Sports, dance, gymnastics, martial arts and music are the typical extracurricular activities available to school-aged children. Now add theater to the list of non-school activities offered to area kids.

Marny Mortimore is assembling a new company in western Stanly County aimed at children ages 5-17. Beyond The Stage is a children’s theater company with classes set to begin in the fall. Classes will be at Family Sports & Fitness in Stanfield.

Mortimore is drawing from her direct experience in theater and teaching background for this venture.

“I grew up doing theater ever since I was about 5 years old,” Mortimore said. “I participated in both community and school shows. I also took classes in acting, directing and show production. I have a major passion for theater, and want to share that with others.”

Mortimore has experience with teaching musical theater at a local dance studio. Her background also includes teaching special education for 11 years, she added.

“I have always had a love of theater, and I enjoy sharing that with others, especially children,” Mortimore said. “I became a stay-at-home mom after my first child was born, and I miss working with children in a classroom setting, but I didn’t want to go back to teaching in a school setting.”

In preparation of the fall classes, Mortimore plans to sponsor open houses in July and August so those interested can visit and glean additional information about the upcoming classes.

Beyond The Stage aims to foster self-development among children.

“The objective behind the company is to provide a safe space where children can express themselves, and learn and grow as both people and performers,” said Mortimore, adding the company is nonjudgmental.

Each class will accommodate about 30 students.

“Each class will have a showcase where they will perform various pieces based on what the class is about,” Mortimore said. “The showcase will take place at the end of the season, in June of 2019.  There is also a performance troupe that will be working on a musical that will be performed at the end of the season. There is a consideration of doing a smaller show sometime during the year as well, depending on how many children are enrolled.”

Plans also call for the troupe to perform before various audiences such as nursing homes, hospitals, etc., she added.

Each class will meet weekly.

For more information about the company and classes, visit www.beyondthestage.us.

Contact Ritchie Starnes at 704-754-5076 or ritchie.starnes@stanlynewspress.com.