BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Beckley’s West Virginia Theater has received a major scholarship, allowing 50 local students to attend their next theater academy for free this year.

During the drama academy, students between the ages of 8 and 18 will receive lessons in acting, singing, dancing, and even stage fighting.

Students who attend the Acting Academy will also have the chance to perform in Theater West Virginia’s production of Miss Dirt Turtle’s Garden Club in Tamarack this spring.

“We have a group of people in Raleigh County who want to, as they say, invest in the youth of Raleigh County,” said West Virginia Theater Director Scott Hill. “So they put the money in, and now we’re able to provide scholarships for 50 students for our theater academy. It’s just a good thing for Theater West Virginia and a good thing for Southern Virginia. West Virginia.

Hill said he was thrilled to see people investing in community youth here in southern West Virginia. He also said the drama academy would give students life skills like learning to speak in public and being comfortable improvising.