New musical theatre classes for fourth to twelfth students will begin in August at Ashland Community and Technical College. Offered through Lifelong Learning, ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ classes will help young performers develop and sharpen their singing, dancing and acting skills.

Joshua Jannotta, a professional actor, will instruct students on vocal and physical warm-up techniques, improvisation, stage movement, blocking notes, basic acting skills, dance, choreography and posture for singing/dancing.

Jannotta graduated from Chesapeake, W. Va. High School in 1996 and West Virginia University in 2006 with a major in music and voice performance. He has been doing professional theatre for the past 13 years.

Now living in Ironton, Janotta directs a children’s drama troupe and gives voice lessons at the First Church of the Nazarene in Ironton. He plans to start a theatre company at the RoNa theatre in Ironton when renovations are complete.

The 14-week classes are designed to help students learn the basics of musical theatre while increasing their self-confidence and building teamwork skills.

Classes for fourth to eighth grade students are Tuesdays, Aug. 17 to Nov. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. Classes for high school students are Thursdays, Aug. 19 to Nov. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Both classes will have a dress rehearsal Tuesday, Nov. 16 and give a final performance for family and friends on Thursday, Nov. 18.

The fee is $189, with a $20 discount for those who register by August 6. To register or for more information, contact Lifelong Learning, 606-326-2072, 800-928-4256 or email as_LLL@kctcs.edu.