this method. Benjamin is also accomplished at playing and teaching traditional fiddle music.
Cathy Wilkinson joined our faculty this summer teaching music to very young children in a camp. She will be teaching music to youngsters this fall in First Steps in Music at Soo Theatre. An accomplished musician, Cathy is often playing the oboe, or another instrument in our pit orchestras.
Our dance classes at Soo Theatre and STARS offer lots of individual attention. The classes are small, allowing instructors to pay more attention to each dancer.
Rachael Smart has lots of fun with hula hoops. She teaches acro and hula hoop. A former gymnast, Rachael has great enthusiasm and ability to teach youngsters of all ages.
Jenna Perry is perhaps best known for her skill as a tap dancer and teacher of tap. She is also very patient and skilled with young children learning their first movements, balance, and beginning dance.
Alison Cheney has extensive experience as a ballet dancer and teacher. She teaches pre-ballet, beginning and intermediate ballet and pointe.
Our visual artist teacher, Randy Krause, will be having fun with students who want to do a painting in a few hours and have a finished piece of art to take home with them. She calls the class an Arty Party. It’s fun and it’s a great learning experience.
What a line up of multi talented individuals we have to challenge you and have fun with you as you explore the arts at Soo Theatre and STARS. Watch for additions to our faculty and to our class offerings throughout the year.
Finally, don’t forget to get your tickets for the Mike Dempsey and Friends hit show this Thursday, September 3rd at the Soo Theatre featuring “A Tribute to Judy Garland” and a special tribute to Mike Dempsey himself!
There is something for everyone at Soo Theatre Project. More information 906 632-1930
