New Long Grove Performing Arts Academy to Open
The Long Grove Performing Arts Academy will open August 1 in the historic downtown district and will bring another element of the arts to a town well known for live music and fine art. The Performing Arts Academy will offer voice and piano lessons, as well as classes in the performing arts skills. Classes will include acting for youngsters and adults; musical theater – encompassing dancing, singing and acting; and Opera 101, the basics of opera appreciation for newcomers. Special classes are also designed for tots and toddlers to open their young minds to music, dance and instruments, as well as classes for children to enhance their musical interests. Private lessons and individual coachings are also available. Stop by their Open House on Saturday and Sunday, August 14 and 15 from 10 am to 4 pm.
This is a new venture for director Sara Pardo, who has been a performer her whole life. Pardo wants to nurture a greater appreciation for the arts by opening up opportunities for children and adults to learn and perfect their on-stage skills. Pardo has recently been featured in numerous shows in the Chicagoland area. You might have seen her as Catherine in the musical “Pippin,” Jennifer in “Do I Hear a Waltz?”, or as Nelly Nettleton in the American Premiere of the operetta “Arizona Lady” with Chicago Folks Operetta. She has also performed with orchestras and opera companies across the United States and internationally, including her European debut as the Countess in Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” in Rome, Italy. She holds an undergraduate degree in music from the Ohio State University and a masters degree in voice and opera from the University of North Carolina’s prestigious A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute.
The Long Grove Performing Arts Academy is located at 344 Old McHenry Rd. in Long Grove, next door to Red Oaks furniture. For more information about classes and schedules, phone the Long Grove Performing Arts Academy at 847-780-(SING) or visit the website at www.LGArtsAcademy.com.
