Stacy Jones mentioned a few of her earliest recollections had been of theater. Her mother was a choreographer for a group theater, and Stacy tagged alongside for rehearsals.
“At like 5 or 6 years old, I was in my first show with her and my grandmother, who was also doing community theater too,” Jones mentioned. “I guess it’s always been a part of who I am.”
After having kids, Jones mentioned she continued being part of the theater by them by serving to out with their college performs. She additionally started instructing theater with one other native firm when she moved to The Woodlands.
“I just eventually was like, ‘You know, it’s time for me to finally do it on my own,’” Jones mentioned. “And it’d always been a dream to teach kids theater.”
Jones mentioned she began the method of opening Black Cat Theater and Academy in summer time 2021, discovering warehouse area to deal with the business after which spending time getting ready it for its theatrical goal.
“We had to enlist the help of our neighbors who were so gracious to come and help us build the platforms for the audience, the tech booth,” Jones mentioned. “I’d get advice from The Woodlands High School theater teachers and they’d help me try and find the right thing that would work in my space. So it really was a labor of love and a community project.”
Holding a gentle opening in February 2022 earlier than getting underway with summer time camps in July, Black Cat Theater and Academy teaches kids in first by twelfth grades in addition to adults. The academy has fall and spring semesters with round 10 courses going down every semester. During the summer time, children also can take part within the theater’s camps.
“I really try to think hard [about] what would the kids find interesting,” Jones mentioned. “I also think about—again, I’m trying to train them to be great singers, dancers, actors. And what classes can do that?”
Jones additionally mentioned Black Cat Theater and Academy hosts month-to-month improv exhibits and does two musicals and one play a 12 months.
“I’m always looking to add new things, try new things and vary it up depending on what the community is looking for,” Jones mentioned.
With a 12 months in business beneath her belt, Jones mentioned she already has plans for growth in thoughts, hoping by the spring so as to add one other classroom and a devoted costume, prop and set store.
“When the kids come off the stage from the first time performing and they’re like, ‘That was so amazing; I can’t wait to do that again,’ then I know I’m doing the right thing,” Jones mentioned.
Black Cat Theater and Academy
331 Corporate Woods Drive, Ste. A4, Magnolia
281-747-9100
www.blackcattheateracademy.com
Hours: excursions by appointment
