Enrollment is now being accepted for the fall semester of the Henry Mancini Arts Academy, a community arts instruction program of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.

Classes for children as young as age 3 (creative movement) are offered two 15-week sessions for the 2010-2011 season, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are conducted in the evenings and on Saturdays.

“The Henry Mancini Arts Academy makes high quality training in the arts available, accessible, and affordable in a safe, supportive, and professional atmosphere for students at every level of interest, experience, and ability,” said Krista Shovlin, director. “Our aim is to provide an environment in which students blossom personally as well as artistically.”

More than 300 youth and adult members take advantage of the high level instruction provided in a wide range of groups by age and achievement level in dance, voice, acting, musical theater, and group piano, with private lessons available.

Students enrolling in dance programs develop technical proficiency and expression of style. Classes are offered in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, tap and hip hop. Classes range from ages 3 to adult, beginner through advanced levels. All dance students are required to take ballet.

In voice classes, students learn warm-up exercises, breath control, critique and performance techniques to improve agility, range and expression.

The acting curriculum exposes students to various styles and methods, including instruction in emotional expression, improvisation and characterization. Through the use of theater games and improvisation, students learn the fundamental tools needed to spark their creative imagination.

The musical theater curriculum is a collaborative art form giving students the opportunity to apply and combine skills acquired in acting, voice and dance classes.

Private instruction may be scheduled in violin, cello, clarinet, guitar, piano and percussion. For more information people may email classes@manciniacademy.com or call 724.643.9004, extension 1311.

The Mancini Academy was inspired by the career of musical composer and area native Henry Mancini, and has become one of the premier programs in the region. Participation is open to everyone.

Faculty members are experienced instructors and include graduates of Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, Temple University and Geneva College. Many have worked professionally in ballet companies, theater, film and television.

The Henry Mancini Arts Academy makes use of the state-of-the-art facility and professional faculty at the $30 million Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center during evenings, Saturdays and the summer, providing community arts instruction as part of its mission.

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School is a Pennsylvania public charter school based in the center. It provides professional training in music, theater, dance, voice, creative writing, media arts and health sciences along with a standards-based academic program for grades 8-12.