Local News in Brief : High School Arts Classes

Special Saturday classes in the arts will be offered to high school students throughout Los Angeles County beginning in the fall, officials announced Tuesday.

For eight weeks beginning Oct. 15, the nonprofit Academy of Performing and Visual Arts will offer free professional instruction in acting, stagecraft, instrumental music, musical theater, graphic arts, drawing, painting, dance, television, film making and animation at sites in the Los Angeles, Pasadena, Compton and Montebello school districts, said academy founder Jack Plimpton.

Priority for admission to the program will be given to students attending schools in the four districts and to pupils who exhibit special talent and are considered at risk of dropping out. The application process will include auditions and interviews conducted by professional artists, Plimpton said.