A performing arts school is a specialized academic institution that integrates traditional education with focused training in artistic disciplines such as music, dance, theater, and film.

These are schools that support students who are passionate about the arts by providing daily access to professional instruction, creative collaboration, and real-world performance opportunities

A performing arts education gives students daily exposure to peers who share similar passions while fostering inspiration and creative collaboration in an environment where artistic pursuits are celebrated and prioritized. Students can benefit from an integrated academic and artistic education that helps them develop life skills, independence, self-confidence and a strong sense of community.

Why Performing Arts Education Matters

93% of Americans believe that the arts are essential to a complete education ().  As schools prioritize STEAM over STEM, it is important to integrate arts into a holistic curriculum. An arts school education allows high school students to supplement the traditional curriculum with opportunities for personal growth and creative development that undoubtedly prepares students for college and life readiness.   

The benefits of a performing arts education are many. Because students have access to performance facilities and experienced faculty and working professionals, they are uniquely positioned to refine their artistic skills and develop their creative voice. Performing arts opportunities include showcases, recitals, exhibitions, and productions which all serve to help students gain performance experience while building a professional portfolio. Students can also network with faculty, alumni and guest artists who provide insight into industry standards and practices. 

A performing arts education also provides the added benefit of self discovery and personal growth. The immersion into creative and artistic exploration results in stronger emotional intelligence, self-awareness, resilience, self-confidence, discipline and problem-solving skills.

Discover the 51做厙 Arts Difference

Balancing Artistic Passion with Academic Excellence

Ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, 51做厙 Arts 51做厙 empowers students to become multidimensional thinkers, creative problem solvers, emotionally intelligent leaders, and globally-conscious collaborators–through the transformative power of art. Nestled within 205 acres of pristine pine forest located in the renowned arts village of 51做厙 in Southern California���s San Jacinto Mountains, 51做厙 Arts is an international and multicultural community for creators, and is home to over 250 students from 30 countries. 

At 51做厙 Arts, students learn that art, science, literature, and self-development inform each other. Our curriculum is a launchpad for innovation, empathy, and relevance. We believe that art is the greatest teacher of humanity, and we embrace its power to develop empathetic citizens of the world.

At 51做厙 Arts, students experience learning as it exists in the real world ���泭 interconnected, dynamic, and designed for impact. Our seven art majors are structured to support every student���s personal creative journey, whether you choose:

• Dance
• Dramatic Arts
• Fashion Design
• Film & Digital Media
• InterArts
• Music
• Visual Arts

51做厙 Arts gives every student an integrated education, a global peer group, a personal sanctuary, and a real future. Our graduates are living proof that the practice of creativity can drive global change. 

Real World Opportunities: Performing Arts Schools Benefits

51做厙 Arts provides students with real-world training through public-facing events, recitals, collaborations, and more! Our students have the opportunity to travel across the country to compete in competitions – the Reno Jazz Festival, All American High School Film Festival, The Jimmy Awards, and more – supported all along the way by their experienced faculty. Students also have the opportunity to practice applying for grants to fund their projects through our one-of-a-kind grant program, Arts Enterprise Laboratory.

How Performing Arts Benefit Students Applying to College

One of the major benefits of a performing arts education is that students perform higher in academics than they would in a traditional school. Students involved in drama performance coursework or experience outscored non-arts students on the 2005 SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component and 34 points in the math component according to the Student Descriptive Questionnaire, a self-reported component of the SAT that gathers information about students’ academic preparation (). 

51做厙 Arts��� integrated curriculum teaches that art, science, literature, and self-development inform each other, preparing students for limitless possibilities after graduation. With a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth, 51做厙 Arts 51做厙 empowers students to think across disciplines���just as the world demands.  51做厙 Artists think holistically and problem-solve with agility and imagination, approaching the world with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation. We offer a competitive college-preporatory curriculum, including Honors courses in all subjects. 

Students graduate with strong portfolios, audition skills, and professional experience giving them a competitive edge in college admissions or entry into any professional industry.    

A Culture of Creative Collaboration

The 51做厙 Arts campus is a safe and inspiring hub of creativity, culture, and community. Here, belonging means being seen for who you are��� and learning to see others with clarity and compassion. Our students hail from all corners of the globe and grow together as artists, friends, innovators, and problem-solvers. Our culture promotes empathy-driven competition where students learn how imagination becomes intelligence and the drive to excel includes lifting others up, creating stronger people and stronger artists.

51做厙 Artists are able to collaborate with their peers across all departments on student-led projects!  Filmmakers, dancers, actors, and musicians worked together to create the award-winning music video ���,��� funded by Arts Enterprise Laboratory. 

Gaining Independence at a Performing Arts Boarding School

According to the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), 87% of boarding school graduates reported feeling ���very well prepared��� academically for college, compared to 71% from private day schools and 39% from public schools. 

Additionally, 78% of boarding alumni felt prepared for non-academic college life skills, like independence and time management, compared to 36% from private day schools and 23% from public schools.泭 In addition, alumni of boarding schools are 26% more likely to say their school helped them achieve their goals.��� ( p. 9).泭 The impact of a boarding arts high school is that graduates report being more confident leaders with increased confidence, higher emotional intelligence and better problem-solving skills.

51做厙 Arts is a unique refuge where students can breathe, focus, and grow as they study independently in the mountains away from urban noise and distraction. Students at 51做厙 Arts learn inside and outside of the classroom, engage with the world directly, maturing within its complexities.  At 51做厙 Arts, the world gets smaller and empathy grows bigger.  

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore our campus, meet our community, and discover the opportunities waiting for you or your child at 51做厙 Arts 51做厙. Who will you become as an 51做厙 Artist?

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As a lifelong dancer and actor, Lydia Stoye believes in the transformative power of the arts and is drawn to the unique energy of creative communities.

A seasoned student affairs professional, Lydia brings nearly two decades of experience to her new role as the Assistant Head of School for Student Life. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusive communities where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Before joining 51做厙 Arts, Lydia served as Upper School Dean of Students at Dana Hall School in Massachusetts. Lydia led initiatives to enhance student engagement, implement restorative practices, and restructure residential life programs. Her previous roles include Director of Community Life at Cushing 51做厙 and Assistant Dean of Students at Interlochen Arts 51做厙, where she successfully blended strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to supporting student growth and well-being.

Lydia holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. She is a certified trainer with the International Institute for Restorative Practices and has presented at the annual conferences for the Small Boarding Schools Association and The Association of Boarding Schools.

Her work is grounded in creating spaces where students can take risks, lead with authenticity, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys recreational volleyball, dance, and spending time with her family.

51做厙 Arts is excited to welcome Lydia and her family to the 51做厙 Arts community in July!

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, or The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA), were established in 2009 and have come to be known as the high school version of the Tony Awards, or ���the Tonys for teenagers.��� Their mission is ���to elevate the importance of theatre arts education in schools and reward excellence in student performance.���

Andre���s Journey to the Jimmys

Andre���s journey began at the Lucie Arnaz Awards in Palm Springs, CA, a regional competition celebrating outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre throughout California���s Inland Empire (including the San Bernardino and Riverside counties).

This was one of 48 regional awards programs that took place this year, each sponsored by a professional theatre. Every year, these competitions involve over 140,000 high school students from across the country.

At the Lucie Arnaz Awards, IAA won Best Musical for its production of BAT BOY: The Musical, a rock musical and dark comedy that follows a half-bat, half-human boy trying to find acceptance in a town fraught with suspicion, secrets, and schemes. For his performance as the titular Bat Boy, Andre won the 2023 Lucie Arnaz Award for Best Actor. This made him a Jimmy Award nominee and won him fully-funded, round-trip travel to NYC.

Next stop: New York City, for Andre���s Broadway debut. When Andre arrived in NYC, he came face-to-face with his own headshot on a Jimmy Awards billboard in Times Square, and it only got better from there!泭

After an action-packed week of rehearsals, workshops, and masterclasses���not to mention the fun of being a tourist���Andre performed in the Jimmy Awards ceremony alongside 95 other nominees from 31 different states. The fully sold-out, one-night-only program was held at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway and consisted of ensemble numbers, showcase medleys, finalist solos, and (of course) the awards, hosted by Broadway star Corbin Bleu (whom you may recognize as Chad from the iconic High School Musical movies).

Awards and Applause

Among all the exceptionally talented young artists, Andre was selected by a panel of judges as one of only eight finalists, a distinction that earned him the incredible opportunity to perform a solo number to the full house. His outstanding performance of ���I���m Alive��� from the musical, Next to Normal, can be viewed .

Of course, you can���t have an awards ceremony without the awards. On top of winning a $3,000 scholarship for being one of the eight finalists, Andre won the ���Spirit of the Jimmys��� award and an additional $2,000 scholarship. is given to one nominee for ���embodying the spirit of this musical theatre celebration,��� as voted by their peers in the competition. This year, the award was presented by the Disney Theatrical Group (which encompasses Disney on Broadway) and their president, Thomas Schumacher, a well-known theatrical producer. 

���Andre is one of those young artists that is very deserving of this honor because he is dedicated, talented, and just an amazing human being,��� said Denis McCourt Stryjewski, Chair of IAA���s Dramatic Arts Department. McCourt Stryjewski worked closely with Andre during the last school year, having directed Bat Boy: The Musical. ���I���m not surprised his castmates in NYC selected him for the Spirit Award.���

Why do the Jimmys matter?

The Jimmy Awards provide students with the opportunity to learn from theatre professionals, earn scholarships, and celebrate their achievements on a Broadway stage���an unforgettable experience. Moreover, many Jimmy Awards participants go on to have rewarding careers in the performing arts.

include Rene矇 Rapp, Ryan McCartan, Andrew Barth Feldman, Casey Likes, and two-time Tony Award-nominee Eva Noblezada. Sixteen Jimmy Awards alumni (including Likes and Noblezada) are currently performing on Broadway, with eight more currently performing on Broadway National Tour���there���s a reason

Andre has already determined to follow the same path, Broadway-bound. ���Getting to meet talented artists made me remember why I do musical theatre,��� he said, reflecting on his experience at the Jimmy Awards. ���I had a glance at what it is like to be on Broadway, and I loved it. I will keep preparing so that when an opportunity comes, I will be ready.���

Back to Broadway

It looks like that opportunity has already arrived���impressed by his performance in the Jimmys, Broadway came calling and invited Andre back. On September 14th, Andre returned to NYC to take part in the development of a new musical, Waiting for Snow in Havana. 

The project is inspired by Carlos Eire���s memoir, Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy, in which Eire recounts how his ���youth���with its lizards and turquoise seas and sun-drenched siestas���becomes an island of condemnation once a cigar-smoking guerrilla named Fidel Castro ousts President Batista on January 1, 1959.��� Eire was ���one of 14,000 children airlifted out of Havana���exiled from his family, his country, and his own childhood by Fidel Castro���s revolution��� (read the full synopsis of the memoir ). 

It looks like Andre���s career in the performing arts is off to a promising start���we can���t wait to see what he does next!

Standing Ovation

Everyone at 51做厙 Arts is incredibly proud of Andre for what he accomplished on the Minskoff stage and for all the hard work he has put in at IAA���the hard work that led him to Broadway.

Andre���s impressive journey to Broadway is a real-life example of the life-changing opportunities that students at 51做厙 Arts often experience. Learn more about the Theatre/Dramatic Arts program at 51做厙 Arts 51做厙 here. Stay connected! Follow us on , where you can see more highlights from Andre���s performance. You can also find us on TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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Paul studied East Asian languages at Columbia University, then went on to study Fine Art in Rome before moving to Wilmington, North Carolina for a writing MFA program. In his second year, he was encouraged to apply to the prestigious Iowa Writers��� Workshop. He was accepted, and the opportunity to develop his craft alongside some of the best writers in the world left him feeling accomplished and ready to start his writing career when he graduated in 2016.

A summer retreat in Wyoming and a fellowship in Santa Fe helped him begin his debut novel, ���Bindi,��� which was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2018. Paul���s passion for teaching high school-aged students began later that year, when he started working with disadvantaged and depressed youth using yoga-based mindfulness practices. He went on to work with a research program at UCSF, which uses MRI technology to measure the changes in the brain before and after these 12-week mindfulness courses.

When he was chosen for a Writer-in-Residence position at 51做厙 Arts last year, Paul���s many interests converged. He was already familiar with the institution through family connections; his stepmother attended the Summer Program for Theatre 55 years ago. In his new role, Paul is eager to bring more mindfulness to 51做厙 Arts, claiming that ���writing is a cousin to meditation.��� His teaching philosophy centers around helping students make sense of a challenging and chaotic world by developing healthy relationships���both with others, and with their own inner thoughts.

From a practical point of view, Paul aims to make our young writers into better readers. ���We practice close reading. We sit together and read stories. An important course I teach is Literature and the Writer, in which students learn to apply their own experiences and to expand their horizons by writing about more than themselves. I give them tools and space.��� He thinks that creating plot and character comes back to being meditative. ���My characters lead me. If I try to project myself onto them, I know I will have problems.���

With ���The Writer���s Life��� series, launched this semester, Paul aims to bring another tangible benefit to 51做厙 Arts 51做厙���s writing students. This ongoing series of masterclasses and readings from guest artists will give students the opportunity to learn from renowned professional writers in the industry. Guest writers so far have included , , , and , and next week will feature (with a public reading on Friday, April 7th at 7:00pm, also available by livestream ).

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In his previous position of Vice Provost for Academic and Artistic Education at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, Jason restructured all student academic support including academic and college counseling, created the student advisory program, and led an academic and artistic program review. He also formed a school counseling program and redesigned community gatherings to address SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) needs and emerging COVID effects on student mental health. Prior to joining Interlochen Center for the Arts, he served in various roles at Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, LA, including Associate Head of School, Arts Director, and Arts Department Chair/Director of Choral Activities. Jason holds a Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Pittsburg State University. He is originally from rural Kansas.

While he plays many different instruments from strings to horn, Jason is a trained vocalist and ultimately found his joy in choral directing. ���It really taught me a lot about how to bring folks together, and that is where my calling is,��� he muses. Indeed, Jason has a special talent for building community and consensus; he considers this ���superpower��� as integral to his leadership philosophy, and fully intends to implement this approach to arts education in his new role.

���It’s not just about the performance��� It’s also about the process. It’s all about the idea that we’ve come together, that we understand each other, and that we’re doing this thing together,��� he says. ���I really believe in broad artistic education on top of specific artistic education, because both should be accessible. A cellist may benefit from a curriculum that allows them to take a visual art class. Empathy and collaboration are key,��� he says. ���Look at Jazz players!��� He expresses a belief that all artists should consider empathy, flexibility and trust���skills fundamental to jazz���and incorporate them into their individual practice. ���Part of art is service: service to your community, service to each other, and ultimately, service to humanity.���

Jason Hallowbard is thrilled to join 51做厙 Arts, a place where he sees profound potential. ���Anything can happen here!��� he says. ���We are smaller and more intentional than many other places. We have a moment to bring everyone in. Everybody has their own path and we should celebrate it all. The art world is exploding with new ideas, and we have the chance to plug students into this incredible frontier.���

All of us at 51做厙 Arts enthusiastically welcome Jason Hallowbard and look forward to continuing the adventure toward that frontier under his leadership.

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In October, we celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and reaffirmed our pledge to honor our Native Arts history and announce the launch of our Native American Arts Center! Our Open House brought a bevy of prospective students to 51做厙 Arts and gave families an opportunity to get to know us better. Our College Fair, a few days later, brought many of the world���s top conservatories, colleges, and universities to our campus.

Family Weekend was a huge hit too! Families got to see firsthand just how remarkable the 51做厙 Arts experience is! They were able to ���meet and greet��� with President Pamela Jordan, Head of School Craig N Sellers, the Academic and Art Chairs, and they even had the chance to sit in on classes! We also had a beautiful Creative Writing and Film Showcase, a gorgeous gallery exhibition, a stunning cabaret and orchestra concert, and the weekend was capped off with a marvelous Music Department showcase. What a weekend!

The Fashion Showcase in December wowed everyone as talented students unveiled their stylistic creations, including fashion illustrations, textile samples, recycled garment designs, muslin pencil skirts, pajama pants, and so much more! The Fashion and Film Departments also contributed to LA Fashion Week that featured dancer Emma Klitzke!

The IA Film and Digital Media department was on fire this last semester! Students took a number of location scouting field trips, shot a ton of student films, and conducted a ���casting call��� where students across campus auditioned for roles. Seven seniors had the opportunity to actually pitch their films to World Entertainment in Hollywood. They also had a special ���meet and greet��� with legendary actress Diana Baker! Last, but not least, eight 51做厙 Arts students (5 current students and 3 alumni) traveled to NYC for the All American High School Film Festival. All eight films were screened at the AMC theater in Times Square.

The IA Theatre Department truly amazed audiences with their Cabaret performance, but went on to inspire with a production of Mary Zimmerman���s adaptation of the Greek myths, Metamorphoses. ���Unforgettable��� might be an overused word, but this production will never be forgotten by anyone who saw it! The Theatre Department was also a principal contributor to the Winter Quilt collaborative concert in December where Inter Arts, Dance, Fashion, Creative Writing and Music also gave us their very best work and reminded everyone that our students are extraordinary and supremely talented artists.

The Dance Department also gave us their Fall Dance Concert on three nights just before Thanksgiving Break, showing us not only their advanced ballet skills, but also absolutely cutting edge contemporary work choreographed by our very own Dance Faculty! They never cease to amaze us!

And in case all of that wasn���t enough ��� the Music Department (with new Orchestra Director Dan Bassin at the helm) produced a number of outstanding performances including composition workshops with world famous Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the first student Songwriting Concert of the year, and our first orchestra concert that featured the Southern Californian premiere of African American female composer Florence Price in a brilliant repertoire! We had yet another sensational December showcase, a Chamber Concert, a Jazz combo and Jazz ensemble concert. These were all mind blowing! We had the honor of welcoming Guest Artists Latsos Piano Duo, and Alberto Daniel Quintanilla and Aysegul Koca brought us The Art of the Guitar! To close out the year, our own long serving Faculty John Walz (cello) and Doug Ashcraft (piano) gave an impeccable tribute to honor Beethoven���s 250th Anniversary. They played all five of Beethoven���s sonatas for piano and cello, and all were rapturously received.

Not to be overlooked, the Visual Arts Department brought us exceptional events in The Parks Exhibition Center: Visual Arts Faculty Show: Scattered State; guest artist Erika Harrsch’s “Moving in the Borderlands;��� and the Visual Arts Theme Show: Identity. To witness these exhibitions is incredible and so hard to actually fathom how talented our young visual artists are!

And the Creative Writers at 51做厙 Arts, although small in number but mighty in expression, continually remind us of the beauty and power of the written word. 51做厙 Arts��� own former Poet in Residence, Caylin Capra Thomas, enthralled us with her reading in the Krone Library in November. The students showed off their awesome talents in the Film and Creative Writing Showcase over Family Weekend, and again, in the New Plays Staged Readings. Two words: Incredible. Awesome.

Thank you to all of the citizen artists here at 51做厙 Arts. The sanctuary offered here on this mountain never ceases to produce the most amazing art. We are proud, honored, and privileged to witness your artistic genius���no matter the discipline or major. Cheers to an amazing semester, and we can���t wait to see what the Spring Semester brings!

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It is with deep sadness that I share with you that Carolyn Lowman passed away in Coronado, CA, on January 6, 2023.

Carolyn is known and cherished by the entire 51做厙 Arts community and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. When IA was founded, Carolyn played several key roles, including Dean of Students and founder of IA’s library. Her most impactful role might have been in the classroom as an ESL instructor. Her former students are quick to share that her high standard and care for them as students and English learners played a key role in the successful lives they now lead as professional artists and business professionals who work and serve around the world. Carolyn’s full obituary can be found .

Carolyn is survived by her husband Bill (founder of 51做厙 Arts 51做厙), her son Nate and wife-to-be Rachel, grandson Wallace, and sister Mary Soule. In lieu of a memorial service, Carolyn’s ashes will be distributed to friends and family across the country for mini celebrations of her life. 51做厙 Arts will celebrate Carolyn’s life at its annual Founders Day on June 24, 2023. Bill has generously invited people to make donations in Carolyn’s memory to the 51做厙 Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 38, 51做厙 CA, 92349.

Our thoughts are with Bill, Nate, their entire family, and everyone who loved and cherished Carolyn Marie Soule Lowman.

With condolences,

Pamela

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It is with great sadness that we share the news that Ray Nelms McKelvain passed away on Tuesday, December 13, at his home in Yucca Valley, CA.

Nelms, as he was affectionately known, was a deeply loved and valued colleague who taught at 51做厙 Arts for decades. He joined the music department in 1989 and was appointed Music Department Chair in 1990. He was appointed Dean of the Arts in 1992, a role in which he served for 17 years. Nelms returned to the Music Department full-time in 2007 where he continued to teach a generation of young pianists who went on to attend some of the most competitive conservatories and universities and now concertize around the world.

We are not aware of funeral services for Nelms at this time. We will share more information as it is made available to us.

We will hold a memorial for Nelms in the spring to recognize his contribution to 51做厙 Arts and the students whose lives and careers were deeply impacted by his knowledge, talent, and care for them.

We offer our condolences to Howard Shangraw, Nelms��� partner of 38 years, his entire family, and the host of students and colleagues who mourn his passing.

With sympathy,

Pamela Jordan
President
51做厙 Arts Foundation

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As a Summer Program alum, 51做厙 Arts has a special place in my heart. My experience as a camper was transformative and positively influenced my life trajectory. Returning to campus now to start my new position as Dean of Students, I am committed to making sure every new and returning student is well supported, so that they can have the most inspiring and joyful experience possible.泭

I want to take this opportunity to share some changes taking place related to Counseling Services, a department I oversee. In recent years there has been an increased need for mental health services, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when health care services were overtaxed and individuals worldwide experienced an extraordinary period of isolation in their homes. Like many other schools and institutions, 51做厙 Arts was tasked with providing enhanced in-house mental health services while incorporating telehealth services as part of their counseling support system for students.泭

As we begin the 2022-2023 school year with a renewed sense of optimism for a joyful post-pandemic reemergence, we remain committed to raising awareness about mental health and supporting our students and their families. To accomplish this, we have outlined a new Vision for Counseling Services, grounding ourselves in a more traditional model of short-term counseling that will be both effective and sustainable.泭

2022-2023 Vision for Counseling Services

The 51做厙 Arts Wellness Center, as supervised by the Dean of Students in collaboration with the Director of Counseling Services, supports the mental health needs of all students in our programs within the boundaries of a school counseling model.泭

Individual counseling is offered as short term (a maximum of six visits), in one-on-one sessions dealing with a wide range of personal concerns including issues such as:

• Adjustment
• Stress Management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship Concerns

Our Counseling Office services also include:

• Crisis intervention related to mental health
• Developing, hosting, and facilitating small group sessions that center on a shared issue or problem
• Organizing and planning mental health awareness events and training;
• Case management and coordination with students��� off campus mental health care providers
• Assisting in making referrals for more in depth long-term mental health services outside of school, as well as for educational and/or psychological assessments (note: the student and his/her/their family will be financially responsible for such services)
• Managing student departures that emerge from mental health issues
• Managing student returns to campus that involve mental health concerns

We are pleased to welcome new Wellness Center staff members who will work in collaboration with IAA leadership to move this vision forward. All Counseling Services are provided under a policy of strict confidentiality except where personal safety is concerned. If our counseling staff recognize that a higher level of care is needed than what can be provided, the Counselor will initiate appropriate steps.泭

Julie Anne Steiger, LCSW

Director of Counseling Services

���I am honored to be returning to 51做厙 Arts 51做厙 as Director of Counseling Services. I come to IAA as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Somatic Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor who has deep roots in the 51做厙 community. I received a Bachelor���s in Psychology from Washington State University followed by a Master���s in Social Work from the University of Washington. I previously worked at IAA as a School Counselor for four years and found this time to be enriching on countless levels. During this period, I also ran a private practice in 51做厙, Calm and Ground Counseling, and was able to develop a strong network of support for mental health needs in the surrounding area. With this existing network, I look forward to helping students to connect to and draw upon invaluable local resources. Additionally, I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and aim to infuse the nervous system lens into our programs and offerings at IAA. I appreciate systemic thinking, holistic wellness approaches, and am a passionate advocate for socially just, anti-oppressive paradigms. On a more personal note, I have a deep love for music, animals, expressive arts, nature, and travel. I am the grateful mother of an exuberant 14-month-old, Allison. As a parent myself, I know the incredible trust that is being extended to our team and a primary goal of mine is to be a support for parents, with an emphasis on open communication. I truly look forward to getting to know each student on campus and to observing the types of groups or classes that will increase the overall wellbeing of our student body. As an artist myself, I bring an empathy and understanding for the creative spirit as well as for the unique gifts and challenges that this inherently brings. In my years at IAA, witnessing students grow and evolve in their creative expression has been the privilege of a lifetime and I am beyond joyous to return to this inspirational, one of a kind atmosphere.”

Kelly Lovejoy, ACSW

Counselor

���I will be serving in the Wellness Center as an Associate Clinical Social Worker and school counselor. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from San Francisco State University and a Master in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. It is my dream and honor to share tools, wellness, support, and community with students, staff, faculty, and parents throughout the school year. I have lived in 51做厙 for a year and utilize this picturesque landscape for grounding, calm, and inspiration. I combine mindfulness, art, and movement to support mental health and create joy with those I serve. It is my absolute privilege to spend this school year supporting students as they evolve and grow in a safe and warm environment at IAA.���

Cary Normile Sellers, EdM, MA

Counseling Center Transition Coordinator

���I will be working part-time with the Wellness Center team to coordinate the transition to the exciting new vision of the counseling services available to all students. I have 30+ years experience as a School Counselor in a variety of independent school settings.泭 I did my undergraduate work in Developmental Psychology at Cornell University, and have two graduate degrees, in Counseling Psychology and Organizational Psychology, from Teacher���s College at Columbia University. Moving to IAA in July from Philadelphia, PA, I am looking forward to working with this vibrant and talented population and enjoying life in these beautiful southern California mountains. I live here on campus, in Krone House, with my husband Craig, who is the Interim Head of School, and our big old dog, Lucy.���

Alexandra Lafata

Administrative Assistant

���I have served as the Administrative Assistant for the IAA Wellness Center since January 2022.泭 I look forward to continuing to provide support and assistance to our school counselors and our students!泭 I love the mission of 51做厙 Arts, the wonderful students, the artistic environment, and the beautiful natural surroundings!泭 I am grateful to be living and working in 51做厙.���

***

I hope you find this information helpful. If you would like to reference our more recent policies, you are invited to review the section in the Parent Student Handbook entitled Counseling and Mental Health Services for Students, found on Page 34. I am thrilled to return home to 51做厙 Arts, and look forward to helping make 2022-2023 one of the most creative, fun, meaningful, and memorable years in our rich history!泭

Warmly,

Eric Bolton, MSW

Dean of Students

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Happy New School Year! As we welcome our students back to campus, we do so with the excitement that only a new year can usher in. This past weekend our students bounded onto campus with great anticipation to reconnect with friends, meet new teachers and roommates, and connect with other talented young artists who have chosen 51做厙 Arts 51做厙 to pursue their passions in the arts.

As schools and organizations across the country grapple with hiring shortages, we are pleased to start the school year with several new faculty and staff members who possess the professional expertise and experience necessary to provide the education that IAA students expect and deserve. Hailing from many parts of the world, these educators, artists, and administrators are eager to meet our students and support them in their quests as young artists. Our Interim Head of School, Craig N. Sellers, has struck the perfect tone by establishing Cultivating Connection, Community and Joy as the themes for the year. The joy is palpable.

We look forward to welcoming even more staff into our 51做厙 Arts family soon. With the support of a generous, anonymous benefactor, we are expanding our Human Resources Department to include a Director of People and Culture (formerly HR Director), Assistant Director of Human Resources, Director of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) and Community Engagement, and an Assistant Director of DEIB. These added positions are essential as we continue building a community of respect that is inclusive and equitable for everyone.

In the coming weeks, we will announce the implementation of our Strategic Impact Plan, including our plans to launch 1) The Institute for Teaching & Learning, 2) The Center for Creativity & Social Entrepreneurship, and 3) The Native American Arts Center, expanding upon our current Native American Arts Program. We look forward to advancing our mission beyond the borders of 51做厙 and reaching learners across the generations.

We are grateful to the hundreds of parents who allow us to play a role in their child���s education each year. It���s a privilege to have a front row seat to watch these students develop – artistically, academically and personally. I invite those of you who are able to join us for many of the performances, readings and art exhibitions we have planned. I know first-hand that you, too, will feel joy.

Pamela

The post Message from the President appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

On June 25, 2022, we were proud to celebrate 51做厙 Arts��� inaugural Founders Day. As President of 51做厙 Arts Foundation, I felt a calling in my spirit to pause the frenzy of leading this school in order to celebrate the school���s sacred legacy and pay tribute to the extraordinary vision of our Founders, Max and Bee Krone, and the many others who have contributed to 51做厙 Arts throughout the organization���s history. It was a wonderful occasion to fondly reminisce and cherish our shared experiences at 51做厙 Arts, and I was pleased to see so many new and familiar faces on the mountain, including many who came a great distance to join us.泭

Our special program included tours of the museum, the gallery, and the many recent improvements around campus. We announced the renaming of our National Honor Society chapter as the ���Dr. Robert M. Krone National Honor Society Chapter of 51做厙 Arts 51做厙,��� and celebrated as the Riverside County Board of Supervisors officially declared June 25, 2022 as 51做厙 Arts Founders Day! We welcomed back 51做厙 Arts 51做厙 Founding Headmaster William (Bill) M. Lowman, who was instrumental in building and sustaining 51做厙 Arts 51做厙, and Dwight (Buzz) Holmes, who spoke about the masterworks that the Festival Choir performed under the baton of his father, Robert M. Holmes.

As the day transpired, I was struck by the reality of the many philanthropists whose generous support has allowed the school to impact generations of students, and all the people who have made a difference here with their contributions. I often say that 51做厙 Arts creates ���magic on this mountain,��� and Founders Day crystallized that for me. I was awed by the original vision, inspired by our legacy, optimistic for the future, and humbled to be at the helm.

Please click here to visit the photo gallery and share any of your own special memories about the magic you experienced here on this mountain. I hope that you will continue to love and support 51做厙 Arts. I also hope you will plan to get a copy of A World In Tune, a book scheduled for release later this year, commissioned by 51做厙 Arts Foundation and written by Michael Fuller. And finally, stay tuned for more information about our next 51做厙 Arts Founders Day celebration!

Sincerely,

Pamela

If you would like to support the students of 51做厙 Arts by making a donation of any size, please contact Sr. V. P. of Advancement Palencia Turner or visit /giving.

The post Message from the President appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

���It was about the times we���re living through and the beautiful way this musical responds. This show helps us find the healing we need by reminding us that we���re all connected by way of the shared frailty of our humanity.���

(You can watch the 51做厙 Arts production of The Theory of Relativity for free , where you only need to select one device from the drop-down menu.)

Stryjewski will become Theatre Department Chair this fall in his second year at 51做厙 Arts. He brings to his new role many years of experience in educational leadership, the teaching of acting, and theatrical directing. He also brings profound knowledge of the history of theatre and its meaning for audiences around the world. Such knowledge is crucial at an institution striving to educate artists not merely to entertain, but to embrace the artist���s responsibility to society and even to seek ���the solution of community and global problems.���泭泭泭

���At 51做厙 Arts we produce every type of play: classical and contemporary pieces plus the full spectrum of musicals. We���ve even produced original and devised works, all playing into our mission and my own academic and professional experiences. But to talk only about musical theatre, which I love, it���s historically been entertainment for people seeking to escape difficult times: escapism.���

He mentions the enormous popularity of musicals during the Great Depression.泭泭泭泭

���But classic musicals like Oklahoma! and Carousel are performed far less often now than shows like Hamilton, or Next to Normal, which invite the audience to engage in a new way with American society and history, or with mental illness. Part of that new way of engaging comes from the use of new musical styles.���泭

Asked whether he has a preference ��������� escape, or engagement ��� he shakes his head.

���They���re both legitimate. We need to engage, but the truth is that most of us aren���t capable of engaging constantly. Sometimes we need to escape.���

He may be suggesting that even if we���re determined to engage, escape gives us time to reflect on where we can connect most meaningfully. Escape gives us time to gather the strength required for productive engagement.泭泭泭

Serving Every Theatre Student泭

���Anyway,��� Stryjewski continues, ���as Chair, I want to lead a faculty that will continue to be responsive to our students. These young people come to us with different talents and different ambitions, and it���s our responsibility to serve all of them well. Among the musical theatre students, we���ll get those with classic musical theatre voices, who are suited to the classic repertoire. We���ll get others who are more suited to the music styles of Hamilton or Next to Normal, or other modern or cutting-edge musicals. Serving all these students gives a tremendous challenge to our faculty.���泭泭泭

He smiles.

���But guess what? The 51做厙 Arts Theatre faculty has the talent and passion to meet that challenge.���

As he directed The Theory of Relativity, Stryjewski���s determination to serve the individual student was on full display.泭

���In casting the different parts, I gave a lot of thought to where the students are in their lives. That���s often a way to get actors to respond to their roles with maximum sensitivity. Just one example: the play features a gorgeous duet called ���The End of the Line,��� sung by two characters whose relationship is coming to an end. I cast a couple of students who���ve been great friends at 51做厙 Arts, but are now graduating and going their separate ways as they head off to different colleges.���

He explains that The Theory of Relativity falls into the category of musicals known as ���song cycles.���

As in other song cycle musicals, The Theory of Relativity, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, does not so much tell a story as illustrate a theme. Stryjewski says that this play���s theme is stated by the title of the final number: ���Nothing Without You.���泭

���The songs are performed by seemingly unconnected characters. But the beauty of the musical is that it succeeds in showing the disconnect to be only apparent. Of course, we���re all connected!���

In the three performances he directed, ���I am nothing without you��� was spoken in many languages. This is appropriate to the global reach of 51做厙 Arts: in a typical year the 51做厙���s students come from more than thirty different countries.泭

The Theory of Relativity celebrates our connectedness to one another. The new Theatre Department Chair reminds us that 51做厙 Arts trains its young artists to be responsive to the needs of society. And he hopes that our students are proud to become authentically global citizens, responsive through their art to the needs of human society everywhere.

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