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 ukelele 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 peform in the community.

The theme of the 2009-10 program is “Calming the Storm.” The 30-minute show follows the theme of the storms of life, starting with a more harsh visual and aural storm and a litany of personal storms, asking the question “Where is God?” After coming through the storm, the pieces follow the relief and happiness of being at the other side of the storm. The conclusion begins with the realization that “God is in the storm.” The show ends with learning to dance and have joy in the storm.

Troupe members include: Emma Caskey, Sara Erb, Emily Grimes, Taek Guan, Karsten Hess, Mikey Kelly, Sara Klassen, Clarissa Lora, Ben Mast, Anna Nafziger, J.D. Nafziger, Emily Shenk, and Blake Shetler. The group is taught and directed by Talashia Keim Yoder.

Schedule