DAPHNE, Ala.—Bay Rivers Art Guild and Martha Lynch, a professional director and producer from the Washington D.C. area, will provide two performing arts classes this summer at the Nicholson Center.

The one-week classes will run from June 15-19 and 22-26; July 6-10, 13-17 and 20-24.

‘Take One!’—for ages 5-7—is set for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will introduce students to acting.

“We’ll do theater games, makeup and things that will get the children interested in telling a story,” Lynch said. “It’s just to get them comfortable and to teach them how to play.”

The beginning course is designed for children with no acting experience. It will focus on building the young actors’ self-confidence and helping them think creatively and abstractly.

‘Lights, Camera, Action!’—for ages 8 and up—is set for 1 to 3 p.m. The class will aid students in exploring theatrical expression using theater warm-up, games and improvisation exercises.

“For the older group, I will teach them a little bit of writing and painting the set,” she said.

Both classes will perform in a small production on the last day of class.

“Doing a play is the only avenue where every age group, every talent level, can participate in the same thing,” Lynch said.

Lynch just completed a production of “Barnum,” based on the famous circus, with a cast ranging in age from 4 to 98 years old.

Lynch, having staged close to 200 productions during her 30-year career, will draw upon her experience as she teaches acting to local students.

“There have been dramas and comedies and things like that,” Lynch said. “But most of my shows are musicals.”

“Martha’s lifetime, professional experience covers the spectrum of performing arts, and to it all, she brings her joy, inspiration and enlightenment,” BRAG office manager Lynn Rios said. “Martha’s a delight not to be missed.”

Lynch, who got her start in community theater, has experience with stage design, props, costumes and choreography.

“The only thing I haven’t done is direct the orchestra,” she said.

Lynch plans to teach her students all aspects of the theater, from behind the curtain to center stage.

“You don’t have to be an actor on the stage to have a good time.”

Registration for one class costs $50 for the week. Additional classes or siblings pay $45 for each week. Lunch is $10 per week for supervision from 12 to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact BRAG headquarters at (251) 621-0659.