Gilbert Theater announces the August launch of its new Gilbert Conservatory and Gilbert Glee projects.

Gilbert Conservatory offers classes for ages 15 and up in "Acting for the Stage and Screen," "Shakespeare 101," "Voice and Speech for the Theater," and "Musical Theater."

Each course is designed to give community members the skills and tools needed to make a step up in their work as theater artists. The conservatory's offerings begin with a slate of weekly classes that run for six weeks each, starting in August.

The Conservatory's classes aim to provide adults young and old with the opportunity to hone skills and to help participants find ways to market themselves as actors and artists - whether that be in resume-building activities, headshot development, audition technique, or on-stage confidence.

Classes are taught by Robyne Parrish, artistic director and co-director of education and a longtime theater professional, Jeremy Fiebig, managing director and co-director of education and an assistant professor at Fayetteville State University, and Dr. Gail Morfesis, a musical theater professional.

Entry into courses is open to all adults. Tuition is $100 per course. Students may also drop in on a single class for $25.

Gilbert Theater is also launching "Gilbert Glee," a yearlong monthly workshop for younger students ages 8-15.

"Glee" will meet the last Saturday of each month September through May, with a culminating performance of "Alice in Wonderland" in June.

Admission into Gilbert Glee is by audition only. Auditions take place by appointment on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 6 and 7. The program costs $150 per student.

The mission of the Gilbert Theater is to produce creative, innovative plays and events to stir audiences and students of its conservatory to explore and contemplate the human condition through the talents of local artists.

The Gilbert Theater is a semi-professional, community-oriented theater company and conservatory serving Fayetteville.

For information, call (910) 678-7186.