Shannon and Chris Mayer, artistic directors of Off Broadway Dance Center of Alpharetta, have announced the grand opening of their new Alpharetta dance studio and theater on July 12, 2009. In celebration of their 10th year providing dance and theater instruction in North Fulton, the studio will relocate to a new, custom built studio and black box theater at 12315 Crabapple Road, in Alpharetta, in The Silos at North Farm Shopping Center, adjacent to Crabapple’s historic silos.

The entire community is invited to a free grand opening celebration and open house to be held at the new studio on Sunday, July 12 from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Guests may tour the studio, see dance, vocal and theater performances by Off Broadway students, meet the teachers and owners, and enjoy carnival games and refreshments. All attendees may enter to win 2 tickets to “Legally Blonde – The Musical” at the Fox Theater. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the grand opening festivities.

Shannon and Chris Mayer opened Off Broadway Dance Center in June 2000 just months after their 1999 wedding. During the last 10 years, the studio has grown from a modest dance studio to an award-winning dance and musical theater destination serving the greater North Fulton community. In addition to offering traditional dance classes for toddlers through adults in ballet, lyrical, modern, tap, hip hop and broadway jazz, the studio also houses two competitive performing dance companies, a kids’ touring musical theater troupe and a children’s theater production company.

With a special emphasis on Musical Theater, Off Broadway encourages its students to explore singing, dancing and acting in order to explore all facets of the performing arts. “Everyone is a shining star at Off Broadway,” said co-founder Shannon Mayer. “In our warm environment, students learn how to express themselves while developing life skills where no judgments are placed on them.”

Off Broadway Dance Center is home of the Off Broadway Children’s Theater, a theatrical company that produces family classics throughout the year. These productions are presented by children for children. The troupe is open to all students who range in age from 6 – 18. “We pride ourselves on being a place where every child gets an equal chance,” explained Chris Mayer, artistic director. “No parts are given based on seniority or how many classes a child takes – performing opportunities are given to everyone who shows an interest,” he added.

The studio also houses “Off Broadway Kids,” an award-winning touring musical theater trope. These children compete annually in regional and national musical theater competitions as well as a variety of local performances. The troupe is open to children 10 – 18 who love to sing, dance and act. Off Broadway Kids has won regional and national awards for their work including:

2009, Walt Disney World Resort, Superior Rating, Showcase Award Winner for “Once on this Island, Jr.” Individual Awards: Dani Majors for Best Solo Performance; Ali Holliday and Mason Lewis for Best Duet in an Ensemble.

2008, New York City, Superior Rating for “Children of Eden”. Individual Awards: Kimberly Maxwell and Dani Majors for Excellence in Singing; Chase Crandall for Excellence in Acting and Singing; Lauren Friday for Excellence in Acting and Singing.

2007, Walk Disney World, Superior Rating, Judges Award for “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”. Individual Awards: Chase Crandall for Best Soloist; Oliva Medley for Excellence in Energy.

2006, New York City, Excellent Rating, Judges Award for “Aladdin”. Individual Awards: Jennifer McQueen as Sultan; Best Ensemble (Chris and Shannon Mayer)

2005, Walt Disney World, Excellent Rating, Showcase Winner for “The Music Man”.

For more information on Off Broadway Dance Center, please call 770-664-2410 or visit www.offbroadwaydance.com.