Upcoming events at the Forbes Center at JMU

New Dance Festival – Friday-Saturday, September 9-10 @ 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The Forbes Center’s first performance of the year features Dance Alloy Theater, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top performance ensembles, plus new works from award-winning JMU faculty.

Forbes Center 1st Anniversary Open House – Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Open house highlights include tours of the five, magnificent performance venues every 15 minutes, as well as an array of mini performances and educational opportunities for the community.

Guests can attend a mini dance performance by JMU’s own Virginia Repertory Dance Company and participate in a discussion on their work; see a musical revue and learn about the magic of musical theatre; enjoy Kennedy Center selections by two JMU jazz faculty and learn about the art of the jazz duo; learn about costumes through the ages; and much, much more!  Free and open to the public.

Skateable Sculpture Event – Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 1805b Sunny Slope Lane, Harrisonburg

Come see the work of JMU industrial design student, Edward Baruch, and JMU School of Art, Design and Art History graduate, Chris Whitmore.  Their sculptures are twofold: to serve as a place to appreciate public art and to give skateboarders a place to enjoy their sport.  The project was managed by renowned artist, environmental designer and scholar-in-residence at JMU, Michael Singer.  Event includes band and food.  Free and open to the public.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College Master Class – Monday, September 12 @ 5 p.m., Forbes Center Grand Lobby

This physical comedy and skills workshop will cover facial expressions and exaggerated body movements to tell stories to large audiences including tripping, double take, roadrunner hop and basic slaps, as well as a quick partner clown routine called stay.  Students (30 JMU students) will learn some basic balancing skills with peacock feathers and juggling with juggling scarves.  The class will culminate with a demonstration of a juggling routine that shows how juggling is used as a tool for clowning.