Students of the Theatre Arts Academy at Cape Henlopen High School will perform in their second quarterly performance Friday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m. at the Ninth Grade Campus on Savannah Road.

This performance features units of study covered within the last quarter: “British Accent/ Scene Work;” “Developing a Musical Theatre Repertoire for the Level Two Students” and two children’s theatre pieces for the level one students – “Rascals Under the Big Top” (a melodrama of various circus characters) and “Red vs. The Wolf” (the wolf’s version of what happened in Little Red Riding Hood). The performance is free to the public and is general admission.

Aside from the quarterly performance just around the corner, the students are also in rehearsal for their spring musical production of “Grease,” scheduled to run Feb. 26 through March 1.

“Everyone had a very clear foundation of what their character should be like,” said David Button, company manager of Clear Space and director of the show.

“The style of the period will be a challenge for the students but everyone is prepared to work hard and they are already creating a fantastic group presence.”

Students are excited about the show as well.

“The show is going to be awesome. We are all really looking forward to it,” said Corey Barto, who performs as Danny Zuko.

The Theatre Arts Academy continues to take the students by surprise as the faculty and curriculum set higher standards than ever before and encourage students to grow in their knowledge of the craft of performing.

“The theatre classes not only teach me more about acting, but they also teach me how to communicate more effectively and how to establish a sense of self confidence,” said Barto.

Eighth-graders and Cape students are currently registering for classes within the Theatre Arts Academy for the school year beginning in September 2009. For more information or to register, contact John Meyers at john.meyers@cape.k12.de.us.

“The students bring such a high level of enthusiasm to the classroom every day. It is a continual challenge - and also extremely gratifying - to teach a group of constantly engaged students who are yearning to learn something new on a daily basis,” said Sarah Rhoads, instructor for the Theatre Arts Academy.

For more information: www.clearspaceproductions.org