AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Amarillo Little Theatre was nothing short of interested people Monday morning awaiting registration for academy classes.
Parents and students lined up hours in advance to ensure they could register for classes with the teachers they want.
"Our program is great," said ALT Academy Director Jason Crespin. "It's really a family-oriented atmosphere. We have qualified instructors that teach each one of our classes that are in small doses, so that way it's not an overwhelming class for each one of our instructors."
The academy offers classes for children as young as three and for adults of all ages. Playwrighting, Broadway workout, theatre, dance and vocal are the categories to choose from.
ALT parent and board member Erin Martindale has two daughters who have been involved with ALT since they were little, and she and other ALT parents said the experiences gained help the children with more than just their onstage performances.
"I think the Amarillo Little Theatre is just a wonderful place for parents to feel comfortable to take their children," she said. "It's a loving, nurturing environment and they will learn so much. The benefits are just, you know, sky-high."
Students enrolled in the academy get into any mainstage show for free with a paid adult. Parents holding season tickets receive 10 percent off class enrollment and get their tickets for shows a week earlier.
Crespin also pointed out any student of the academy is eligible to audition for any of the three shows performed this season.
Registration lasts until week of Sept. 6. More than 600 families registered last year and the academy is hoping to get even more for the 2011-2012 season.
