Theater in the Age of Remote Learning
Success Academy – October 23, 2020
When SA closed its classroom doors in March and cancelled HSLA’s spring show, Ms. Diaz and senior theater teacher Courtney Edwards made a decision that — against all odds, remote or hybrid — a fall play performance was not a matter of if but how.
When the Magic of the Stage Brings Us Together
Success Academy – February 26, 2020
If there’s one thing we celebrate at Success Academy, it’s self expression — and nowhere is that more apparent than on the night of the annual Festival of Performing Arts. This is one of the most exciting events of the Success Academy school year, a chance for scholars to walk onto the stage and express […]
The Power of Performing Arts
Success Academy – March 4, 2019
SA Union Square is buzzing as performers run through a tech rehearsal for the annual Performing Arts Festival. The festival has been in the works since the fall, with schools from across the network refining dance, chorus, band, theater, and poetry pieces in hopes that they will be included in the evening’s program. All in all, 363 scholars from 16 schools were selected to perform in the event on February 20 — a sold-out success.
Child’s Play: Cardboard, Creativity, and a Lot of Laughter
John Stone – October 3, 2018
Last week, my organization — The Paper Bag Players — honored Eva Moskowitz with The Susan Newhouse Award, which we give each year to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional support of our mission and vision. The Paper Bag Players is a performing arts organization founded 60 years ago by modern dancers, along with an […]
Success Academy Teacher Activist Stages a Comeback
Stephen Ferrell – August 17, 2018
It’s often said that teachers wear many hats throughout their careers. In May, that saying took on a very personal meaning when we were told that our school, SA Lafayette Middle School, would likely not be allowed to open because of a bureaucratic technicality. I was determined to fight for our kids, so I spent the past few months growing not only as an educator and as an artist, but also as an activist and advocate.
Watching My Scholars Grow as They Prepare for a Musical Theater Extravaganza
Nicole Carlson – June 5, 2018
“Ok scholars, take out your music! We’re going to start with I Just Can’t Wait to be King! This number needs to be cleaned up drastically!” So began our rehearsal last week for this year’s fourth-grade musical, The Lion King, which is premiering tomorrow. It’s the second year of a new tradition at SA Fort […]
Alternative Names for Black Boys
Sentell Harper – November 4, 2016
As a theater teacher, I believe in the power of self expression and have witnessed the profound effect performance can have both as an actor and as an audience member.
Closing the Experience Gap: Scholars Learn and Grow at Summer Camps
Corinne Adams – August 19, 2015
This summer, Success Academy connected scholars with several experiential programs, setting up camps for students who excel in chess, basketball, and soccer and partnering with the renowned Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, where four of our middle school scholars indulged their passion for art, creative writing, and choral singing.
Bringing A Great Musical (and Grit) to the Stage
Courtney Edwards – May 14, 2015
This Friday and Saturday, 22 scholars from Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts will perform in the school’s musical production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! It’s a show that follows a nervous new teacher on his first day with students.
Meet the Cast of ‘Charlie Brown’: Our Musical Journey Continues
Jacqui Friedman – March 18, 2015
Twenty-five middle school musical theater scholars from SA Harlem North West and SA Harlem North Central have been busy preparing to perform Charlie Brown, Success Academy’s first-ever middle school musical!
Performing Arts Showcase Preview
Liz Gosselin – January 20, 2015
Scholar and dancer Lala Diallo discusses her love of dance, the impact it has had on her school experience and the excitement of preparing for and dancing in the Performing Arts Showcase.