Drop the kids off for 2 hours of FUN!
Join us for Kids Night Out where we will paint a pottery project and watch a movie. We’ll play fun games after and give you parents a break for the night!
Includes Halloween themed face painting!
Kids ages 6 and over may be dropped off and hosted by one of our amazing Studio assistants! Younger kids are welcome to attend with a parent.
Please give us a call for last minute reservations at 610-791-2228.
Pottery will be available for pick-up between one and two weeks after the event.
BETHLEHEM, PA—The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) Theatre Department is excited to present a series of original plays written by new as well as seasoned professional playwrights as part of its 2024-2025 season.
Playing host to these premieres is an important and distinct honor for a high school theatre program. Artistic Director, Kelly Minner-Bickert shares: “We pride ourselves on offering something that is different from other high school theatre programs in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to the extensive training they receive here our students are given the rare opportunity to work with playwrights, composers and other artists at the forefront of the theatre movement in the creation of new works.”
The season will kick off with the premiere of The Oscars: A Conversation Among Friends by John Thompson, September 6-8. 2024. In this beautifully constructed story, Oscar Wilde, a famously complex man, invites you into an evening of conversation between five different versions of himself- the young poet, the mature storyteller, the jaded playwright, the sorrowful prisoner, and the weary exile. The conversational jousting between the Oscars brings alive the arc of Wilde’s life and follows his search for a way to recover himself as the artist of his own life.
This production is directed by Kelly Minner-Bickert and features an exceptional cast that includes students, alumni and community artists. “All of the artists involved in this project have diligently committed to taking the intimate conversation among the 5 Wildes and turn it into a transcendent spiritual experience of self reflection and hopefully, discovery for the audience as well,” says Minner-Bickert. “As Wilde questions his choices and the world’s view of them, he also challenges the audience (who will be seated around the actors as part of the action) to do likewise. Playwright John Thompson, in his first play, has crafted a piece of such raw emotional text (often using WIlde’s own words) where the famed wit, dandy, playwright peels back the layers of himself to unmask how his desires, his vanity, his genius, his suffering, and his mistakes led him on the ultimate search to embrace all of his identities and rediscover who is Oscar Wilde?”
Evening performances on September 6 & 7 at 7 PM. Matinee performance on September 8 at 2 PM. Tickets are General Admission seating in the Black Box Theatre: $12 Adult, $7 Student/Child. Tickets can be purchased in advance at CharterArts.org.
ABOUT THE CHARTER ARTS THEATRE DEPARTMENT:
The Charter Arts Theatre Department offers a pre-professional training program for high school-aged performers. The goal is to provide students with the skills they will need to move on to competitive college programs as well as professional theatre experiences.
Classes are designed to encourage students to create imaginative and compelling characters, to regard their voices and bodies as creative instruments, to expose them to theatrical literature and to instill in them a sense of respect and professionalism for the art form that will stay with them throughout their lives.
The department will also continue to engage alumni performers, directors and artists this year as part of its Alumni Artist-in-Residence program. Artistic Director, Kelly Minner-Bickert shares: “The creation of this program was to keep our alumni connected to Charter Arts and to reinforce with our current students that they will always have a home here with us. We demonstrate that we value artistry and we want to instill in our young artists that when they reach a certain skill level of mastery in their art they have a right to be celebrated and paid for their contributions as professional artists.”
ABOUT THE LEHIGH VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS (Charter Arts):
Charter Arts is an audition-based public charter school that provides a comprehensive curriculum for high school students, grades 9-12, who have a dedicated passion for the creative and performing arts. Students major in one of seven artistic areas: dance, instrumental music, literary arts, production arts, theatre, visual arts, or vocal music.
Charter Arts’ rigorous curriculum fosters both academic and artistic excellence for its students. The school’s impressive Future Ready PA Index ranking, Advanced Placement (AP) exam statistics, Keystone Exam statistics, SAT scores, prestigious artistic accolades, and graduation rate, are testaments to the outstanding education that Charter Arts provides.
Recently, Charter Arts was ranked #2 Best Public High School Teachers in PA and #1 Best Charter High School in PA on Niche’s 2024 Best Schools in America Rankings. In addition, Charter Arts was one of only seven Lehigh Valley schools to be ranked in the Top 100 Public High Schools in PA on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Schools in America.
To learn more about the school or to sign up for an upcoming admissions event, visit www.CharterArts.org.
Charter Arts is located at 321 East 3rd Street, Bethlehem PA 18015.
Come to a Contra Dance(a folk dance) like the dancing of colonial times. You dance with a partner in two long lines(contra). The moves are similar to square dancing and called aloud by a caller. Enjoy LIVE vigorous music. Lesson on moves at 7pm. Masks optional. No partner needed. Wear soft-soled shoes(sneakers) to protect floor. 2nd & 4th Saturdays. 402 3rd Ave, Bethlehem 18018
Lehigh University Choral Arts presents songs of celebration, contemplation, and daily life, featuring Bach’s Magnificat and Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg. Guest singers from Quakertown Community High School, Erin Camburn, director. Sun Min Lee, guest conductor; Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, associate director.
Lehigh University Choral Arts presents songs of celebration, contemplation, and daily life, featuring Bach’s Magnificat and Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg. Guest singers from Quakertown Community High School, Erin Camburn, director. Sun Min Lee, guest conductor; Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, associate director.
Wiletta Mayer, an African American actress of a certain age, has spent her career playing stereotypes, trapped on a merry-go-round of mammies, maids, and other menials. The curtain rises on the first day of rehearsal for Chaos in Belleville, a Broadway-bound play that tackles the harsh truths of racism in America. But when those truths spill out of the play and into the rehearsal hall, will Wiletta’s insistence on her dignity cost her the work she desperately needs? Kashi Johnson, director.
Join us for four sessions exploring the growth and stories of local plants and people, encouraging hands-on interaction with the garden. Each session will be led by community gardener, musician, and artist Nia Watson, along with guest storytellers.
Register here. Advanced registration is appreciated but not required.
Saturday, September 28, 5:30-7:30 pm
What better way to close one season and welcome the next than with a garden P A R T Y! We invite you to join an evening of sharing stories, artmaking, meeting plants, and dancing into the sunset! Melanie Lino of From Lino will be sharing some eats. Rachel and Franco Abbot will be giving us a taste of their monthly class offering from the Yoga Loft. We will close out the evening with DJ Jamal Knight bringing us some soulful tunes! Can’t wait to celebrate with you! Saturday, October 26, 6 pm
This program was made possible in part by Southside Tomorrow, a 6-year revitalization program of Community Action Development Bethlehem and the City of Bethlehem, with support from Univest Bank & Trust Co., Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley, People’s Security Bank and Trust, PPL Electric Utilities, and Provident Bank.
Nia Watson is a song poet & educator, and has evolved into her art form over the last six years. Taking journal entries and transforming them into song poems inspired by life experiences. Influenced by nature, specifically birds, their flying patterns and songs. She creates other visuals as well when inspired. Nia is also a yoga instructor offering diverse classes to the valley for the past decade. She has taught early childhood since 2009. Currently, Nia is in the midst of learning to be a birth worker to support birthing beings themselves and those who are growing within them from conceiving to postpartum. Her classes and community offerings weave all the parts of herself together. Offering movement with a touch of playfulness and songs to soothe everyone present. Nia has performed here in the Valley, Philadelphia Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro. She hopes to keep learning and growing and sharing the lessons she learns along the way.
Melanie Lino is a dynamic entrepreneur, devoted mother, and community organizer. She’s the visionary behind the well-respected bakeshop, @from.lino, celebrated for its delectable dominican-inspired sourdough pastries. Melanie also co-founded non-profit collective, @afrosinnature, a space created to provide accessible outdoor experiences to folks in marginalized communities. With a strong dedication to her multifaceted roles, Melanie approaches each endeavor with grace and intentional energy, making her an inspiring force to reckon with.
Image of Melanie Lino by Petra Sommers.
The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) Literary Arts Department will present its first monthly “Showcase at the Lodge” event on Friday, October 4th from 6-8 PM at Cafe the Lodge, 427 E. 4th Street in Bethlehem as part of the Southside Arts District’s First Friday celebration. Students will present a variety of original written works. There is also an Open Mic portion of the event.
Literary arts is one of Charter Arts’ seven artistic majors, which also include dance, instrumental music, production arts, theatre, visual arts and vocal music. The school’s unique arts-centered curriculum pairs pre-professional training in the arts with a rigorous core academic program. Students of the literary arts department engage in a comprehensive writing curriculum with courses such as Character Development, Exploration of Modernism & Postmodernism, Children’s Literature, Film Studies, Exploration of the Romantic Style, Media Studies, and more.
Literary Arts Artistic Director, Kristin Liemberger, shares: “Students write and analyze creatively and critically, experimenting with their own creative voices in the construction, production, and performance of original works. This intensive program provides students with a rigorous curriculum rooted in the creative process while reinforcing that reading, writing, film, and the spoken word are integral parts of the history and advancement of society.”
Prospective students and families who are interested in learning more about the literary arts program and the school are invited to attend an upcoming information session or to contact the admissions office at 610-868-2971 Ext. 3137. For more information, visit www.CharterArts.org.
The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) Visual Arts Department will hold a FREE Closing Reception on Friday, October 4th from 6-8 PM for its current exhibition featuring the work of alumni artists, Arta Brito and Nate Devarie.
The reception will be held in the school’s Corpora Gallery as part of the Southside Arts District’s First Friday Celebration. The exhibit will run through October 11, 2024. Private appointments to view the exhibit can also be arranged by calling 610-868-2971.
The Charter Arts Visual Arts program of study provides a well-rounded, structured, and classical fine art education. Approached as an academic as well as artistic discipline, the sequence of courses inspire students to form connections across the curriculum. Students progressively build conceptual understanding as they work to advance skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, digital design concepts, photography, art history, and professional practices. Over the course of study within the visual arts program, students develop a portfolio expressive of their active studio participation, work ethic, personal inquiry, passion for art, and dedication to skill advancement.
ABOUT THE LEHIGH VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS (Charter Arts):
Charter Arts is an audition-based public charter school that provides a comprehensive curriculum for high school students, grades 9-12, who have a dedicated passion for the creative and performing arts. Students major in one of seven artistic areas: dance, instrumental music, literary arts, production arts, theatre, visual arts, or vocal music.
Charter Arts’ rigorous curriculum fosters both academic and artistic excellence for its students. The school’s impressive Future Ready PA Index ranking, Advanced Placement (AP) exam statistics, Keystone Exam statistics, SAT scores, prestigious artistic accolades, and graduation rate, are testaments to the outstanding education that Charter Arts provides.
Recently, Charter Arts was ranked as #1 Best Charter High School in PA & #2 Best Public High School Teachers in PA on Niche’s 2024 Best Schools in America Rankings. Charter Arts was one of only four Lehigh Valley schools to make The Top 100 Public High Schools in PA on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Schools.
Prospective students and families who are interested in learning more about this award-winning school are invited to schedule a tour or contact the admissions office. For more information, visit www.CharterArts.org. The school is located at 321 East 3rd Street, Bethlehem.
🎤🎶 Open Mic Night @BAPL 🎶🎤
Join us for an open mic hosted by Bill Medei! Come enjoy listening to music, comedy, and poetry acts or sign up to perform yourself! 🎸😂📜
Performers, please arrive around 5PM to sign up. Currently, there is a fifteen-minute time limit for musicians and a six-minute time limit for poets and comedians. No registration is required. 🎙️✨
📅 Mondays, 5:00pm -7:30pm
📍 11 West Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Come showcase your talent or enjoy the performances! 🎵
🔗 More Info:https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/events/upcoming?keywords=mic