News + Info

Top Ten Tap Moves To Know

By Performing Arts Academy | January 17, 2026

“In tap, every step tells a story.” — Tap legend, Gregory Hines   Dance is often the first impression you make in an audition. It’s the theatre’s version of “actions speak louder than words”, and an important pillar of becoming a triple threat.  (Read PAA’s blog What Is a Triple Threat in Theatre) A performer with…

Professional Theatre Audition Guide

By Performing Arts Academy | January 9, 2026

Did you know many of PAA’s students also perform in professional theatres throughout the Denver Metropolitan area?  PAA’s professional teaching artists empower every student to become the best version of themselves—whether they’re performing on a PAA stage, a professional theatre stage, or the stage of life. Through PAA’s distinguished teaching methods, PAA’s dedicated professional teaching…

Performing Arts Academy – Your Story Starts Here

By Performing Arts Academy | December 13, 2025

PAA is more than a performing arts academy.  When you peek behind the curtain, strip away the costumes and make-up, set aside the memorable melodies, and pause the captivating choreography, you’ll find what truly makes PAA special. You’ll see that PAA values the process more than a perfect production.  You’ll notice how PAA celebrates each…

What Happens During Tech Week

By Performing Arts Academy | November 29, 2025

“Tech week” in theatre refers to the week before opening night, when all technical elements are added to rehearsals. The cast continues rehearsing while adding in technical elements, including costumes, props, microphones, lighting, sound, and more.  This week is used to work out any kinks, mishaps, or unforeseen issues BEFORE opening night. Tech week can…

What Directors Look For During Auditions

By Performing Arts Academy | November 22, 2025

You’ve prepared your song selection and just completed a vocal warm-up. You’ve stretched every muscle and are ready to leap into the choreography. You’ve rehearsed your monologue in the mirror repeatedly and could recite it in your sleep.  Are you ready for the audition? Not quite yet!  Directors consider other elements beyond singing, acting, and…

PAA’s Theatre Tips, Tricks, & Tidbits

By Performing Arts Academy | November 15, 2025

Performing Arts Academy(PAA) – Colorado provides students with well over 100 opportunities to shine on stage.  PAA’s year-round performing arts opportunities include:   ~60 Theatre Skills classes ~40 Summer Theatre Skills Camps ~30 Productions But PAA’s theatre knowledge is not bound by its four rehearsal walls. Musical theatre novices and aficionados alike can receive bite-sized theatre…

Theatre in Wartime: Serving a Nation on Stage

By Performing Arts Academy | November 8, 2025

Actors, stagelights, and props may not seem synonymous with wartime victory, but the need for theatre while in the trenches has not only been deep but successful.  Today, we take a peek behind the curtain of World War II and learn how the performing arts supported all of the brave men and women who dedicated…

Get a Leg up on Choreography – Without Moving a Muscle

By Performing Arts Academy | November 1, 2025

PAA’s industry dance experts want you to know there’s more to choreography than moving your body. Beyond the twists, turns, and techniques – it’s just as important to know your dance terminology.  One PAA student said that the dance terms she learned at PAA gave her a real advantage while rehearsing for her professional production.…

Theatre’s Most Superstitious Traditions

By Performing Arts Academy | October 24, 2025

What do theatre actors, pirates, and athletes have in common? A healthy respect for superstition! As Halloween creeps closer, PAA pulls back the curtain to reveal some of theatre’s most famous (and sometimes downright silly) superstitions. ​Whether backed by logic or rooted purely in tradition, theatre folk take them all to heart. Below, we highlight…

This Year’s Gala Deserves a Standing Ovation!

By Performing Arts Academy | October 11, 2025

PAA’s 13th Stars in Arts Gala stole the spotlight in every way! Featuring the “Golden Age of Broadway” theme, the Gala delivered on glitz, glamour, and passion.  While PAA students took center stage both literally and figuratively, each guest felt like a superstar upon arrival. PAA students greeted each guest and provided an overview of…

The Theatre Student’s Starter Kit

By Performing Arts Academy | September 12, 2025

Starter kits put you on the path of success when engaging in a new activity or hobby. Whether it’s painting like Bob Ross or dancing like Bob Fosse  – every activity has a must-have toolkit that helps elevate your talent.  Theatre is no different!  PAA has curated a Theatre Student’s Starter Kit to get you…

PAA: Breaking the Musical Theatre Mold

By Performing Arts Academy | August 29, 2025

Since 2006, over 13,000 students in the Denver Metro area have selected PAA as their preferred performing arts destination. PAA delivers all the expected elements of a musical theater organization–singing, acting, and dancing.  But the encore element that keeps students returning season after season is how PAA enriches students beyond the stage.  PAA alum Jenna…