Academy for Classical Education students participating in the production of “The Lion King Jr.” recently received a visit from Broadway theater veteran Russell Joel Brown. Brown has performed in a number of notable shows including Broadway productions of “The Lion King” and “Smokey Joe’s Café.” His other professional credits include “Big River” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”
During his visit to ACE, Brown worked with student performers on their acting and vocal skills. He told students to try and understand the emotional significance of individual events taking place throughout the play.
“The way he knew the story and beauty of the piece was unique and beneficial for students to see,” said Shelby English, Academy for Classical Education’s theater teacher.
English currently serves on the on the Georgia Junior Thespian Board. She met Brown several 
years ago when he served as a guest artist at the Georgia Junior Thespian Conference. English was grateful that Brown, an actor with such an impressive list of credits, decided to use his extensive acting and singing knowledge to give back to students. “I don’t know too many actors who have done a show professionally for that long who will come in and work with students on the same show,” said English.
Brown is not the first professional to visit the Academy for Classical Education. The school plans to continue to offer similar interactive opportunities for students so they can learn more about various professions and see beyond school walls.
