Offshoot Productions is holding a set painting workshop on Thursday, June 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville.

Open to children ages 8 to 14, “Painting for the Stage” will be taught by Offshoot technical director A. Bryant Betsill, Jr. The cost is $15, and includes materials.

Betsill, a fourth-generation Fayette County resident, has designed sets and lighting for numerous productions, such as The Belle of Amherst, Going to See the Elephant, Scotland Road, Alice through the Looking Glass, The King Stag, Beanie and the Bamboozling Book Machine, and many others. He also teaches stagecraft and lighting to Offshoots apprentices and has several film and TV credits, including The War and Andersonville. Betsill is currently carpenter shop foreman at I.C. Studios.

Also, as part of its summer “Festival of Theatre for Children,” Offshoot will also offer two acting workshops.

The first acting workshop, “Theatre Games,” designed for participants ages 6 to 8, will be held on Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $14. The second workshop, “Working with the Script,” geared to ages 9 to 12, will meet on Monday, July 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $20. Both acting workshops will be held at the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willowbend Road.

Offshoot Productions will also present summer participatory musicals for children, which run from July 20 to July 30 at the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville, will feature a combination of professional actors and apprentices. The cast was announced recently.

“The Tale of the Frog Prince,” directed by Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., features Brian Turner as the title character, with Bettina as Rosalie, the princess who befriends her, and Brenda Tymecki as the Queen. These three actors previously appeared together in last winter's professional show, Scotland Road. The cast also includes apprentices Becky Wilson (Penelope), Kurt Ross (Bertram), Jeremy Steadman (King) Steven Wilson portrays Spree, a magic elf. Mary Alice Olsan is rehearsal assistant.

“The Further Adventures of Maide Marian,” directed by Ethan Williams (who is assisted by apprentice Kerrick Butler II), features Turner as Robin Hood, Bettina as Maide Marian, and Susan Dolan as Alan O'Dale. Apprentice actors are Joey Waldrop (Dithero) and J. Anthony Strickland (Friar Tuck). Paige Steadman and Katy Jenkins alternate as Mad Molly and stage manager.

Because these plays are participatory, volunteers from the audience will join the actors on stage. As demonstrated in previous Offshoot participatory shows, children attending take home a truly memorable experience.

LaFayette Educational Center (formerly Fayette County High School) is located at 205 LaFayette Avenue. The session will be held in the band room. Pre-registration is strongly advised. For registration forms or additional information on Offshoot's workshops for adults, teens and children or performances, call (770) 631-2362 or e-mail to offshootpr@aol.com.

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