By Sofia Singher

"There is no such thing as a mistake because you are the creator." This is one of the rules of the many creative classes offered at the Braman Arts Conservatory, now at their new location, 79 Main Street in Callicoon, where they will be holding an open house July 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Founded by dancer Tasha Williams in 1996, the Conservatory offers classes in creative movement, music, theater, acting, and art, "...giving a solid foundation in arts disciplines to area students, allowing them the freedom to explore ideas and express themselves clearly." Summer plans also include Friday evening performances featuring professional artists. And as a benefit for the Conservatory, Richard Grunn, writer and performer of original one-person multi-character shows, will give a performance of his fantastic "Father Joiner's Purgative Poetry Project" Friday, June 23, at 8:00 p.m. at the new Callicoon space. Tickets are $10. Space is limited, so reserve now. For information about classes or performances, call 570/224-6897.

The NYC-based North American Cultural Laboratory (NaCl) has new summer quarters at NaCl Catskills (the former Catskills Actors Theatre) in Highland Lake, NY. "We hope to give and receive much from our new home here in Sullivan County. The quality of our work and life as a theatre company and social entity has deepened and grown in the time spent here." NaCl is a group of theater artists recognized for rigorous actor-training techniques which incorporate song, various instruments, stilt-walking, text and elaborate action. They will hold "The First Ever Catskills Experimental Theatre Festival," a ten-day festival and seminar featuring experimental performances by contemporary theater artists from around the world, August 4-13 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15/$12 students & seniors. For information, call 845/556-0694.