Upper School Performing Arts Overview

The performing arts program at RPCS allows each student, regardless of experience, many opportunities in both performance and non-performance classes to challenge themselves creatively through individual and ensemble explorations in dance, music, and theater. As we maintain high performance standards, the focus for the students is primarily on the process. Our students discover the joy of sharing their talents collaboratively across all three divisions, while gaining a true appreciation and understanding of the arts’ importance within the school and greater community. 

Through our performing arts offerings, we have some of the best opportunities to represent the diversity of our students and community. Upper School students may select a performing arts course that meets their comfort level. Students may also audition for select performing arts ensembles: Footlights Theatre Ensemble (FTE), Roses Repertory Dance Company (Roses), and Semiquavers, our a capella group. Once students have graduated from the Upper School, they should have a preliminary understanding of the performing arts and be prepared to engage in a college- level course.

The material and repertoire in each discipline is reflective of the diverse world in which we live, and reflective of the community in which we reside. We bring the outside world in by inviting guest artists to work with our students through residencies and masterclasses. Our students travel often into the community to attend performances at local theaters, colleges/universities, and our symphony hall. We have been fortunate to hear talkbacks following many of these performances, as well as invite professionals from these venues to our classrooms. Our ensembles also engage with our community by performing at pediatric hospitals, country clubs, private businesses, and retirement centers.