Spark Theater Company is using Troy University’s Dothan Campus facilities to give Dothan youths a chance to rehearse and perform.

The nonprofit organization allows children from age 6 through 18, regardless of experience, to learn from experienced performers and directors, as well as put on plays and musicals throughout the year.

“We are a youth and children’s theater company based in Dothan,” said Jessica Rush, president of Spark Theater Company’s board. “The point of Spark Theater was to have a theater group that is specifically focused on children — for a 6-year-old who wants to be on stage or an 18-year-old who wants to travel the Southeast participating in competitions.”

The classes are aimed at everyone from beginners to stage veterans, and the company puts on more than a dozen performances each year.

Recently, Spark began using Sony Hall at the Dothan Campus to host its summer camp classes, and the location proved to be perfect for Spark’s needs.

“We were really fortunate because one of the professors here, Dr. Bill Lipscomb, is very involved in theater locally,” Rush said. “We spoke with him about the possibility of using Sony Hall for our summer camps, and it ended up being a perfect facility.”

The partnership has proven so fruitful that Spark is now regularly reserving Sony Hall for after-school classes.

“I am grateful that Troy University has chosen to work with my group, which is children,” Rush said. “They’re supportive of the arts and giving (kids) the opportunity to be on a wonderful stage. It tells the community that you can do more here than just take classes.”

Rush said Spark is continually accepting newcomers, and joining is as simple as contacting the company.

Parents or youths interested in joining Spark should visit the company’s website, where they can sign up for classes or contact Rush for more information.