The Shawnee Playhouse is proud to announce Jessica Bickel as the Educational Director for The Shawnee Theatrical Arts Resource School (S.T.A.R.S.) for the 2014 / 2015 Season!
While completing her Bachelor's in Elementary Education with a concentration in Performing Arts at East Stroudsburg University, she appeared on stage regularly including the role of Domina in A Funny Thing Happened, musical revues and ensembles.
She has recently gotten back into performing in theatre after a long hiatus and has been seen on the Shawnee Playhouse stage in Shawnee Original Playwright Series One Act Winners, Delval Divas, Whose Wives Are They Anyway, Broadway on the Red Carpet II, The Deuce Revisited and Lend Me a Tenor. Her employment in the East Stroudsburg School District has enabled her to perform as well - through annual teacher productions.
Two of Ms. Bickels mantras are "Teaching isn't that different from acting. Being an actor makes me a better teacher, and vice versa." and "You are never too young or too old to start performing, it enhances your whole life." With her training and knowledge as a teacher, as well as her experience on stage, Ms. Bickel is the perfect choice to head the S.T.A.R.S. program!
In 2014, Ms. Bickel headed the education aspect of The Shawnee Playhouse with the summer camps. She also was the director for the childrens show A Year With Frog and Toad¦kids. Ms. Bickel is teaching the fall classes, will direct Kids Kabaret and will also be the instructor for Holiday Mini camp running December 29th, 30 and 31st!
The S.T.A.R.S. program offers a channel for a childs natural gifts of imagination and role-playing. Through theatre arts children sharpen their creativity, improve their communication skills, gain self-confidence and learn the importance of teamwork. Above all, children enjoy becoming a part of the magic that they create on the stage.
There are several options available throughout the year at the Shawnee Playhouse. Classes are held in the fall and winter for a range of ages from Pre “ K through 9th grade and students will stage a performance for friends and family at the end of the class session.
Camps are held in July and August and reflect the shows produced during the summer season. For 2015, camps offered for Disneys High School Musical 2 Jr., Cinderella, OLIVER! and new for 2015 will be an Improv Camp! The Holiday Mini Camp is a three day camp during the winter break in December. Young performers will learn about acting, theatre etiquette, terminology, costuming and make up. The campers will then join our staged production and be in a performance that coincides with the camp that they are in. Its the perfect option for children who are ready to move on from classes and get a feel for being on stage in front of an audience!
For information and registration forms please visit www.TheShawneePlayhouse.com or contact the Shawnee Playhouse Box Office at 570-421-5093.