On March 13th, 2020, The June Bug Center for Arts & Education had to close its doors and turn off its stage lights due to the global pandemic. For a while, the center was in limbo, waiting to see when restrictions would allow the doors to open again. In the meantime, June Bug had to get creative. After all, the show must go on!
In November of 2020, June Bug cautiously put on their first production since the shutdown. To make the performance safe for the community, Chantilly Farm offered their outdoor venue which opened many opportunities for the musical theater group, allowing larger audiences and a bigger stage.
After the success of that outdoor performance, the Center began thinking that Chantilly Farm could become a regular venue to be used throughout all their production seasons.
The June Bug Center is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Floyd, providing performing arts, music, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) opportunities through ongoing afterschool programs, classes, and community theater productions with the Floyd Community Theater Guild.
November’s performance was a young actor’s production of “Frozen Jr.”, which is based on the 2018 Broadway musical that brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, which makes it a family favorite.
“After not being able to produce live events for months, it was an overwhelming amount of emotions seeing the community come together for this show,” stated director of the June Bug Center, Emily Gruver. “There was so much support, and it was great to see the audiences getting into the story of Frozen! Many of the kids came dressed up and it was fun hearing them get excited when their favorite character came on stage.”
The show featured twelve young actors in grades ranging from fourth to ninth. Rehearsing for the production while also observing COVID safety was a challenge. All rehearsals were outside at the June Bug. While learning choreography and blocking, masks were worn. Closer to show debut, they moved to face shields.
“Even through all the guidelines,” says Gruver, “the kids were just happy to be back on stage. They have adapted so well and this production has meant so much to them and to me.”
In addition to theater performances, June Bug was able to continue its Blue Ridge Strings Program with an outdoor summer concert and a virtual winter concert. The program’s summer performance showed five returning violin students that performed outside at the Floyd Center for the Arts. The winter concert was filmed virtually for family and friends and showcased seven young violin students and a cello student.
In 2017, Blue Ridge Strings introduced the study of classical music on stringed instruments to students in grades three through eight. Through hands-on instruction and creative enrichment, the program supports growth and development by instilling a deep appreciation for music and specific skill in performance.
To follow COVID guidelines, the group is split up to create smaller class sizes. Students are given their own instruments, included in the tuition, and are required to wear masks. During the program, students receive one hour of Suzuki instruction and one hour of music enrichment, which includes xylophone performance through the Orff method, rhythm lessons, and learning how to read music. The program partners with Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival. As the program continues to grow, Blue Ridge Strings will be transforming into a small youth chamber group that will be ready to bring classical music performance to Floyd!
Just like Blue Ridge Strings, the June Bug continued operation with their other after school programs. These include classes in music, Robotics, LEGO, Improv, and Theater. Programs are held Monday through Friday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. The June Bug also has options to provide virtual lessons and one-on-one lessons for families that are not ready to return to a classroom setting. What is unique about the June Bug is they provide sliding scale tuition to all students and offer discounted show tickets to the community, making these activities available and affordable for any family in the New River Valley.
As the Center prepares to finish the last after-school session of the school year, they are also gearing up for summer! Summer camps will be jam-packed at the Bug this year, with camps in Improv, Playwriting, Musical Theater for Young Actors, Theater 101, LEGO, Computer Camp, Robotics, and Musical Theater for Teens! Starting May 1, Summer Camp registration will be available on the website at junebugcenter.com.
More outdoor performances are on the calendar for the fall and summer, including Shrek Jr. and The Addams Family Musical. Information and tickets for these events can also be found on the website.
To learn more about the June Bug Center, call 540-745-6550, or email emily@thejunebugcenter.com. For those interested in donating to help keep the Center in operation, donations can be made online at the website or mailed to P.O. Box 940, Floyd, VA 24091. Visitors may also join June Bug in person on GiveLocalNRV day, June 23, which is a community day of giving!
The June Bug Center • 540-745-6550
251 Parkway Ln S, Floyd, VA 24091
emily@thejunebugcenter.com • junebugcenter.com