Pasadena Junior Theatre, which has been offering performing arts education to children in Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley for the past eight years, has changed its name to Theatre 360. The reason for the name change is that children involved with the company participate in 360 degrees of theatre production.

“We are a unique group because our students are involved in every aspect of the theatre,” said Devon Yates, Executive and Artistic Director for Theatre 360. “From performing to technical, our students are involved in every aspect of our shows. They are stage managers and assistant directors, they run the light board, and handle the costumes and props. We thought this name change better reflected our company and the opportunities we provide to all students.”

Theatre 360 offers a wide range of classes for children of all ages and skill levels. The new “Come Play with Us” series of classes introduces children to the performing arts, while the “Immersion Arts” classes offer more serious students a higher level of training so they can prepare for high school and college auditions, as well as a career in the performing arts. Classes are offered in music, dance, acting, auditioning, and a new “Parents Play Date” for parents and young ones together is being offered.

Students who are enrolled in Theatre 360 classes have many opportunities to participate in theatrical productions. The next Main Stage Production is the Grimm Brothers’ version of “Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs,” which begins with auditions on January 26. Performances begin on March 7, 2008.

Other performance opportunities include an experimental play in the Spring, two summer musicals, and a Fall Main Stage Musical.

Past theatrical productions include The Wiz; Charlotte’s Web; Suessical the Musical; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Footloose; and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

For more information about Theatre 360, call 626-577-5922, or visit www.theatre360.org.