Eight-week curriculum targets 5- to 18-year-olds with mission to “help young people get comfortable with themselves and build confidence” according to owner Che Evans
The Baltimore Acting Program, featuring an eight-week curriculum designed to introduce acting and filmmaking to youngsters between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age, has signed a lease at 301 E. Fort Avenue in Baltimore City for 2500 square feet of space. Actor, producer, and playwright Che Evans founded the concept and expects to initiate operations within the three-story, 12,200 square foot building owned by Michael and Melanie Ponsi this month. Kate Jordan, SIOR, Principal, Lee & Associates | Maryland and Samantha Eckels, Associate represented the landlord in this transaction.
“Acting and filmmaking has significantly impacted my life and I am passionate about providing a program that can empower young people in Baltimore City and beyond and provide a positive outlet through the use of performance arts,” Che explained. “We have many goals led by a mission to help students express their emotions, build confidence, enhance their mental wellness, and instill more comfort with themselves. Communication is everything in life and business and The Baltimore Acting Program will help remove their fear of public speaking, which will be the foundation for young people to achieve great things.”
301 E. Fort Avenue – photo courtesy Michael Ponsi
The Baltimore Acting Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering after-school and weekend classes lasting approximately 75 minutes each, with youngsters separated into 5 to 11 and 12 to 18 age categories. Che, who earned a theatre degree from TVI Acting School in New York City, explained that the curriculum will feature therapeutic acting workshops, mental health integration, creative expression and healing and self-confidence building. A team of four instructors will be involved in the program.
“Too many youths in Baltimore face systemic barriers including poverty, violence and limited access to mental health resources,” Evans said. “While the city is rich in talent, it lacks creative resources tailored to support emotional and mental health needs within underrepresented communities. We fully intend to bridge this gap.”
Evans chose 301 E. Fort Avenue to leverage the existing energy of the South Baltimore neighborhood which features like-mind concepts aimed at improving the lives of the local community. “The building is equipped with a stage which makes it perfect for acting classes and it provides a comfortable environment with generous amounts of space.”
“The arrival of The Baltimore Acting Program is further proof that great people, with creative ideas, are passionate about making a significant difference in South Baltimore,” explained Kate Jordan of Lee & Associates. “The recent opening of Mudhouse Pottery Studio is another such concept channeling the creativity of young people and senior citizens alike, and there are other examples including Fit4MomBaltimore City, SoBoPlayspace and SoBo Ballet that have similar intentions. The Baltimore Acting Program joins daycare center Childtime of Baltimore at 301 E. Fort Avenue. We are thrilled to be able to offer another opportunity to enrich the lives of the children and families in the neighborhood and broader city as a whole.”
For additional information about The Baltimore Acting Program, visit www.baltimoreactingprogram.org
“We have maintained a presence in south Baltimore for more than 20 years and The Baltimore Acting Program brings additional energy and life to the area,” explained Melanie Ponsi. “We have watched amazing things happen when committed people decide they want to make a positive difference, and we are confident that this concept represents the latest example of that effort.”
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