Central Texas Theatre Academy
Where “make believe” is encouraged BY ERNIE ALTGELT
H
ave you ever watched your kids play “make believe?” Remarkable, isn’t it? Their fertile imaginations allowing them to effortlessly pretend as they create and act-out amazing scenarios that can blend (and bend) reality by infusing other-worldly elements forming fantastic and fabulous storylines. The young are simply “naturals” where role-playing is concerned and the consensus seems to indicate this is an emotionally healthy thing to encourage. But, how can a caring parent do that? Well, for many in and around Wimberley, the solution can be summed up in a few words – the Central Texas Theater Academy. Founded solely to inspire, coax, nurture and perfect young people’s innate acting abilities in a well-run, structured atmosphere is what the CTTA is all about and it’s not just “playing” around. Since 2020, this dedicated, community-supported organization has welcomed hundreds of emoting and inventive “tots to teens” with the aim of professionally and appropriately enhancing their powers of transformative creativity – on stage and off. And aside from the laudable result of bestowing poise, confidence and communicative skills to those within its youthful and eager student body, the general populace benefits as well from an annual series of regularly staged (and raved) public productions delighting not only the kiddos but, their family, friends and all other patrons of the arts seeking an entertaining show where it’s the young who take center stage. Bravo, CTTA!The Central Texas Theatre Academy grew into being when another local artistic organization ceased its child-oriented theater programming department. That department had been ably headed by the very accomplished (and nationally recognized) Bridget Farias Gates, a local lady with a BFA degree in directing from Texas State University as well as a working actress, writer and producer. Bridget was determined to “find a way” to See CTTA, page 11
10 Welcome to Wimberley Spring/Summer 2022
