Betsill, a

fourth-generation Fayette County resident, has designed

sets and lighting for numerous productions, such as The

Belle of Amherst, Going to See the Elephant, Scotland

Road, Alice through the Looking Glass, The King Stag,

Beanie and the Bamboozling Book Machine, and many others.

He also teaches stagecraft and lighting to Offshoots

apprentices and has several film and TV credits,

including The War and Andersonville. Betsill is currently

carpenter shop foreman at I.C. Studios.

Also, as

part of its summer "Festival of Theatre for

Children," Offshoot will also offer two acting

workshops.

The first

acting workshop, "Theatre Games," designed for

participants ages 6 to 8, will be held on Saturday, July

8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $14. The second

workshop, "Working with the Script," geared to

ages 9 to 12, will meet on Monday, July 24, from 6 to 9

p.m. The cost is $20. Both acting workshops will be held

at the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willowbend Road.

Offshoot

Productions will also present summer participatory

musicals for children, which run from July 20 to July 30

at the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville, will

feature a combination of professional actors and

apprentices. The cast was announced recently.

"The

Tale of the Frog Prince," directed by Susan M.

Steadman, Ph.D., features Brian Turner as the title

character, with Bettina as Rosalie, the princess who

befriends her, and Brenda Tymecki as the Queen. These

three actors previously appeared together in last

winter's professional show, Scotland Road. The cast also

includes apprentices Becky Wilson (Penelope), Kurt Ross

(Bertram), Jeremy Steadman (King) Steven Wilson portrays

Spree, a magic elf. Mary Alice Olsan is rehearsal

assistant.

"The

Further Adventures of Maide Marian," directed by

Ethan Williams (who is assisted by apprentice Kerrick

Butler II), features Turner as Robin Hood, Bettina as

Maide Marian, and Susan Dolan as Alan O'Dale. Apprentice

actors are Joey Waldrop (Dithero) and J. Anthony

Strickland (Friar Tuck). Paige Steadman and Katy Jenkins

alternate as Mad Molly and stage manager.

Because

these plays are participatory, volunteers from the

audience will join the actors on stage. As demonstrated

in previous Offshoot participatory shows, children

attending take home a truly memorable experience.

LaFayette

Educational Center (formerly Fayette County High School)

is located at 205 LaFayette Avenue. The session will be

held in the band room. Pre-registration is strongly

advised. For registration forms or additional information

on Offshoot's workshops for adults, teens and children or

performances, call (770) 631-2362 or e-mail to [email protected] .