FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
	WHO: Austin Symphony WHAT: Backstage with the Arts, Fall ’96 WHEN: Session runs Oct.-Dec. WHERE: Each class location varies
	CONTACT: Nan Schwetman, Diana Eblen or Anne Lasseigne (512) 476-6064

AUSTIN SYMPHONY’S "BACKSTAGE WITH THE ARTS" TAKES PARTICIPANTS BEHIND THE SCENES

The Austin Symphony Orchestra invites Austin area 4th, 5th and 6th graders to register now for Backstage with the Arts, a fun-filled and educational program that takes participants behind the scenes to visit with the musicians, dancers, artists, actors and technicians that are key players in Austin arts organizations. Backstage with the Arts, which was chosen by the American Symphony Orchestra League as one of the eight best education programs presented by U.S. orchestras, runs from October through December at various locations throughout the community. The registration deadline for the fall session is October 1.

Backstage participants can look forward to attending an Austin Symphony rehearsal where they will meet Maestro Song Kwak. They will also watch an Austin dance troupe in action, visit an art museum to see how an exhibit is set up and tour backstage after watching a children’s drama production. In addition, they will visit a television studio to see what happens behind the cameras.

Several classes run concurrently, allowing scheduling to be flexible. All classes are held after school or on weekends, with each session lasting approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Parents are responsible for transportation. The cost for Backstage with the Arts is $20 per student, or $30 for two children in the same family. For information, call Diana Eblen, Director of Education at 476-6064.

ASO performances and programs are partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts. All programs, artists and dates are subject to change.