‘The Nutcracker’ set design workshop offered
The Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company is offering students with an interest in design and special effects the chance to participate in a unique arts and educational experience this semester as part of its annual presentation of “The Nutcracker.”
Emergent Arts and the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company have joined forces to offer the “one-of-akind” learning experience underwritten by a Collaborative Project Support Grant from the Arkansas Arts Council.
Classes will be led by Sarah Riley, who produced the set design for the company’s 2017 production of “Coppelia.”
Riley, who teaches art in the Lake Hamilton School District, is a landscape designer and a visual artist. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and a Master of Arts in Education. She has earned a National Board Teaching Certification and was selected Teacher of the Year for the school district.
Her artwork and designs have been included in various shows and juried venues and she has received awards and scholarships from organizations, which include the American Society of Landscape Architects, Tribal Clothing Co., Garvan Woodland Gardens, and the Hot Springs Sister City Foundation.
“This workshop provides students, ages 10 and up, who are interested in stage design and special effects the opportunity to participate in the creation of the set for this year’s presentation of ‘The Nutcracker,’” a news release said.
“It is the culmination of a two-year renovation of the set and prop designs of the ‘Nutcracker.’ Students will experience the process of planning, building, and painting the stage set and large props. They will then be invited to participle in the installation of their work during the production technical week. The class will conclude with the public performance of ‘The Nutcracker,’ which will allow students to witness first hand the integration of their stage designs with the dance performance.”
Classes for the five-week workshop will begin Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 6-8 p.m. and conclude with this year’s performances of “The Nutcracker.” The Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company performances of “The Nutcracker” will take place Dec. 5, 6 and 7 at LakePointe Church.
For more details regarding the set design course, visit Emergent Arts at http://www. emergentarts.org/product/ stagedesign-fa19/.
The company will also offer a set renovation and design workshop for the production of “Cinderella” will be launched in spring 2020.