The Footlight Players is training up a new generation of actors and theater-goers with the Footlight Dramatic Academy, classes and workshops for ages 5 to 18. The Footlight Dramatic Academy will produce its first play, “Miss Nelson is Missing” on March 21-22.

Adapted by Joan Cushing, the play is based on the book series by Harry Allard and James Marshall. “Miss Nelson is Missing” is the story of students in Room 207 – the wildest, most rambunctious class in the entire elementary school. Poor, sweet Miss Nelson doesn’t know what to do. Then, surprise! Miss Nelson turns up missing and the children must face the detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp. The kids will do anything – including hiring a private eye – to solve the mystery of Miss Nelson's disappearance. Will the students of Room 207 ever get their teacher back?

Performances are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at the historic Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets on sale soon.

The Footlight Players has added a children’s program as a way to nurture young people’s interest in the arts, said Jane Broadwater, executive director. Plus, children learn public speaking and boost their self-confidence, she said.

The theater has partnered with Storytree Theatre to offer classes and workshops that teach children writing, acting techniques and music in a professional theatre experience.

Cast & Crew

Miss Nelson/Viola Swamp: Krissy McKown
Pop Hanson/Mrs. Blandsworth/Alice Catraz/Detective McSmogg: Andrea Rausch
Adam: Topher Larkin
Gregory: Sean Barnett
Allison: Christie Wilken
Cheryl: Megan Pue
Ensemble: Olivia Nagrodsky, Alexis Graham, Harper Cash, Madi Adams

Director: Jo Ellen Aspinwall
Music Director & Choreographer: Jill Williams
Stage Manager: Deb Britt