April 2022
BULLDOG NEWS
Hakuna Matata! Means No Worries @ The Arts Academy with Four More Shows Ahead! Fun-filled rehearsals, community support, backstage help, and creative thinking lead to a standing ovation! By Jeanie Bowling, Principal
What a wonderful phrase! Arts Academy at Summit proudly presented Disney’s Lion King as this year’s musical. Students took on numerous roles from on-stage to backstage. Mrs. Paulis, Mrs. Dubinsky, and Mrs. Bryan prepared student actors on stage through after-school rehearsals of vocal practice, acting, and choreography. Student soloists got small group help with Mrs. Paulis to see that their characters were brought to life during the performance. As the large audience experienced in early February, the students had it down! Music accompanied by wonderful pitch and tonality from student singers filled the downtown campus’ auditorium, leading to a standing ovation.
Behind the scenes, Mr. Myers had students and volunteers help in the creation and construction of set pieces. Various Canton City businesses helped donate and cut wood panels to size. Parents helped with paint donations which allowed students the opportunity to mix and color match the set pieces. During tech week, stage crew students took on the roles of light and sound designers. With follow spots, sixteen microphones, and LED lighting fixtures, a lot was to be done. Our students stepped up as leaders to the challenge with anything and everything that was offered. Lifting each other up socially and emotionally, our students created a family that many are wishing still met each day after school. Using creative
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problem solving and on-the-fly critical thinking, all the students who participated easily worked through problems that arose on performance night. It was truly a great experience both on and off stage for all those involved. After a few years without performances due to covid-19, bringing the musical back helped students with social and emotional learning. Being able to use performances to express and manage each student’s needs gave them added support from their peers and Canton City School Staff. Our students grew their excellence during their time on stage, and as always, we hope that each student walked away saying “I’m glad I was a part of that”
Upcoming Arts Academy Performances: April 14: Band/Orchestra Program (4th to 6th Grades) @ Arts Academy 6:30 PM May 3: The May Show Performance (4th to 6th Grades) @ McKinley Auditorium 7:00 PM May 10: Dance Recital (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade) @ Arts Academy 6:30 May 12: Dance Recital (4th to 6th Grades) @ Arts Academy 6:30
The Bulldog Bulletin
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