Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) is opening the curtain on a unique opportunity for local theatre professionals, performers, volunteers, students, and enthusiasts to explore the theatrical arts while earning college credit at no cost.
CST 130 – Introduction to the Theatre is a free, three-credit course open to the public. The course explores theatre history, dramatic literature, performance, and production while giving students an inside look at the creative collaboration required to bring theatre to life.
The course will be taught by CVCC faculty member and award-winning playwright James “Jim” McManus, author of plays that have been performed and developed by theatre companies across the United States and internationally. McManus received the prestigious Princess Grace Award for his play Cherry Smoke, which is published by Concord Theatricals, as well as the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award.
McManus has taught playwriting at institutions including Princeton University, Carnegie Mellon University, Spelman College, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the University of North Carolina Greensboro. His extensive professional and academic experience will offer students a valuable perspective that reaches beyond the traditional classroom.
CST 130 qualifies as a Fine Arts elective, fulfills general education requirements, and awards college credit transferable to four-year institutions across Virginia. Whether participants want to expand their theatrical knowledge, strengthen their craft, or experience theatre from a new perspective, the course provides an opportunity to learn from an accomplished professional at no cost.
Classes will be held at the Academy Center of the Arts in downtown Lynchburg, connecting classroom learning with one of the region’s leading cultural institutions.
To learn more or register, visit centralvirginia.edu or contact Janet Ashley at ashleyj@centralvirginia.edu.