10 Unique Facts That Set the Performing Arts Academy Apart

The Performing Arts Academy (PAA) offers all of the expected services offered by a kids’ musical theater organization: singing, acting, and dancing. 

But like a juicy plot twist, PAA also provides unexpected and unique elements that keep students returning for more! 

We often say, “Musical theater is different at PAA”.  Beyond our 60 + classes, 50 + camps, and nearly 30 productions per year, PAA offers theatrical extras that elevate the standards for performing arts organizations. 

These 10 scene-stealing traits set PAA apart in the world of youth theater 

1. PAA is a non-profit organization: PAA provides a unique Outreach Program to underserved children in Title 1 schools—bringing the transformative power of theatre directly to those who need it most.

2. PAA hires professionally trained teaching artists: All of PAA’s teaching artists are experts in their fields of performing arts. Whether it’s a BFA, a master’s degree, or real-world experience in the theater community, each teaching artist provides a wealth of knowledge to budding artists. 

3. PAA features a full theater tech team: Every staged PAA production includes a dedicated tech crew specializing in lighting, costumes, sound, and props. Actors learn to work with tech crews while audiences enjoy the benefits of a full-fledged production.  

4. PAA caters to both beginners and advanced theater kids: PAA’s professional teaching artists are well-versed in introducing theater to the most shy, introverted students. Through theater games, expert tips, and a supportive community, first-time students instantly ease into the world of theater. The same teaching artists also serve PAA’s advanced students seeking a collegiate (or professional) career in theater. 

5. PAA offers Tech Classes: In theater, the skills off stage are just as important as the skills on stage (read PAA Blog Why Young Performers Need Technical Theater Skills). Which is why we offer multiple technical theater classes throughout the year. Classes, including Stage Make-up, Props/Production, Costume Design, and more, reveal the magical world of technical theater. Each class expands a student’s theatrical knowledge and benefits them on and off stage.

6. PAA Offers Private Lessons – Whether it’s voice, dance, or both, our expert teaching artists offer private lessons for students wanting to nail future auditions or build their theatrical resume. Email our Artistic Director, Melanie, for more information. *Availability depends on teaching artists’ schedules. 

7. PAA fosters a career in theater through a Work Study Program. Through an application process, the PAA Work Study Committee selects students for the Work Study Program. The program exposes students to theatrical careers while earning credit for volunteer hours, school projects, and/or PAA tuition. 

8. PAA offers High School Credit – PAA has partnered with Alta Independent, which has verified that our curriculum meets their credit requirements. To receive high school credit, you will need to enroll in and complete a semester-long PAA class or show. Students can earn 0.5 credits for each PAA semester-long class or show (minimum 60 hours of instruction), which can be applied toward P.E., Fine Arts, or Electives requirements for your High School Diploma.

9. PAA introduces students to the art of auditioning:  Auditions are a necessary, but understandably nerve-wracking, part of the performing arts process. We know that auditions can be fraught with anxiety, so we make every effort to help students feel comfortable during the process while preparing students for future auditions. Check out our What to Expect Auditions page. 

10. PAA offers a Conservatory Program – The Conservatory Theatre program at PAA is our top-level program, appropriate for serious, experienced high-school students who want to take their acting, singing, and dancing to the next level. Students are required to participate in a rigorous audition process. Not everyone who auditions will be cast. We expect Conservatory Theatre students to bring a professional level of effort and dedication to each rehearsal and a higher degree of learning and technical application to performance. Through the PAA Conservatory Theatre program, students will gain a level of experience that will prepare them for college theatre programs and beyond.

Enroll in our Fall Conservatory Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher. 

Let PAA set the stage for your student when they are ready to raise the curtain on their theater activities. With more to offer than just a song and dance, PAA can’t wait to meet your student on their theatrical journey.