Residents can join theater, art and music classes held by the Palmyra Community Center Program Board
Residents can learn to play an instrument, develop their art skills or practice their acting chops this summer at the Palmyra Community Center.
The Palmyra Community Center Program Board is hosting a number of events and classes between now and August, and it’s not too late to sign up.
Even though most of the classes have already started, program coordinator Lee Stoner said residents are still welcome to join and register for any of the programs.
Locals from either Palmyra or Riverton lead all of the classes, according to Stoner.
“It’s great that all of our instructors are community members,” Stoner added.
Stoner said the program board’s purpose is to offer programs and classes residents might not otherwise be able to access.
“Art classes and music and acting (classes) can be very costly,” she said.
All of the programs carry a fee of between $35 and $40 for Palmyra residents, which Stoner said is reasonable and allows the nonprofit program board to continue to operate.
On Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Donovan Moore, of Riverton, holds an acoustic guitar class for prospective musicians between the ages of 8 and 18. Participants must bring their own acoustic guitars.
At the same time as the guitar class, instructor Jessica Goldschmidt leads group piano lessons for beginners. People of all ages can sign up for the classes, and keyboard and lesson books will be provided.
The Palmyra Community Center Program Board is also sponsoring a pair of theater programs for local students.
Teenagers can register for an improvisation class that will take place on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting July 3. Sue Taney will serve as the program’s instructor.
“She’s actually a professional improv actor, so she brings a really wonderful experience to the kids,” Stoner said.
Participants will learn the basics of improv through games and exercises. The goal is for the young actors to gain communication skills and stage presence.
“It really helps build self-confidence for teens,” Stoner said about the program.
Younger thespians can take advantage of the Summer Spotlighters program, which is open to children between the ages of 6 and 14. The classes are on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will focus on helping the kids develop stage skills.
On Thursdays, the community center hosts an arts and crafts lab also designed for kids ages 6 to 14. The class runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and coincides with the Palmyra Farmer’s Market, which is held down the street at the Band Shell.
Parents can drop their children off at the community center and enjoy the food vendors and live music at the farmer’s market, Stoner said.
“It kind of gives a family the opportunity to enjoy the farmer’s market,” Stoner said.
The program board’s first “Feel Good First Friday” is coming up July 6 and will feature a Dungeons and Dragons session with Dungeon Master Rob Haines.
Players of all ages and abilities are invited, and beginners will be taught the basic rules of the game. The event will run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the community center.
For more information or to register for any of the programs, visit www.palmyracommunitycenter.com.
