Emmaus is an auditioned performing arts troupe.

The class is designed to provide an additional opportunity for promising fine arts students to be stretched in new ways and to blossom into well-rounded artists. In some cases, this means that students who previously concentrated on musicianship will learn about acting and dancing and how to perform and interact with others on stage. Other students who have excelled in learning music and choreography will be introduced to arranging, teaching, and staging music.

This versatile performance group also provides exposure to the arts in the community, while promoting goodwill for the school. Emmaus will perform at a wide variety of venues, from public elementary schools, to Sunday morning worship services, to a casual performance at the Electric Brew. The challenge is developing material that appeals to every age group, to be adapted for both secular and religious settings, and to have elements of both performance and interaction.

In the fall students participate in workshops in Orff (a philosophy of music), group and stylistic singing, playing musical instruments (from the ukulele to found objects), story-telling, improvisational theater, tap, ballet, clogging, STOMP-style dance, and musical theater history. However, the class is designed to draw upon and cultivate the gifts of the students. This is very student-led and student-directed with the teacher facilitating the process. Students will write, direct, and choreograph their shows that they perform in the community.

The 2011-12 troupe has chosen "Stand Up" as its theme. The show will move from an understanding that all is not right in the world and end with a call to stand up in the face of injustice for yourself, for others, and all together. Pieces they will be incorporating into their performance include: "Hey Little Ant" (Phil and Hannah Hoose) and "The Principle (John McCutcheon), "Horton Hears a Who" (Dr. Seuss), "One Voice" (Wailin' Jenny's), "Can't Stand Up Alone" (Jesse Winchester), and "Sing" (My Chemical Romance).

Schedule

Past Years