In March 2025, the Visual and Performing Arts theatre strand performed their musical revue show, Raise Your Voice. This was the first musical performed as one of the theatre strand’s mainstages since Oliver! was produced in 2018. An interest in musical theatre is evident, which has ushered in the revival of a class: Musical Theatre.
“A Musical Theatre class curriculum typically combines three main disciplines: acting, singing, and dancing,” said VPAA Coordinator Ms. Sharon Byrd. “The course is designed to build skills in each area, then integrate them for performance.”
Previously, there was a musical theatre course, but it hasn’t been offered for quite some time. Recently, it was announced that the class will return in the fall of 2025.
“Reintroducing a musical theatre class enriches our Performing Arts curriculum by providing an optional discipline for students, promoting versatile, adaptive artists,” said Byrd.
The course will be taught by Academy vocal music teacher Ms. Corbin Pinto and Academy dance teacher Ms. Patricia Statkiewicz. The inclusion of these teachers will ensure that the prospective students of the course will receive dancing and vocal lessons, as well as acting.
“Acting will be taught by both Mrs. Pinto and [myself] as it relates to interpretation of the music and plot for both singing and dancing,” said Statkiewicz. “Students will alternate working with Mrs. Pinto and Ms. Statkiewicz for different units of study throughout the year.”
While the specifics of the course haven’t been finalized, many are excited for the class’s return.
“Performing and the idea of being a performer always made me so giddy because I realized ‘Wow, I could turn this silly little hobby into a career and people will actually come watch it,’” said sophomore Rosie Banks.
The excitement is not just shared by the students, but also by the instructors.
“I am excited about offering this elective to our academy students,” said Pinto. “Personally love musical theater and the way it combines multiple disciplines.”
For more information on the Musical Theatre course’s return and the class’s details, see Ms. Byrd or either of the class’s instructors, Ms. Pinto and Ms. Statkiewicz.
