PAA: More Than a Song and Dance

The moment you step foot in PAA, you experience a theatrical symphony. Bursts of melodic harmonies flow from multiple rehearsal rooms. Tantalizing tap dances reverberate through the hall. And snippets of impactful performances swirl through the air. 

But PAA is much more than what meets the ear! 

As a non-profit youth theater organization, PAA focuses on creating community, building character, and inspiring excellence. PAA empowers a generation of students who grow confident in their self-worth, commit to serving their community, and celebrate individual differences.

This feat requires more than belting a high note and nailing a double pirouette. Part of PAA’s unique approach includes ensuring each student feels connected to their peers and appreciates their differences. 

One way PAA fosters this strong community is through WOW – Words of the Week. Teaching artists share a word during camps/classes/rehearsals and ask students to reflect on this word. 

During summer theatre skills camps, students discuss a new word each day. During fall and spring classes and rehearsals, students discuss a new word each week. 

Teaching artists creatively introduce these words and incorporate them into engaging activities tailored to the students’ ages.

Example of WOW Activities:

-Act out scenarios incorporating the word

-Discuss how to implement the word into theater and everyday life

-Choose a letter from the word of the week and share an example of how to embody that word.

Below are some of the words and the definitions that PAA teaching artists share with each student. Before sharing the definition, instructors ask students to give examples of what each word means to them and to provide specific examples that apply to their class or show. 

Ask your student how they incorporated these words throughout their PAA experience!   

The PAA Way – Preparation, Accountability, Attitude. Students are asked to embrace the PAA Way and sign a contract which illustrates their commitment. 

Preparation –Be prepared by practicing at home, bringing all necessary materials each day, and wearing appropriate attire and shoes. Be accountable for assigned roles, parts or previous instruction. If inadequate preparation is demonstrated, the teaching artist or artistic team may reassign the role or assign an understudy. 

Attitude-Contribute to the community with a kind and positive attitude. Respect others and respect the space around you. Every moment in class and rehearsal is an opportunity to learn. Stay attentive, seek to learn from others, and support others’ learning. 

Accountability –An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. At PAA, known absences must be communicated in writing. You are also expected to be held accountable for your actions in class/rehearsal and for the material given to you.  

Community – A unified body of individuals, such as people with common interests. A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

• What does it mean to be a part of a community?
• How can we foster a sense of community?

Dependable – Trustworthy and reliable.

• Can we rely on you to bring your script and have a good attitude every rehearsal? Are you a reliable performer? Can your directores and castmates count on you to do your part?
• Have you ever had an unreliable person in your life? How does that feel?

Flexibility – The ability and willingness to adjust one’s thinking or behavior. 

• How does being flexible make you a better performer? Friend? Castmate?  

Gratitude – The state of being grateful. 

• How can you practice gratitude in your life and in the theater?
• What are the benefits of expressing gratitude both for yourself and others?

Access – Permission, liberty, or ability to enter, approach, or pass to and from a place or situation. 

• How can we make theater more accessible to everyone? 

Focus – To pay close attention or concentrate. To direct one’s attention or efforts toward something specific.

• What are some tools you know to stay focused?
• How can we stay focused among chaos?

Stamina – The bodily or mental capacity to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. The moral or emotional strength to continue with a difficult process, effort, etc. 

• Being in a show takes a lot of stamina, mentally and physically! What do you think it would be like performing 8 times a week?
• What are the benefits (mentally and physically) to building up your stamina?

Belonging – A feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group. You don’t have to be best friends with every person, but you are responsible for creating an environment where people feel safe and accepted.  

• What does it mean or feel like to belong?
• How can we all help cultivate a sense of belonging in your class, cast, and at PAA in general?
• How can we take that idea into our community?

Passion – A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something. 

• How can being passionate elevate a show? 

When it comes to teaching singing and dancing, PAA doesn’t miss a beat (or a note)! But, PAA overperforms by empowering students beyond the stage. 

Check out PAA’s year-round programming today.