Fayetteville City Schools’ newly-formed Drama Department has announced a lineup of popular productions planned for the upcoming school year: “Snow White a Class Play Adaptation” in September, “Charlotte’s Web” in November and “Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.” in February/March.

Thanks to a new initiative within the school system, drama classes are being offered throughout all grade levels, at all three schools – Ralph Askins, Fayetteville Middle and Fayetteville High – to engage students in the performing arts and theater. Tim Hobbs, a long-time educator in Fayetteville City Schools, is the system’s drama director.

“The data shows that arts enhance academic performance,” said Bill W. Hopkins, Jr., director of schools. “Fayetteville City Schools wants to make sure that we develop the whole child.  This is a great addition to our already robust educational experience. We couldn’t think of a better fit than Mr. Tim Hobbs to start this program.”    

In September, two groups of students from Fayetteville City High School’s Drama Troupe will be performing “Snow White a Class Play Adaptation” for the students at Ralph Askins. The students will be able to interact with the characters after the production.

Auditions will be held in October for fourth and fifth graders for “Charlotte’s Web”. The play is based on the book by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette. The production will be in November.

This year, Fayetteville High School and Fayetteville Middle School will be working together on the production of “Disney’s Lion King, Jr.” Auditions will be held during the month of October, and the production will be at the end of February and the beginning of March. The production will be directed by Hobbs, assisted by Nicki Painter.

“There will also be other opportunities throughout the year to engage students in the arts,” said Hobbs.

For more information about the drama program in Fayetteville City Schools, email Mr. Hobbs at hobbst@fcsboe.org.