The Redding Arts Project
The Redding Arts Project is a safe and inclusive place for artists of all ages and levels to call home that has been training dancers since 1993. The RAP school of theatre and dance is dedicated to building community through the performing arts and providing a home for artists in the Northstate. The RAP offers instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary, and hosts the Redding International Folk Dancers. Since 1997 The Redding Arts Project (formerly known as Redding Ballet Academie) has been committed to growing dancers to their fullest potential.
About the Owner
Diana Christensen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education with a Theatre Arts theme, as well as a Master of Arts degree in English Literature. In addition to being a faculty member of the Shasta College English department she is also a dance teacher and choreographer in the department of Fine Arts.
Diana served as the Artistic Director for Redding City Ballet for eleven years and is now the Artistic Director of Redding Ballet Theatre and Redding Theatre Company, and the owner of The Redding Arts Project, the official training school for Redding Ballet Theatre and Redding Theatre Co.
Ms. Christensen has resided in Redding since 1991 and has always been dedicated to education in the arts. Upon arriving in Redding she became involved in the development of the highly popular music department of Shasta High School choreographing over thirteen musicals that include the well-known Broadway hits 42nd Street, Music Man, My Fair Lady, Crazy for You, Oklahoma!, 'Lil Abner, Once Upon a Mattress, Bye, Bye Birdie, and Hello, Dolly! After leaving Shasta High School in 2004 to establish her own theatre company and develop a community theatre arts culture in Redding, Ms. Christensen went on to produce and direct South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Peter Pan, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Singin' in the Rain, Footloose, High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr. and The Secret Garden for the Cascade Theatre stage. Her most recent choreography credits include RCB's The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Shasta College's production of The Producers, The Soldier’s Tale, and The Sound of Music.
Ms. Christensen also enjoys being in the spotlight, occasionally. A few of her stage performances include Don Quixote, Cinderella, Bravura!, Dance Sketches, Broadway on the Green, Celebrate Dance, the Shasta College Dance Festival, Peter Pan, High School Musical, and RCB's annual The Nutcracker.