Salute the power of theatre with the Blowing Rock Stage Company when it hosts on May 3 its first annual DramaFest, an all-day celebration of the many aspects of theatre for children and young adults. This free, family-centric event, which begins at 10am, will take place at the Stage Company’s home, the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road (off Hwy. 321) in Blowing Rock.
“We have so many students who attend our summer CAMPservatories and after-school theatre classes,” says BRSC education director Kim Cozort Kay. “Our TOPs (Theatre Outreach Programs) classes emphasize ensemble work as well as literacy and listening skills. These students will be able to share their original pieces they have written as well as tried-and-true monologues and scenes from well-known works. 
“Children of all ages and parents are invited to come spend the day with us here at the Stage Company,” encourages Kay. “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our teaching team and to see our students in action. We will be able to answer any questions regarding theatre classes and camps.” 
And with its all-day roster, attendees will have the opportunity to see many different shows, a highlight of which includes The Missing Tale, a short film written and shot by students from the 2007 CAMPservatory.  There will also be face painting, dress-up centers and basic swordplay techniques available throughout the day. Hot dog lunches will be served on the premises from 11:30am to 1:30pm, just in time to grab your seats for the 2pm matinee performance of the Rocket Youth Players production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the Tony-winning musical that follows an average day in the life of everyone’s favorite Blockhead.
All events are free with the exception of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Tickets for Charlie Brown are $14, $7 for students, and are available now by calling the Box Office at 828-295-9627. For more information about DramaFest, call Director of Education Kim Cozort Kay at 828-295-9168, e-mail kim@blowingrockstage.com or visit www.BlowingRockStage.com.
  Schedule:
10:00am – Film showing of The Missing Tale, Wilson Theatre
10:30am – “Story Moves Class” (pantomime): Snow White and the Seven Little People, Ebert Rehearsal Hall
11:00am – Beginners Class: “Original Scenes and Monologues,” Ebert Rehearsal Hall
Noon – “Dance Hall with Melvin” (freestyle hip-hop), Ebert Rehearsal Hall
12:30pm – “Me, My Friend” (self-confidence techniques through theatre), Ebert Rehearsal Hall
1:00pm – Face Painting/Theatre Games, Hayes Center grounds
2:00pm – You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Wilson Theatre
The Blowing Rock Stage Company produces all shows in the Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road (off Hwy 321), Blowing Rock.