By BRIANA HARRIS / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Kindergarten to sixth grade students will have an opportunity to learn the basics of theater through South City Theatre’s after school program.

The program is divided into two age groups, one for K-2 grade students, which will meet for one-hour sessions on Tuesdays, and another for 3-6 grade students with 90-minute sessions on Mondays.

Students will learn the basics of storytelling, character development, stage movement and other skills.

South City Theatre Artistic Director Sue Ellen Gerrells said the theater decided to launch an after school program because there aren’t many options for younger children who are interested in theater.

“We really felt there was a need for it in that age range,” she said. “If we can get them interested in theater at an early age then chances are they’ll be interested in the arts when they get older and become adults.”

Gerrells said the theater company, which is located in a strip mall on Pelham Parkway, recently rented an adjacent suite to make room for the program, which will run Sept. 12 through the end of November.

Each class can hold up to 15 students. Parents can enroll K-2 students in the Budding Stars program for $125 until Sept. 1. After Sept. 1 the cost is $150. The students will present a showcase on Nov. 29.

Parents can enroll 3-6 graders in the Blooming Stars program for $150 until Sept. 1. After Sept. 1 the cost is $180. The Blooming Stars showcase will be Nov. 28.

To register, go to www.southcitytheatre.com/blog/new-after-school-program-launches or contact the theater at 205-621-2128.