The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre welcomes Linda Donnell as acting instructor.  Donnell will teach two classes: Acting for Children (7-9 year olds) and Acting for Middle School Students (10-13 year olds).  The classes will meet every Friday starting February 15 and will run for 6 weeks.  The Children's Class is from 4:30pm-5:30pm and Middle School students meet from 5:45pm-6:45pm.

In Acting for Children, students will be introduced to the actor's process by training their voice and body to respond in imaginary circumstances through varied warm-up exercises and theater games.

In Acting for Middle Schoolers, students will begin developing their own way of working as an actor through vocal and physical exercises and improvisational games.

Conservatory owner and artistic director Barbara Johnson has known Donnell for many years and feels she will be a wonderful asset.  "Her talents in the performing arts will enhance our programs at the Conservatory," Johnson said.  "Children in the area now have an opportunity to learn acting and voice training which will enrich their cultural development."

As an actor and dancer, Linda Donnell brings with her a diverse background.  She received her early dance training at the Ellis DuBoulay School of Ballet in Chicago and also studied ballet and modern dance at Wake Forest University and the North Carolina School of the Arts.

She has trained under some of the finest theatre artists in the US and abroad.  While at the NC School of the arts, she studied acting with Yuri Belov and circus with Dikki Ellis of New York City's Big Apple Circus.  She also trained in acting, voice, Shakespeare, movement and mime under British Professor Emeritus James Dodding.

As an actor, Donnell has performed at the Cherry Orchard Theatre in Ararat VA, the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem NC, Wake Forest University, the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mt. Airy NC and the Renaissance Theatre Company in High Point NC.

Donnell dances and choreographs as a free lance artist and her work has been featured throughout the east coast.  Linda dances with 2B Tribe Dance Theatre in Greensboro NC and with her own company, Mount Airy Dance Theatre.

She is passionate about teaching and has been sharing her love of classical ballet with her students in Mt Airy for over 15 years.

Currently, Donnell lives in Mt. Airy NC with her husband, Mark Donnell, who is a professional clown, actor and stage director.  They have three grown children.

"I have a passion for acting and a love of children," Donnell said.  "I am delighted to have this opportunity to teach at the Conservatory."

The cost for the classes is $60 per child.  To register for these acting classes or for more information, please call the Conservatory of Dance & Theatre at 276-236-2105.  The Conservatory is located at 119 W Grayson Street in Downtown Galax.  Entrance is in the back.