Explore everything Cavod Performing Arts has to offer when the nonprofit organization hosts an open house on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the studio's Manheim location, 1223 Lancaster Road, Manheim.

"We'll have performances which will run every half hour during the open house," shared Julie Wendler, Cavod artistic director. "It's meant to showcase all of the programs we're offering this fall."

She noted that Cavod has doubled its class offerings, featuring programs for people age 3 to adult. Dance classes are offered in ballet, tap, modern/contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and worship dance. Classes focused on performance include "All Things Theatre" and "Musical Theatre." Cavod also offers private music lessons on drums, piano and guitar, as well as private voice lessons and group vocal technique classes. Cavod hosts recitals and summer camps, participates in community events such as parades and puts on multiple productions throughout the year.

"Our mission statement is to create with purpose," Wendler said. "Every class, every production, every event, everything we do is done with excellence and to glorify God."

With its expanded roster of classes, the studio has also added instructors who have a wealth of experience, Wendler said. "This is the most incredible staff we've ever had," she shared. "We have artists who have danced on Broadway. We have teachers who have performed and taught internationally. We have two men on staff this year, one of whom is certified in Cuban ballet style."

She encourages adults especially to consider taking a class at Cavod, noting that it strives to be a place for everyone.

"This is a safe space to thrive and grow as an artist," she explained. "Arts are a very self-reflected medium, but our intention and our goal for our students is that they walk away knowing they were created for so much more. We want them to know that where they place their values really matters."

Along with performances, the open house will feature tours of the facility, a bounce house for children and ice cream for purchase from Scoops Ice Cream & Grille (which is free upon class registration). People from Kid's Cookie Break, a WJTL radio show, will be on-site, and free giveaways will be held every half hour.

"We'll be featuring themed baskets of items from local vendors as well as a season pass for our shows at Cavod," Wendler said. "That's always a big, exciting basket to win."

Cavod formed more than 20 years ago when Connie Dienner founded the studio in New Holland. She added the Manheim location in 2021, originally located at SUPPLY in Manheim. In 2023, Cavod moved to its current Manheim location.

No registration is required for the open house. For more information, visit https://cavod.org.