Student Education and Experience
Education is central to our mission. The Kelly Center provides student opportunities to learn skills that will help them with continuing education in college and career. Education programs are offered FREE to students.
Pre-School
Introductory Music Classes for pre-schoolers and young children in Miss Virginia’s Playin Time program.
Performance
Middle, High School and College students develop their live performance skills and get stage opportunities in our Student Stage program.
Stage Crew
Students interested in Audio, Video, Lighting and Event Management get FREE education, training and paid jobs in our Student programs.
Student Tech Program
Students interested in Audio, Video and Lighting technologies learn under the guidance of professionals. Our state of the art technology gives students hands-on training with a digital mixing console, stage lighting and full motion video cameras to record and live stream performances. Students also learn how to set the stage using performer Stage Plots and Input Lists to prepare for pre-show sound checks. After initial instruction in a classroom setting, student trainees are paired with experienced techs at live events. They learn to direct and interact with professional performers and begin earning pay for their work. When they are capable of running a show themselves, their pay increases and they begin helping to train students interested in technologies. After graduation, many students have followed a technologies track in college or as a professional. The Kelly Center is a launching pad for students who wish to pursue careers in TV, Film, Podcasting, Radio, Streaming and other Audio Video Technologies.
Student Stage Program
At school, Middle and High School students interested in the Arts have opportunities to perform in ensemble Theater, Choir, Marching Band and Orchestra. They perform other people’s works as they learn basic disciplines. Students don’t get to perform their own works in these settings. At home, many of these gifted students are composing their own music, words and singing songs that touch them. Students have very few opportunities to express themselves, perform their own works, gain live performance experience and develop their true interests in a professional environment. Young teens are not eligible to perform in local bars. In our all-ages Student Stage program they develop self-confidence and stage presence performing solo, duo or in student bands. Students perform music that they have created or that touches them personally. We encourage students to write from the heart and share their own experiences and feelings. They tell their own stories and share their emotions through music and words. Students reveal their true selves through music and lyrics and find the experience therapeutic. Their poetry has personal meaning to them. As they gain experience students are coached to interact with audience members during and between songs with emphasis on presentation, movement, microphone technique and vocal variation. When students have sufficiently polished their performance skills some are invited to perform opening sets for touring artists in the Kelly Center and at our large outdoor music festivals.
Event Management Program
Students interested in business management can participate as Assistant Managers at Kelly Center Shows and Festivals. Students learn the business aspects of events. Planning, promotion, contracts, sponsorships, logistics, promotion, execution and follow up. Students earn pay as Assistant Managers at Kelly Center ticketed shows. Students assist the House Manager setting up the room for ticketed patrons including VIP Reserved areas as well as General Admission ticket holders. Students check people in who purchased advance tickets. They also execute transactions for patrons who pay at the door using QR codes, scanners, credit cards, electronic payment and cash. Students assist patrons with seating prior to the show. During shows, they assist with ice, water, snack and coffee service. After each show, they work with the House Manager reconciling total ticket sales, expenses and calculate performer payment according to the terms of their contract. After each show, Assistant Managers reset the room in preparation for the next day’s business.
