News + Info
Running a performing arts summer camp program during a pandemic is no easy feat, and this week we got to put our CoronaVirus response protocols to the test. This week, a student’s family member tested positive for CronaVirus. Based on the information we have from the family, the student was out of town with family…
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Happy 14th Anniversary, PAA!!!!!! The first PAA camp occurred June 26-30, 2006. Time flies when you’re positively impacting thousands of kids! Thank you to all of the teaching artists, staff members, families, and students who have made the past fourteen years possible.
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We are heartbroken about the racial violence and systemic injustice against people of color in America. It has long been a guiding principal in PAA curriculum to celebrate diversity, while teaching empathy, equality, and awareness. We are committed to learning and embrace that there are always ways for us to improve. To our Black family,…
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We are excited about PAA’s NEW online classes! In the wake of the safer at home restrictions and guidelines we felt we have a really unique ability to help everyone stay positive and have fun while staying safe and healthy at home. For the first time, PAA has created two different types online classes: PAA…
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Social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders have changed the way our students connect with each other and with PAA teaching artists. Since one of our main guiding principals at PAA is “building community” our staff and teaching artists came together to create opportunities for our students to connect digitally. The PAA virtual choir is made…
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Dear friends, Our annual spring fundraising campaign, Build the Stage, was scheduled to launch in late April, but because of these trying times, we are starting April 1st (no joke)! Families like yours allow the Performing Arts Academy to continue our mission to transform our community through a generation of students who are confident in…
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We are thrilled to introduce our new Dance Director, Madeline Shaffer! Madeline grew up teaching and performing with her local studio in southern Illinois. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Jacksonville University and then began working in NYC. While there, she choreographed the Off Broadway production of By Jupiter,…
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The conditions surrounding the coronavirus continue to rapidly change for our community. We are heartbroken by the affect this is having on our program. There is no good decision that can be made in our current situation and I sincerely apologize for the disruption and disappointment this change may cause you and your family. Due…
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If you’re looking for a fantastic dance class, for levels from beginner to advanced, then check out PAA! As a dance teacher I am constantly staying up to date and researching new findings on the proper way to move our bodies and develop strength and flexibility properly. Recently the news has featured articles on dance…
Read More[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false”] Getting feedback, listening, and responding is one of our biggest priorities at PAA. We’re in the midst of planning our next few years of programming, and we’d like to hear from you! What shows would you like…
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Meet Melanie Kirkpatrick, a long time PAA parent, director, and supporter! With a strong background in theatre education, administration, and corporate event production, Melanie brings tons of experience and enthusiasm to her role at PAA. The Artistic Director is responsible for developing and implementing the artistic vision for PAA. It’s a big job! The artistic…
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Ever wanted to see what our dance classes look like? On the fence about whether to sign up for one? Want to learn what makes them so great? Watch this video to hear from our students about why they love taking dance classes at PAA and think you will too! PAA offers a variety…
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