Children’s acting classes are offered at UTM starting Feb. 23 in 231 Gooch.

Christian Ashlar, an English major, is in charge of the program. Since last semester he has been offering classes for both children and adults. But because of a low number of interested students, the class for adults is canceled for this semester.

Ashlar enjoys working with children, because they are quick learners and bring more enthusasim to the class.

“This class is meant to help you discover the actor within everyone”, said Ashlar. “You will learn to channel your emotional states, past experiences and present-day knowledge into the creative, sometimes exciting and often therapeutic art of acting.”

By the end of the course students will display their skills by making a creative presentation.

Ashlar has been acting since an early age. He started with church plays at age seven. At age 11 he performed in his first school play, called “Wilbert Takes His Medicine,” which was one of his favorites.

“Acting, like any art, is essential to understanding one’s self and the need to be expressive,” said Ashlar. “This understanding leads to a more enlightened view of the world.”

Throughout his years at UTM, Ashlar has performed in several plays including “House of Blue Leaves,” “Dearly Departed,” “Imaginary Invalid,” “Good Doctor,” and “Twelfth Night.” It was at Martin where Ashlar was able to fully enjoy acting and provide great entertainment to the community. He also directed several student plays including “Peter Pan” and “Wizard of Oz.”

“It’s life experience that I am using,” which he will apply in teaching a new generation of actor

He is planning to go to Atlanta to teach high school level English, with aspirations of becoming a college professor. At the present time he is working on another set of original plays and a screenplay.

Introduction to Acting classes are open for students ages seven and up and will be held on Thursdays starting Feb. 23 through April 6, lasting from 5:00 till 6:30 p.m. The cost for the course is $45. To register, please call ECCE at 731-881-7082.