CLUB LEADERS — A Sketch Comedy Club is coming to the Sycamore Youth Center for youth interested in learning more about the arts of acting, writing and directing. The club will be led by Grace McKeegan, left, and Naedia McCann, who will assist McKeegan. The first meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sycamore center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center is teaming with the Guadalupe Theater Co. to introduce a new creative opportunity for area youth. The pair will be launching a Sketch Comedy Club, designed to give participants hands-on experience in the arts of acting, writing and directing.

The club will hold its first meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville. The program is open to students who are interested in performance, storytelling and collaborative creativity.

According to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore, the club is being introduced for the intention of giving local youth a welcoming space to explore the arts, while building confidence and communication skills.

“This is about giving kids another outlet to express themselves, work together and discover talents they may not even realize they have yet,” Bauman said. “Sketch comedy encourages creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, all while having fun. We are excited to partner with Guadalupe Theater Co. to bring this opportunity to the community.”

The Sketch Comedy Club will be led by Grace McKeegan, with assistance from Naedia McCann. Each has experience in theater and youth engagement, Bauman noted. Participants will have the opportunity to develop original material, perform short comedic sketches and learn the fundamentals of staging and direction in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Bauman said the new club aligns with Sycamore’s mission to provide enriching after-school and evening programming that supports personal growth and creative development.

“This program fits perfectly with what we aim to do at Sycamore — meet kids where they are and give them meaningful opportunities to grow,” he stated.

Those interested in joining are encouraged to attend the first meeting to learn more about the club and what it offers. No prior experience is required.

For information, contact McKeegan by e-mail at gracecascia04@gmail.com.