We are excited to introduce a new addition to our performing arts program: Production Studio, a hands-on course where future directors, choreographers , designers, and theatre leaders begin their journey.

In this class, students will take an active role in the production process, exploring set design, costume creation, props, lighting, sound, and stage management. Through collaborative, project-based learning, students will gain practical experience while discovering how each element contributes to bringing a production to life.

Production Studio is designed for students who are curious about what happens beyond the spotlight. Whether designing for a performance, building original concepts, or supporting ongoing productions, students will develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence through real-world application.

This course also strengthens the connection between our performing arts programs, creating new opportunities for collaboration between theatre, musical theatre, and technical theatre students. As our program continues to grow, Production Studio expands the ways students can create, lead, and contribute both onstage and behind the scenes.

Our 2nd grade Talented Theatre students recently took the stage to perform Little Miss Muffet, bringing a familiar story to life with creativity, energy, and just the right amount of bravery. With each line and movement, these young performers showed growing confidence as they stepped into the world of storytelling.

Throughout the rehearsal process, students explored character, voice, and movement in a way that was both playful and purposeful. For many, this was an exciting opportunity to perform for an audience and experience the joy of being onstage.

Adding to the magic, four high school Talented Theatre students joined the production as mentors and technicians. From helping behind the scenes to supporting the performers, these students modeled leadership, encouragement, and what it means to be part of a collaborative theatre community.

Performances like this remind us that every great performer starts somewhere. From a nursery rhyme onstage to future productions ahead, our students are learning to take risks, support one another, and most importantly  have fun along the way.

Students in our Musical Theatre class recently brought scenes from Something Rotten! to life through a collaborative, student-driven production that highlighted performance, design, and leadership across our performing arts program.

Performers focused on character development, vocal performance, and ensemble storytelling as they explored the humor and style of this high-energy musical. Through rehearsals and performance, students worked together to create engaging, dynamic scenes that showcased both their creativity and growing confidence onstage.

Behind the scenes, students played an equally important role in shaping the production. Talented Theatre technical students managed lighting, sound, and overall production elements, ensuring a smooth and polished performance experience. Students in Play Production contributed to the design process by developing set and costume concepts, with several students bringing their ideas to life through hands-on construction and creation.

Our student media team also took the lead in capturing and promoting the production, documenting the process and helping share the story of this collaborative experience with our school community.

Projects like this reflect the full scope of our performing arts program, where students are given the opportunity to not only perform, but also design, build, lead, and create. By working together across classes and disciplines, students gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring a production to life.

While classes continued as usual, the CHS Theatre was filled with music early in the new year as students took the stage for a recent Chamber Music Recital. This collage-style recital featured a variety of chamber performances, showcasing both instrumental and vocal ensembles.

The students who performed are members of our Talented Music Program and receive services through a Talented IEP. Through this program, students receive focused coaching on ensemble performance and are exposed to advanced musical repertoire within their groups. Emphasis is placed on musicianship, attentive listening, and shared collaboration as students work together to bring each piece to life.

Events like the Chamber Music Recital are an important part of our performing arts program, allowing students to apply what they learn in class to a live performance environment. These experiences help students build confidence onstage while strengthening their ability to collaborate with peers , skills that extend far beyond the performance itself.

In addition to the musicians, the recital was supported by our Talented Theatre students, who served as the event’s technicians. These students handled essential production elements including lighting, sound, and stage management, helping ensure a smooth and professional performance experience. Through hands-on technical training, students in the Talented Theatre program develop practical theatre skills, problem-solving abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility behind the scenes. Their work plays a vital role in bringing live performances to life and reflects the collaborative nature of the performing arts.

In December, 6th–8th grade Talented Performing Arts students from CMS brought Disney magic to life as they performed Dare to Dream Jr. on the CHS Theatre stage. This winter musical revue invited students and audiences alike to dare to dream big, celebrating imagination, storytelling, and student growth while honoring 100 years of magic from Disney.

Students in the CMS Talented Preforming Ats program worked together to present a vibrant collection of musical selections filled with heart, energy, and creativity. Through rehearsals and performance, students focused on vocal performance, movement, ensemble storytelling, and stage presence. For many performers, this production marked their first time on the high school stage, a milestone moment that helped build confidence and excitement for future performing arts opportunities.

The magic of the production extended beyond the stage through the support of CHS Talented Theatre students, who served as the show’s technicians. These students were crucial to running the performance, managing lighting, sound, and backstage operations throughout the show. Their leadership and technical expertise ensured a smooth and successful production while modeling the collaboration that brings theatre to life.

Productions like Dare to Dream Jr. allow students to apply classroom learning in a live performance setting while experiencing the teamwork, responsibility, and creativity required to bring a show to life. This performance was not only a joyful celebration of Disney’s legacy, but also a meaningful step in developing confident, collaborative young artists who are encouraged to dream big , both onstage and beyond.