'Les Mis' with a Christian outlook

MODESTO -- Attention, homeschoolers in the Modesto, Turlock, and Merced areas: Providence Christian Academy in Denair is opening their drama class this year to all homeschoolers in grades 7-12.

This year they are doing a new, non-musical version of "Les Miserables" with a new script created by a Christian theater group from Southern California.

The play presents Victor Hugo's themes of love and forgiveness vs. hatred and revenge in a powerful, but family-friendly way.

The class meets on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon in the Turlock- Denair area. Auditions begin in early October, and the group will spend the year preparing a play to be performed over three weekends in March.

Director Paulette Applegate says, "This is so much more than a drama production. Students will learn what it means to live out their faith and convictions in the theatrical community with confidence, consistency, boldness and poise."

This comprehensive course will cover all the aspects of theater required to bring a quality production to life onstage.

Concepts will include: production management techniques; acting and characterization; improvisation; publicity; theater terminology; movement and vocal production; technical theater and design; theater arts personnel; costuming; artistic discipline; auditions and casting.

According to Applegate, "The end result of the students' efforts will be the production of the timeless classic, 'Les Miserables.' We will be using a script written by a Christian, so the overwhelming message of forgiveness and redemption is beautifully portrayed and we are trusting that God will use it in a life-changing way in the students and the audience."

Cost to participate includes a $30 registration fee per student, which includes insurance, and $30 per month tuition. Monthly fund-raisers are being planned to help students offset the tuition costs.

The play will be presented in March at the Denair Gaslight Theater.

Carpooling is available from some outlying areas.

For more information, call Providence Christian Academy at (209) 485-8637, e-mail providenceChristian@gmail.com.

Or visit http:// providence-christian.com/homeschool-drama.html or check out their Facebook page at PCA homeschool drama.