Creativity in the Time of Covid–May 31, 2021

Senior Showcases: That’s a Wrap!

The VPA Senior Showcase performances wrapped on Saturday, with the Music performance, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

The senior showcases feature 100% student works and are the culmination of the skills our students build in the VPA. Students decide everything: the theme, content, marketing, and execution of the entire show. Because students are wholly responsible, these showcases are marvelous depictions of their skills not only in art, but in management, collaboration, problem solving, and innovation.

The Theatre senior showcase, “Light, or the Lack Thereof” made imaginative use of the VPA theatre, with house lamps and a few other sources illuminating a stage that’s been dark all year. It featured songs (some original compositions by the students), dance, and skits in an intimate performance.

Dance Seniors performed at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe on May 24. Students presented “Daydreaming in Nature,” a nod to Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree,” readings of which punctuated the show. The showcase focused on the transformation from youth to adulthood, with some fun nods to youth such as a bit about “rock, paper, scissors.”

Next up for seniors: The VPA Silver Cord Ceremony, where students will receive the silver cord and gifts from their VPA teachers. The cord is worn with the graduation regalia for the commencement ceremony on June 4. It indicates their completion of the VPA program. It is 6:30 p.m. on June 3 and seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the very special event. RSVP here.

The last student showcase for the VPA will be “Creating Light in the Darkness,” the Film & Animation showcase, which will be available online on June 4 at 7 p.m. Get your virtual tickets here!

Faculty Talent Will Shimmer in “Gold”

For the first time in memory, VPA Faculty are creating a collaborative performance. Come witness “Gold” on June 11 at 6:30 p.m. The evening was conceived as an uplifting gesture to students and friends of the VPA and as a fundraiser after a year of performance revenue drought. Tickets are just $5. Reserve yours here.

“Gold” will be a great time and a fun way to say goodbye to the 2020-21 school year.

The event will also be a farewell to Scott Keys, Theatre Chairman and acting teacher, after an incredible 21-year tenure at Booker High School. In the department, he taught hundreds of aspiring theatre artists, directed nearly 50 plays and musicals, and helped lead students to dozens of awards and recognitions.

Mural Update