The Appell Center continues its focus on bringing the very best entertainment to diverse audiences of all ages... but wait, there's more!
In addition to planning the shows on our stages, the entire organization is committed to recognizing and celebrating the artistic talent of our community in many ways.
Learning Workshops for All Ages
Acting... dance... singing... storytelling... jazz... improvisation... even circus arts! These are just a few of the focus areas that we have offered students age 3 and up to explore. PLUS, the Tot Rock early learning program for our youngest friends age 0-2 is available in our Studio space every month!
TOT ROCK
Saturdays, biweekly starting October 4 | 10AM • Ages 0-5 and their adults
Cost: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per student)
This early childhood music learning program got its start in West Chester, PA, and taking the show on the road to share a well-rounded musical experience with infants, toddlers, and their families—an experience rooted in melody, rhythm, repetition and collaboration.
Even more important than these musical concepts is the quality time Tot Rock will provide you and your children in a safe, fun, positive space full of music, laughter, and shared experiences. Adult participation, interaction and conversation is encouraged, especially during the time for free play. Participating families are welcome to come to all of our Saturday morning classes, or just drop in once or twice. Classes are approximately 30 minutes, allowing for focused play at the start of your weekend.
ANTONIO'S IMAGINATION HOUR
Saturdays, biweekly starting October 4 | 10:45AM • Ages 4-8
Cost: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per student)
Join Antonio Briley, Jr. (AKA Bananaman) for a fun and interactive 45-minute junior acting class, where young actors dive into the world of imaginative play!
For kids ages 4 – 8, this class focuses on building social skills, confidence, and creativity through fun games and exercises. Students will explore character creation, teamwork, and storytelling in a supportive environment, helping them connect with others and express themselves. Whether they’re a natural performer or a little shy, every child will have the chance to shine and enjoy the magic of acting!
IMPROV COMEDY WITH CHRIS MYERS
Age 8-12 • Age 13-18 • Age 18+
If you’ve ever considered trying your hand at improv comedy, our Improv Comedy sessions are your chance to dive in! Come ready to laugh the day away with local actress and improv comedy wiz Chris Myers while learning classic and new wave improv games that will jostle your brain and tickle your funny bone!
DO NOT FEAR! Massive brain growth and rapid development of a positive outlook, self-confidence and personal resourcefulness are simply useful by-products!
Fall classes are already underway, with more to be scheduled in the winter and spring, so check back often!
Click HERE to register today for one or more of these amazing and unique workshops they will only experience at the Appell Center!
Community Engagement
In July 2022 the Appell Center began a collaboration with Creative Generation, a group committed to pioneering projects in the arts and cultural, education and social change fields to support those organizations driving systemic change in their communities. This work produced an actionable plan elevating knowledge within our community to help inform a set of tools to create a societal hub for arts and cultural education in York County, PA. Listening sessions with key partners and their constituents were conducted, and information gathered from those sessions has helped inform the next steps of our strategic plan in this area.
At the completion of the active phase of this collaboration, the following statement was crafted and made public on our website:
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts seeks to be a cultural hub for the community in York.
We play a vital role in the local ecosystem, collaborating with educational, civic and other cultural organizations, informal networks, and individual artists to create experiences as outlets for healthy, creative expression.
Together, we believe in connecting the arts with education, personal wellbeing and family life.
We seek to build meaningful pathways in arts, cultural and creative learning for the York community through consistent, reliable opportunities which provide
- engagement with a diversity of artistic and cultural forms;
- multi-generational creative participation; and
- transformative experiences for creative youth.
We strive to be a relationship-builder, convener and host.
PARTNER WITH THE APPELL CENTER
There are many ways to join us in partnership, but here are some common starting points:
- Attend a free or low-cost workshop and event. We have workshops and classes where you can pick a price that feels right for you and your family.
- Host an event or program at the Appell Center. Our Community Support Fund helps support local non-profits and mission-aligned projects with reduced rental fees.
- Bring a group to one of our performances. The Community ConnecTix program offers complimentary tickets to local nonprofit groups every season.
- Invite us to support an event or program. Our team can host tables at your events to promote performing arts opportunities in the community.
Click HERE to learn more about our Discovery Sessions and Community Engagement initiatives, and how you might work with us in partnership to bring one of your ideas to the community at large!
