Program Initiative: Academy and Training
Arizona School for the Arts (ASA) is a nonprofit college prep school offering performing arts classes for 5th -12th grade. ASA offers a very strong academic curriculum that consists of core academic studies in which students are expected to be engaged participants in the process. ASA provides rigorous, diverse, and professionally-driven performing arts programs. It is one of the highest performing middle and high schools in Arizona having received state and national recognition. ASA is proud of the rigor and expertise we can provide our students in both their academic and arts classes.
Quick Facts:
- ASA has been labeled an "excelling" school since 2003 and was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, by the US Department of Education in 2005.
- One hundred percent of ASA sophomores meet or exceeded standards on all portions of the AIMS test on the first attempt.
- 95% of ASA graduates pursue higher education immediately following high school.
- Student academic achievements include: Presidential, Flinn, National Merit, and Arizona Community Foundation Scholars.
- ASA students have won prestigious competitions including: Prix de Lausanne; Utah Shakespeare Competition, Arizona State Thespian Competition, Phoenix Symphony Guild Grand Prize, Phoenix Young Artist, and AriZoni awards.
ASA Theatre:
The Phoenix Theatre Education Department is proud to provide professional theatre artists as instructors and mentors to ASA students.
The ASA Theatre Department is dedicated to creating a safe and exciting learning environment that focuses on process, academic rigor, creative exploration and physical training. Our program is an intense, conservatory style training with working theatre professionals. ASA students have the privilege to train at the Phoenix Theatre starting their sophomore year. Classes include a variety of instruction in the elements of acting, directing, technical theatre and design, voice and body work, and the study of theatre history. It is our goal for the students to be well versed in fundamentals of the profession of theatre, prepped for professional and college entrance auditions, and experienced in the process of developing engaging characters.
ASA Instructors:
Maren Mascarelli
Boyd Branch
Toby Yatso
Brad Speck
The International Thespian Society:
As members, students benefit from publications edited specifically for high school and middle school theatre enthusiasts; from participating in events like state conferences and the International Thespian Festival; from the recognition that comes from being a part of an honorary organization; and from the widened perspective that proves they share an interest with millions of peers. Thespian students also have an array of scholarship opportunities open to them at state and international thespian events.
Thespian membership is granted for the performance of meritorious work in theatre arts. By participating onstage and backstage for various theatrical productions, students may earn points which qualify them for induction into the International Thespian Society. Any student who has participated in at least two productions for a total of one hundred hours of work is eligible for Thespian Society membership.
The ASA Theatre Students have benefited by working at the theatre in a variety of technical and administrative capacities. ASA students have been seen on the Phoenix Theatre stage, backstage crew, box office and educational offices. By providing opportunities for the students to learn while they work, they integrate themselves into the everyday working environment of the theatre and get a taste of what it takes to make it in “The Biz”
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
The Seven Against Thebes: An Antigone Tale
Based on Antigone by Sophocles
Director: Boyd Branch
October 1-3, 2009 at 7pm & October 4, 2009 at 2pm
Phoenix Theatre Little Theatre
Smile
Director: Toby Yatso
April 23-25, 2010
Student Showcase
June 2, 2010
Auditions
Auditions for ASA Theatre productions are open to the entire school. The shows are directed by members of the teaching staff, many of which are professional directors. Students benefit from the professional environment and are encouraged to bring what they have learned in class into the rehearsal environment.
For tickets or production information call: 602.258.1974 ext: 5306
For information about ASA Theatre programs or other Phoenix Theatre Education Department offerings, please contact Beck at 602-889-5282 or email a.beck@phoenixtheatre.com