First Posted: 6/6/2014

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new Children’s Theater and Creative and Performing Arts Academy (CAPAA). The space, formerly known as the Junior Ballroom, will serve as a rehearsal and performance area and will also be used for summer camps, youth master classes, and a variety of other functions.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 19 from 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All are encouraged to attend to see the new developments and learn more about summer and after school programs for children, ages Pre-K through 12th grade.

“It’s a great moment for us,” said Michael Melcher, the Executive Director of the Scranton Cultural Center. “Not only are we excited to add a new creative opportunity to the rich history of the Cultural Center, but we’re also overjoyed that everyone, and I mean everyone, will be able to participate.”

The basement area has been fitted with a brand new handicap-accessible ramp, meaning for the first time, the Cultural Center’s entire basement is open to all. The ramp was partially funded with a contribution from Lackawanna County to ensure that the Creative and Performing Arts Academy is something that can be shared with everyone in the region.

The newly renovated area will be the home for both “The Little Dragon Playhouse” and “Summerstage” camps for students in grades Pre-K – 4, and from 5-12, respectively. Each summer camp will focus on different aspects of theater. Campers will work with professional music directors, stage directors, choreographers, and artists whose passion is working with children through the creative and performing arts. Sessions for camps, which are either one or two weeks long, start June 23.