from staff
The Jacksonville Centre of the Arts and The A.C.T.I.N.G. Coach, among other organizations, have created The Performers Academy performance center to offer acting, dance, voice, singing and fitness training.
The academy will occupy a 7,000-square-foot center at 3674 Beach Blvd., featuring three dance studios, four classrooms, a voice-over and audio recording booths, and office or classroom space for new artists or coaches
The academy will hold a grand opening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 12. For information, visit www.theperformersacademy.com.
Executive Director Kathryn Umberger designed the academy to bring artistic disciplines together under one roof.
“I found a way to merge my love of entrepreneurship with my love of the arts,” she said.
Kezia Rolle, executive director of the nonprofit Jacksonville Centre of the Arts, said the academy is needed and is working with local magnet schools “to produce the best, well-rounded talent that Jacksonville has to offer.”
She will move her organization into the academy.
“This will definitely place Jacksonville on the map for quality training that is result driven,” said Rolle.
Cindy Hogan, an actress and The A.C.T.I.N.G. Coach, is a founding member of the acadeny.
”I feel like I have found the perfect home for my students,” said Hogan. “There is nothing like this in Northeast Florida where performing artists can share in a creative synergy that is innovative and motivating. We have taken an eclectic group of individuals and formed a mecca of creativity.”
More than 20 instructors will teach dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop; acting, including film, television and commercials; fitness, including Titus Performance Fitness, belly dancing, Pilates and yoga; and music, including voice, piano and violin.
Among the instructors are Alba Abrahamson of the Suzuki Piano School of Mandarin and Craig Acker with Titus Performance Fitness.
Studio space is available for community use and nontraditional performers are encouraged to join established artists.
For more information, visit www.theperformersacademy.com