OPAS Brings Live Theater to Greene County Students with Junie B. Jones at ATLAS Academy

The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) proudly presented two live performances of Junie B. Jones on Tuesday, March 17, bringing the magic of musical theater directly to local students through its Arts Education programming.

Approximately 240 students from Greene County Elementary School attended the performances, with kindergarteners enjoying the show at 9:00 AM and first graders attending at 10:45 AM. For many, this experience marked their very first introduction to live theater, creating a moment of joy, wonder, and discovery that will stay with them for years to come.

The lively production was performed by The Arts Barn and expertly directed by Lora Garcia-Carreras. The beloved story of Junie B. Jones came to life through an energetic, engaging, and age-appropriate performance that captivated young audiences from start to finish.

This special presentation was made possible through a collaborative partnership between OPAS, ATLAS Academy, The Arts Barn, and Greene County Schools, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to the arts and enriching educational opportunities for students across the region.

“Access to the arts in early childhood is one of the most powerful drivers of educational success,” said Doug LaBrecque, Artistic Director of OPAS. “When we introduce Greene County students to live theater at a young age, we are strengthening literacy, fueling imagination, and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. These experiences are not just enjoyable for children; they play a meaningful role in building reading comprehension and ultimately contribute to higher graduation rates. This is why the OPAS Arts Education mission is such an important investment in the future of our growing Lake Country community.”

OPAS Board Member and Arts Education Committee member Jo Foster added, “The morning was a tremendous success for the little ones, and they were absolutely spellbound.”

OPAS inspired the next generation of audiences this year by presenting three Master Classes, two Art Education events, five college scholarships, music lessons, and the recent introduction of the OPAS Piano Lab. 

For more information about OPAS performances, tickets, or ways to support the arts education initiatives, visit OPAS.org or call 706.467.6000

Thanks to our Season Sponsors: Bo Fears, Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, Reynolds Lake Oconee, and SignatureFD