MEXICO — The Rumford-Mexico area will soon have a new opportunity for both children and adults. The Act Natural Performance Studio will open its doors in September, offering after-school classes for students K-12 at the Mexico Rec Center, 15 Recreation Drive.

Set in a fun, informal and experiential environment, students will develop and improve performance skills while having an open format to express their creativity. Adult workplace and in-house workshops will also be available, using improv and theater games to improve workplace relationships, public speaking skills, team building and stress management through laughter.

An open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 24 and 25 at the Rec Center studio on the second floor. The studio  is owned and operated by Susan DeRoehn, who has performed with Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts and Wingnuts, and is the director of the Rumford Public Library summer theater program. She has taken courses and workshops in performance, play production and business seminar training. She has also worked with children for many years through the schools and through Girl Scout leadership.

She will be joined by Lisa Picard, a local performer and Rumford Public Library assistant director, who will act as an assistant instructor and workshop consultant.

Fall registrations are now being accepted. The studio will charge $7 per class. Call for workshop pricing. For questions and to register, contact DeRoehn at 418-7813. Visit the studio Web site at: www.actnaturalstudio.com.