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 2012-13 troupe has chosen "Dancing in the Rain" as its theme. This year’s show, entitled “Dancing in the Rain,” begins with an acknowledgement that life can be hard but in the midst of fears and tough situations, we can choose our attitude and approach to those difficult things. Through musical numbers and short theater and dance pieces, the ensemble leads the audience through a process acknowledging that we may not control the tough stuff, but we can control our response, so choose to respond positively and "dance!"
Pieces they will be incorporating into their performance include: "Help" (The Beatles), "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" (Judith Viorst), "Stone Soup," "Please Don't Stop the Rain" (James Morrison), and Stand (Rascal Flats).

Schedule

Most events scheduled in late fall/early winter.

Past Years