Instructor Pam Bailey demonstrates positions to her adult class at The Divine Playhouse.

As the glass doors of the art studio swing open, classical music pours out into the quiet street. Young girls dressed in pink tutus pass women with paintbrushes in hand. The doors swing shut. Classes begin as the sun sets. Through picturesque windows, studio lights illuminate the creativity that is swirling within this divine little playhouse.

Nestled in Lake Carolina’s quaint Town Center, The Divine Playhouse has become a gathering place for actors, artists, and dancers in Columbia. Throughout the week, students of all ages arrive at the Playhouse with an enthusiasm to learn a new craft.

Gena Antonelli teaches six–year–old Allie Charles how to create her own work of art. The Playhouse was established through the combined talents of Regena Antonelli and Pamela Bailey. Their classes offer instruction in art technique, crafts, ballet, tap, and drama. Classes are tailored to fit different age groups and skill levels. And each season, the classes are modified to offer fresh ideas and new concepts.

The Divine Playhouse, now in its second year of operation, gained instant recognition as a result of its owners’ distinguished careers and dedication to the arts.

Antonelli has been a successful artist and educator for more than 20 years. She attended Presbyterian College as a special education major and later received training at Parson’s School of Art and Design in New York City. Her career has carried her to New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Columbia Metropolitan Magazine recently featured her “2004 Dream Home” faux finish project, an example of her many works of art in the Columbia area.

Bailey, founder of Bailey’s Fine Arts and Dance Theatre of Columbia, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and drama from Columbia College. She has staged a variety of shows in Myrtle Beach for country music star Steve Gatlin. Bailey recently wrote and directed a children’s musical for Jim Hendricks of Overall Kids Music Company in Nashville. As a former Miss South Carolina, Bailey performed as dance partner to Broadway star Don Correia in Atlantic City. And her works as a choreographer have received recognition on the West Coast of the US, as well as the far East and Scotland.

The Divine Playhouse is the result of an artistic vision that Antonelli and Bailey shaped after years of friendship. “The seed for The Divine Playhouse was planted one beautiful fall day when Gena and I were driving down Devine Street,” Bailey explained. “We imagined how great it would be if she and I could combine our artistic disciplines together under one roof. It was several months later, when she and I were having coffee in a little cafe outside of Washington, D.C., that we realized if we opened a playhouse it should be The Divine Playhouse.”

Bailey added that The Divine Playhouse is a “new journey” for them. “Hopefully we are serving a creative purpose greater than ourselves.”

Antonelli and Bailey are working with Lake Carolina on special performances during the Lake Carolina Harborside Lights in December. In addition, Bailey’s dance students, known as The Divine Players, will be performing “Southern Country Church, USA” Sunday, September 11 at Bethel Methodist Church and Saturday, October 1 at Living Springs Lutheran Church. The Divine Players are also performing at an upcoming fundraiser for juvenile diabetes, “Amazing Feets,” directed by Anne Richardson, at the Richland 2 District Auditorium.

To receive a list of fall classes and registration information, call The Divine Playhouse at (803) 865-3332. Messages will be returned on the same day. Or drop by during operating hours Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

In addition, birthday parties and other events may be scheduled. And yoga instructor Becky McGinnis offers classes at The Divine Playhouse as well.