

Playhouse & School
Welcome!
It is with great pride that we continue to welcome students, parents, volunteers, board members,
sponsors, donors and audience members alike to take part in our mission to enrich the community
through the performing arts. We have many people to thank for our continued success: from Gordon
and Betsy Argo whose initial vision and daring it was to convert the Town Hall into a Playhouse, to John
and Elizabeth Kelly whose vision of a school for the performing arts resident in that Playhouse, to the
incorporators, subsequent board members and volunteers whose dedication and hard work have
ensured our survival. Add to that a consistently outstanding and dedicated faculty and most importantly
the very life blood of our organization...the students, parents, performers and audience members alike
who continue to sustain the dream of those founders.
As we begin another busy year of classes in dance, music, theatre, outreach residencies, workshops,
assemblies, main stage Playhouse and School productions as well as informal in class demonstrations
and presentations, I am left with the clear understanding of one thing. This venerable institution survives
because of what it continues to offer this community. Music, dance, drama, and the opportunity to find it
within yourself and share it is a magic like no other. Long may we pursue this noble adventure and keep
the possibilities and dreams alive for generations to come.
Performance
Performance experience is crucial in the development of all performing artists and this school
produces 3 major productions annually. A Holiday production, Spring Dance program, and Tap Night
and More are built to showcase the talents of our students as they are developing. Our Playhouse offers
unique opportunities to participate in a variety of productions as actors, singers, dancers, musicians,
backstage crew and set, lighting and costume support crew. The summer Children’s Theatre production
offers participants a chance to perform weekly during July and August. Between our playhouse and
school we are proud of the variety and sheer breadth of potential performance experience those
interested can receive.
Workshops
Be sure to watch our website for special workshops taking place throughout the year in dance,
music and drama.
The Academy of Performing Arts depends
upon Membership
donations, as well as public and private grants, to help develop
and expand our facilities. We run our Playhouse and School largely
from ticket sales and tuitions from Classes,
as well as from various fundraising activities.
The Playhouse is now Air Conditioned!!