LaGRANGE — A local artistic director is hosting acting classes for teens and adults in LaGrange and Hogansville in the coming weeks.

Erica Nashan, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama and a Troup County resident, will lead the classes.

For participants ages 12 to 16, Theatre Games classes will encourage children “to stretch their imagination, increase creative problem solving and communication skills, and build new friendships,” Nashan said.

The hourlong classes will run at DASH’s Hillside Place, 1301-A Garfield St. in LaGrange, on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. from June 7 to July 26; and Pioneer at the Station, 103 E. Main St. in Hogansville, on Thursdays at 4 p.m. from June 9 to July 28.

Participants were advised to wear clothing easy to move in and sneakers. Props and instruments will be included. Cost for the summer session is $80.

For participants 17 and older, Nashan hosts Improvisation 101. Weekly classes will feature acting exercises that “unburden your load, connect you to others and allow you to express yourself creatively,” said Nashan.

“Improv is all about exploring innovative ways to improve communication and listening skills, strengthening your gut instincts and giving your brain a rest,” she said.

The hourlong classes will be held at DASH’s Hillside Place, 1301-A Garfield St. in LaGrange, on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from June 7 to July 26; and Pioneer at the Station, 103 E. Main St. in Hogansville, on Thursdays at 6 p.m. from June 9 to July 28.

Participants were advised to wear comfortable clothes. Cost is $10 per class.

To sign up for either of the classes, email 4redheadstudios@gmail.com, or call 706-594-8042 for more information.

Nashan has had original works produced locally by the Lafayette Society for Performing arts, and the Royal Arts Center and West Georgia Children’s Theatre. She is a two-time Georgia Council for the Arts Grassroots Arts Grant recipient, and has been a guest artist for professional training programs throughout the U.S.

She has collaborated with the LaGrange Art Museum, LaGrange Theatre Company, Lafayette Ballet Company, LaGrange Symphony Youth Orchestra, West Georgia Home School Association, Troup County public schools and the Boys and Girls Club of West Georgia.