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Old Brick Apprenticeship celebrates 27 seasons

ELKINS — Each fall, for the past 27 years, there is a convergence of positive energy on the corner of Davis and 4th streets in downtown Elkins. Recognized as one of the top arts education programs in the nation, The Old Brick Playhouse Apprenticeship is an afterschool theatre program for secondary students throughout the region.

This season, the orientation date for this dynamic program was Sept. 11 and students can register up until Friday, the first actual meeting.

Passersby may mistake this collection of youth for a marching band or a military battalion as they gather in spirited groups each Monday from 4-5:30. Averaging an enrollment of nearly 100, The Old Brick Playhouse Apprenticeship encourages students to join a nine-month effort to strengthen personal self-esteem, to explore creative inclinations, to participate in community events, to produce an all-inclusive mainstage production, and most importantly to have a whole lot of fun.

“Most folks describe our program as a theatre initiative,” said Old Brick Playhouse Executive Director Missy Armentrout McCollam, “and in 1992, I’m pretty certain it was. Since that time, we have added so many dimensions and components to the program that it offers students literally hundreds of approaches to self-development.”

From serving as volunteers on the Polar Express to performing “The Lion King, JR” for thousands of elementary school students, Apprentice participants receive a wide variety of training while experiencing a myriad of performance opportunities.

“The program isn’t just for students with an interest in theatre,” says Old Brick Assistant Director Phil Smith. “Our graduates have continued on to study fields such as law, international business, fashion design, medicine, archaeology, etc. The Apprenticeship prepares students with the self-confidence needed to succeed in any career path.”

The Old Brick Apprentice program is supported by Citizens Bank of West Virginia, The Clay Center for Arts and Sciences, The West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts and hundreds of local individuals, civic organizations and individuals.

“I am continually grateful that we live in a community that believes in supporting youth,” said an Old Brick Education associate. “Almost everyone we contact is willing to provide scholarship funds to assist students in participating in the Apprentice program.”

This is the second consecutive year that The Old Brick Apprentice program has been supported by The Clay Center for Arts and Sciences. Funds from the Clay Center will once again provide regional public school students with the opportunity to see the Apprentice main stage performance in May. To be accepted into the program, students need to perform a one-minute monologue or write a brief essay as to why they would like to be an Old Brick Apprentice.

“Just last week, I was chatting with a high-ranking state official who said, ‘Elkins is an arts town. when one drives through, it is evident that the arts are a priority for residents. That feeling makes a tourist want to stay a while, so we don’t miss something exciting. It feels like the town is alive,'” McCollam said.

If you or your student has an interest in The Old Brick Playhouse Apprentice program. please call the office at 304-637-9090 or email missy@theoldbrick.org.

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