But wait! There's more!!

Jack and Livy didn't just level up once. They leveled up through multiple skills recognition in one day! Both of these wonderful young musicians have been taking music classes with us for a while. When we rolled out our new LEVEL UP! program this month, they were eager to put their prior learning to the test.

Students have the opportunity to take a skills based LEVEL UP! test whoever they and their talented Instructors feel that they're ready and can succeed. Our colored wristband system is similar to a colored belt system used in martial arts schools. Each color represents a specific skill set. These skill sets are scaffolded, each set preparing students for the next level. The goals for each level are clearly defined and achievable as students progress through our contemporary (and super fun) curriculum. 

Well Jack and Livy just decided to go for it and take several tests on the first day we rolled out LEVEL UP! They felt confident that they could succeed. Their Instructors felt confident as well. Jack took 3 post-primer level test for piano and knocked it out of the park! Livy took two primer level Ukulele test and crushed it!

We are so proud of these two, as we are of all of our amazing students. CONGRATULATIONS JACK AND LIVY!!

Why are the arts important to you/the world? 

I was at rehearsal earlier this year and there was a girl my age sitting and watching us. Half-way through, the Director turned to her and asked her to tell the cast why she was there watching. She told us that dancing and theatre had saved her life. Participating in the ARTS helps us to express ourselves, and it's an outlet for the hard things in life- like school. It helps us to be confident and happy. It also teaches the audience! We get to learn about the world and history with a lot of shows.    
Finally, I'll say it helps teach us we don't always get what we want! I've not been cast in roles I really wanted, but there is always a new opportunity! 

What do you hope to accomplish in your career? 

I want to go all the way to Broadway or maybe a National Tour!! Maybe one day I can teach kids what I've learned, too. Performing gives you confidence and I'd like to help others gain confidence and have fun on the stage. 

When did you know you wanted to be in the theatre? 

I think it was during my first show - Willy Wonka at PAA in 3rd grade. I absolutely loved performing and knew I wanted to do it over and over again. I only got to perform one time in that show because it was canceled due to COVID (March 2020). All I wanted was to go back on stage. 

Who supports you the most on your acting journey? 

My family! My mom and dad drive me to all the dance, voice, acting lessons and rehearsals. My brother and grandparents come to every show and probably clap the loudest. Also, my best friend Molly comes to every one of my shows, and always understands when I have to go to rehearsals!!  

From what experience have you learned the most? 

I spent two weeks in NYC, summer of 2022, at Broadway Artist Alliance, NYC.-All the instructors had been on Broadway and/or were casting directors or choreographers.   
It was such an awesome experience to hear their stories and perform for them!  They gave me feedback and skills to take me to the next level. At the end of the training, I got to perform in NYC!!!! It was also fun to meet other performers my age that have dreams of being on Broadway.

Why are the arts important to you/the world?

I was at rehearsal earlier this year and there was a girl my age sitting and watching us. Half-way through, the Director turned to her and asked her to tell the cast why she was there watching. She told us that dancing and theatre had saved her life. Participating in the ARTS helps us to express ourselves, and it's an outlet for the hard things in life- like school. It helps us to be confident and happy. It also teaches the audience! We get to learn about the world and history with a lot of shows.   
Finally, I'll say it helps teach us we don't always get what we want! I've not been cast in roles I really wanted, but there is always a new opportunity!

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

I want to go all the way to Broadway or maybe a National Tour!! Maybe one day I can teach kids what I've learned, too. Performing gives you confidence and I'd like to help others gain confidence and have fun on the stage.

When did you know you wanted to be in the theatre?

I think it was during my first show - Willy Wonka at PAA in 3rd grade. I absolutely loved performing and knew I wanted to do it over and over again. I only got to perform one time in that show because it was canceled due to COVID (March 2020).  
All I wanted was to go back on stage.

Who supports you the most on your acting journey?

My family! My mom and dad drive me to all the dance, voice, acting lessons and rehearsals. My brother and grandparents come to every show and probably clap the loudest. Also, my best friend Molly comes to every one of my shows, and always understands when I have to go to rehearsals!! 

From what experience have you learned the most?

I spent two weeks in NYC, summer of 2022, at Broadway Artist Alliance, NYC.-All the instructors had been on Broadway and/or were casting directors or choreographers.  
It was such an awesome experience to hear their stories and perform for them!  They gave me feedback and skills to take me to the next level. At the end of the training, I got to perform in NYC!!!! It was also fun to meet other performers my age that have dreams of being on Broadway.

What is your superpower?

Making people laugh!

Who is/was your favorite director/teacher and why?

My favorite teacher is my voice teacher, Amy Pickering at Pickering Creative Artists Academy. She is so nice and always smiling. She is really fun to work with and has taught me a lot of tricks and things that are helpful for both auditions and performing on the stage. She has taught me ways to keep my voice healthy and make it better, but also how to interpret songs. She makes me better at what I love the most and she is always encouraging me to go for it!!

What else do you want TSFK readers to know?

I've had friends say, I would love to be in theatre but I can't sing, or dance, or act. Just do it! Maybe it's a dance class or a voice lesson, or maybe you could find a really fun youth theatre production to join. You could also be a part of a production in other ways. You could be in the pit orchestra or part of the crew. It's so fun to be a part of the whole team that puts together a show.