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Casting Call: Open Enrollment at New Drama School

WILLIAMSPORT — The third floor of the Trade and Transit Centre in downtown Williamsport looks a bit different than it did just a few months ago when the C...

WILLIAMSPORT -- The third floor of the Trade and Transit Centre in downtown Williamsport looks a bit different than it did just a few months ago when the Community Theatre League first moved in.

"The phones, that's about it, and that wallpaper is only thing left from the Chamber of Commerce," said Seth Sponhause, the education coordinator for The Community Academy of Stage and Theatre.

Finishing touches, including hanging up new mirrors, are complete, so you won't hear construction. You'll hear instructors and students practicing.

"We are opening a year-round theater and stage arts school and it's called "CAST" -- The Community Academy of Stage and Theatre," said Jacquie Engel, artistic director.

This week, the Community Theatre League celebrated the grand opening of "CAST." The nonprofit theater league had already been renting space on the first floor on West Third Street. When room on the third floor opened up, the group jumped at the chance to expand.

"There was no place in Williamsport before this that you could have gone. You would have had to travel over an hour away to find the opportunities that we are going to be offering here," said instructor Amy Rene Byrne.

Instructors say there are a few classes geared towards an older audience, people looking to learn some new skills they can reflect upon in their everyday lives.

"Being able to communicate in the theater carries over to good communication skills all around,” said Vicki Shimko.

With 25 classes to choose from, Vicki Shimko's daughter Makenzie signed up for one called "singing the story."

"I'm excited because, I mean, it is a new musical theater kind of experience, not just musical theater. There's plays, there is dance," said Makenzie Shimko.

"It's great to have other adults invest in my child love it," said Vicki Shimko.

The first classes at the Community Academy of Stage and Theatre in Williamsport start February 8.  Click here to enroll.

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