Actors to also hold workshops for ages 8-18

RhinoLeap Productions, a first-of-its-kind Asheboro, N.C.-based theater company, brings together professional actors, directors and designers from all over the United States to work with students and present professional productions in smaller towns specifically in North Carolina.

That mission was born out of two pressing challenges facing arts in North Carolina today: the rarity of direct contact between students and professional artists in North Carolina high schools and the desire for professional productions to be presented in towns across the state beyond North Carolina’s major cities.

With these two actualities in tow, this summer RhinoLeap is teaming up with Tryon Fine Arts Center to present “The Three Musketeers,” June 17 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and June 18 at 3 p.m. RhinoLeap will also offer a week-long session of arts classes with students ages 8 to 18 at Tryon Little Theatre. Tickets for the shows will be available through Tryon Fine Arts Canter box office.

RhinoLeap Productions is based in Asheboro, N.C., but the vision for the company is much broader. Tom Osteen, a retired physician, is the executive director of the company, and he believes the centrality of Asheboro in the state, its proximity to major universities, and easy accessibility to major metropolitan areas make Asheboro an ideal location for a professional touring company.

“By presenting work and teaching in multiple towns, particularly those not served by existing theater companies, the impact of high quality theater and arts education can be spread throughout the region,” Osteen shared. “I’m excited to bring the work to North Carolina.”

The production will be directed by RhinoLeap Artistic Director Jeremy Skidmore, who, after 15 years of living in Washington, D.C. and directing worldwide, has recently moved back to North Carolina.

“It was never a question of if I would come back to North Carolina, but only ever a question of when.” Skidmore says. “This is my home. Now I hope I can contribute to the fabric of the arts in the state in any way I can.”

Skidmore has assembled a distinguished cast and crew from New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Toronto, and North Carolina to create their production of “The Three Musketeers.” The artists’ experiences range from Broadway’s War Horse to Cirque du Soleil to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.

While performing “The Three Musketeers,” the professional actors will be offering an innovative summer workshop giving students the unique opportunity to work directly with these established artists. All students will be exposed to a wide range of skills, including music, movement, acting, writing, and puppetry. Rehearsal sessions will focus on creating a 20-minute original play to be shared with parents, friends and the community at the end of the week.

RhinoLeap is currently accepting students for the workshop, which will be held June 12-16 from 10-11 a.m. for ages 8-11 and 12-2 p.m. for ages 12-18. Classes will be held at Sunnydale, 328 S. Trade St. in Tryon. Class size is limited, so sign up now.

For additional information, or for anyone interested in sponsoring scholarships for students, contact Kim Karaman at 828-817-2965 or by email to kimkaraman@gmail.com.

– article submitted by Kim Karaman