By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Gardendale Presbyterian School of Fine Arts will soon perform its first-ever play for a public audience.

Headed up by Judy Watson, young actors will perform Grease on July 17, 18 and 19.

“We’ve offered acting classes in the past, but we have never done a play for the public before,” said Watson. “This year we’re doing that.”

Watson, an English instructor at Jefferson State Community College, teaches classes at the School of Fine Arts.

She formerly taught English, drama and other arts-related subjects at Fultondale High School.

Watson was also with the Gardendale Arts Council for 10 years, producing all of the council’s plays.

“I really enjoyed my time with them [the council], but now I’ve moved on to something that won’t require so much of my time.”

Now Watson volunteers her time as an instructor at the School of Fine Arts.

“It’s a very, very good school,” she said. “Kids come from all of northern Jefferson County to attend there.

“I work as a volunteer to try to make sure the kids out here have a multitude of things to do. They can do sports if they want to, but they also have this outlet,” she said. “We want to promote the fine arts in Gardendale.”

Watson said that most of the people in the production are local.

“We have a lot of talent in this area,” she said.

The play has been cast, and practice begins in mid-May.

“Most people will like Grease because it appeals to all ages,” she said. “Baby boomers, young teens and young adults all love Grease.”

She said the play will be suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

“I do everything I do in a family-oriented way,” she said.

The play will be performed at Gardendale Presbyterian Church.

Tickets go on sale at the first of July.

They can be purchased at the School of Fine Arts at Gardendale Presbyterian Church on Tarrant Road, Monday through Friday, 6-8 p.m.

For more information, call 631-7044.