THE AVE. is a new drama written by local playwright, Ed Corrigan. The play is based on Ed's poem, of the same title, which was a finalist entry in the Seattle Times 2011 Poetry Contest. The show premieres at the Maple Valley Creative Arts Center (The Leaf) on August 18, for a two week run. THE AVE. is being directed by Maple Valley native, Melanie Studley. Melanie is a Theater and Expressive Arts graduate of Evergreen State College. She has more than five years of working experience covering all aspects of performance art with The Village Theater in Issaquah.

THE AVE. is a drama played out on Seattle’s own University Avenue. It tells the story of a young homeless woman named Cecilia. Our Cecilia grew up as a child prodigy musician in Ritzville, Washington. She received a full music scholarship at The U and had a very successful freshman year including a spring solo performance with the Seattle Symphony. All was well until second quarter sophomore year when Cecilia rebels against her regimented upbringing, loses her scholarship and winds up living on the streets. The play begins at this point in her life and becomes Cecilia’s own struggle for survival and of a relentless, courageous pursuit of true self. THE AVE. is a place of cultural and inner conflict – a street of dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled – a dangerous place. Ultimately, the drama leads to redemption but not in a way you may expect.

Show dates for THE AVE. are August 18, 19, 20 and 25, and 26 (no Aug 27 performance as previously advertised) - performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at www.maplevalleyarts.com. Prices are $12 for adults and $6 for students/seniors. The show is rated PG 13. Breaking: Casting call for extras (musical and general) and one male role in The AVE.. Auditions will take place on Monday, July 25 at 6PM at the Creative Arts Center (23220 MV Hwy SE, Ste 15, Maple Valley). Contact Ed Corrigan at 206-304-8334 with any questions.

Fundamentals of Drawing from Life

Thursday nights, 6 weeks, Deposits being taken...

The Creative Arts Center is taking $20 deposits to hold space until minimum student count is reached for this class. Fundamentals of Drawing from Life is suited for absolute beginners to intermediate artists, and ideal for teenagers. A step-by-step process of drawing people from life with a focus on portraiture (in graphite or charcoal). Building from basic fundamental principals with the end goal to accurately render whoever is in front of you. Classes will feature a variety of drawing exercises using casts and live models. To learn more about class instructor Michael, to register for class and for updates on FDL class, go to: www.maplevalleyarts.com.