(Dayton, OH) – August 25 – The Human Race Theatre Company announces its expanded theatre education program. The 2005–2006 offerings include numerous classes for young children, teenagers and adults who are interested in theatre. “Knowing that the performing arts can be a life-long passion,” says Executive Director Kevin Moore, “we have developed a curriculum that is designed to nurture that enthusiasm from early childhood on into retirement.” Previously, The Human Race’s theatre classes focused primarily on teaching acting to children ages 6 – 18. However, the growing interest from the Dayton area adult population encouraged Moore and Education Director Marilyn Klaben to create courses designed specifically for mature theatre lovers and people seeking to further develop their acting techniques. “With the additional space provided by the new Philips Creativity Center,” adds Moore, “we now have the ability to offer a much wider range of classes, with something that appeals to everyone.” All classes are taught by theatre professionals. The first classes begin the week of September 12.

The new Saturday morning FAMILY CLASS courses prove that it is never too early to introduce children to the world of theatre. Created for 4 – 5 year olds and their parents, FAMILY CLASS allows parent and child the opportunity to explore their creative thinking, problem solving and positive social skills together in an interactive environment.

The Human Race continues its highly successful Saturday ADVENTURES IN THEATRE series of beginning acting classes for both 6 – 8 year olds and nine to twelve year olds. Instructor Jené Shaw teaches children the fundamentals of performing with playful, entertaining group activities.

Saturday afternoon’s FRONT AND CENTER STAGE classes are designed for would be actors 16 years old – adult. Taught by Katie Pees, Dr. Mary Donahoe and Cincinnati’s Carrie Ellen-Zappa, students gain experience in improvisation, mask making, crafting of character and the process of performance.

The Human Race’s teen acting CONSERVATORY program returns on Monday afternoons. Under the guidance of Conservatory Director Katie Pees, dedicated teen performers meet once a week during the school year to hone their acting skills. The program culminates in an original production in May 2006. Admission to the CONSERVATORY program is granted by auditioning on September 7.

Children and teens will have even greater opportunities to improve their acting talents with the new AFTER SCHOOL ACTING classes. Instructor Aaron Vega teaches 13 – 15 year olds on Tuesday afternoons while Katie Pees trains 9 – 12 year olds on the finer points of acting on Wednesday afternoons.

With an eye on improving the practical skills necessary to the professional actor, The Human Race has created the PROFESSIONAL TRAINING courses. Geared specifically towards people 16 years old – adult who have chosen to make performing a continual part of their lives, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING guides actors through the challenges of understanding and speaking Shakespeare, reading music and auditioning techniques.

For adults seeking educational opportunities all to themselves, the new Wednesday evening ADULT CLASSES give the mature theatre lover a chance to explore their creative side among peers. Offering courses in reader’s theatre, vocal training, playwriting, acting for the camera and even auctioneering, ADULT CLASSES are an overdue addition to adult education in the Miami Valley.

The Human Race’s theatre education classes are held in five separate series:
Series 1 begins the week of September 12.
Series 2 begins the week of October 17.
Series 3 begins the week of January 9.
Series 4 begins the week of February 27.
Series 5 begins the week of April 17.

Scholarships for children in need of financial assistance are made possible by the generous support of the Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation.

For more information on The Human Race’s education programs, its theatre classes and scholarships, contact Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461-3823 ext. 3132. Class descriptions, dates and fees, as well as a downloadable brochure and registration form are available online at www.humanracetheatre.org.

The Human Race Theatre Company receives organizational support from Culture Works, Montgomery County and The Shubert Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Human Race Theatre Company with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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Founded in 1986, The Human Race Theatre Company moved to the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at The Loft, a 219-seat theatre. In addition to the Humana Loft Series 1, produced in collaboration with the Victoria Theatre Association, The Human Race produces the Humana Loft Series 2, the Musical Theatre Workshop series and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Artistic Director Marsha Hanna and Executive Director Kevin Moore, also maintains educational outreach programs for children six to eighteen, guest artist and artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, Youth Summer Stock and The Human Race Conservatory.