A unique class with a different twist will be offered for the first time when classes begin August 13 at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton for the fall semester.

Eastern alum Jerry Earp will be teaching a Tuesday evening class in country gospel music but, “it’s not so much how to sing but rather how to put a show together” he says.

“Oh, we’ll be singing and performing and having fun. At the conclusion of the class we will put together a variety type show of country, gospel and some off-the-wall stuff combined with a little comedy that we hope to take on the road a couple of times,” Earp said.

“It’s the kind of material that churches and organizations can use to liven up their special programs.”

Earp is the owner of Liberty Theater in Hartshorne and produces some 17 shows each year. Some of his shows are dinner theater productions and require reservations. His next production will be held August 16 in Hartshorne with a “through the years” theme.

He is a 1975 Buffalo Valley High School graduate and worked with the Buffalo Valley church for 15 years before he acquired the Liberty Theater.

“Our shows are the Branson (MO) variety and that’s what we will be looking at during the class,” he said.

“I’m an impromptu person. When I get and idea, I go with it,” he says.

“When students sign up for the class they should bring a tape. Something they can and have sung with before. That way we can get a head start on production because we want to get the show off the ground as soon as we can.”

The Country Gospel Music class will be held in Pratt 106, 6:10 p.m. Tuesdays. It is listed as Music 2993, Section 6128. Contact the Eastern Admissions Office for additional information or enrollment at 918.465.2361, ext. 215.