Wolf Performing Arts Center Turns Five

A note from retired Bala Cynwyd Middle School theater teacher Bobbi Wolf graces the front page of the Wolf Performing Arts Center Web site.

"I have been dreaming of opening a performing arts program for many years, and now this dream is coming true," Wolf writes. "I promise that I will continue to do what I have always done during my years in educational theatre - I will encourage students to reach their potential."

On Monday, Wolf PAC will celebrate its fifth year of dream making with an "Ultimate Birthday Party" celebration of the center's anniversary. Yes, there will be cake.

The party will also act as an open house for residents interested in the PAC. Opened in 2005, Wolf PAC offers musical theater and acting classes and workshops year-round, and hosts its own productions twice a year.

"Wolf PAC was founded by Bobbi Wolf, who is retired from teaching middle school in Lower Merion," said Jenny Jacobs, the center's program director. "She wanted to start a community arts center,because she saw the impact it had on kids' lives."

Wolf, who was taking a rare vacation this week, is still very active in the day-to-day running of the center, according to Jacobs. "She's an amazing lady and works harder than anyone I know."

The center has grown since its inception, working with over 500 kids in the past two years according to Jacobs. This year, the numbers might jump upward again. "There are a lot of kids who continue to come back year after year. And this year, we have a higher pre-session enrollment than we normally do," she said. "We usually have about 15 kids. This year we already have 50."

The "Ultimate Birthday Party" open house will be held at the center (currently meeting in the Church of Holy Apostles at 1020 Remington Road in Wynnewood), and will give interested community members the opportunity to meet the center's teachers and directors, take free preview classes and enjoy live entertainment. The event will be held from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 13.

Also on Monday, Wolf PAC will hold it's final round of auditions for its December production of "Alice in Wonderland." As of Sept. 8, Jacobs said the center had just one open audition spot (open to grades 4-12) for the production.

The performances are scheduled for Dec. 10-12 at McShain Theater at Rosemont College.

More information on the performance, as well as the soon-to-be five years of history of the center can be found at www.wolfperformingartscenter.org.