Discover Your Artistic Future at Indian River Charter High School's VAPA Showcase

Eighth graders, it's your time to shine!

Indian River Charter High School invites all eighth-grade students to an evening of creativity, connection, and discovery on October 21st from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. This special VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) showcase event offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore one of the area's most comprehensive and dedicated performing arts programs.

An Evening of Exploration and Inspiration

If you're searching for a high school with a supportive and dynamic performing arts program, this is your chance to see what sets Indian River Charter High School apart. During this two-hour event, students and families will enjoy dinner while learning about the incredible opportunities that await in Charter's arts programs.

The evening offers a rare chance to dine with the talented educators who bring the arts to life, connect with current students already pursuing their artistic passions, and witness firsthand the performances, art exhibits, and projects that showcase the caliber of work produced by IRCHS students. Whether your passion lies in music, theatre, dance, design, or visual art, you'll discover how IRCHS helps students shine on stage, in the studio, and beyond.

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A Comprehensive Arts Education

Indian River Charter High School offers an impressive array of visual, applied, and performing arts programs, each led by dedicated and experienced instructors. Here's a closer look at the programs you'll explore at the showcase:

Performing Arts

Musical Theatre combines the best of three disciplines under the expert guidance of a collaborative teaching team. Fednike Nozestine (Theatre Director), Blair Berrios (Dance Instructor), and Peter Mahtani (Vocal Director) work together to teach students stage presence, vocal quality, and coordination. The program produces multiple shows throughout the year and competes in annual competitions, giving students valuable performance experience.

 

Comprehensive Theatre, directed by Brantly Simpson, provides a competitive yet extremely supportive environment where students learn the fundamentals of acting. The program attends annual competitions, with students participating through both individual pieces and full-length shows.

 

Choir, under the direction of Peter Mahtani offers both beginning and advanced levels. The IRCHS choir has earned recognition by performing at prestigious events, including the Disney Candlelight Processional, and presents multiple performances throughout the year.

 

Orchestra, led by Dezmond Moss, features concert performances and an advanced ensemble called "Quintet" that performs at various gigs. The orchestra plays for school productions, including musicals and the annual VAPA show, providing students with diverse performance opportunities.

 

Jazz Band, taught by David Mundy (Director of Jazz Studies), offers multiple level-based classes suited to students' experience. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of band, various musical styles, and music history. The advanced ensemble, known as "The Wolves," performs at numerous gigs, including charter conferences.

 

Dance and Ballet programs provide options for all skill levels. Blair Berrios teaches contemporary and modern dance techniques, while Hedi Khursandi focuses on ballet, form, and coordination. A new introductory class taught by both instructors welcomes beginners. The dance program presents multiple performances annually and occasionally participates in musical productions.

 

 

 

Visual and Applied Arts

Art, supervised by Cat Faust, introduces students to different art forms and their histories. Student artwork is regularly featured in school shows, with pieces displayed in regular art galleries throughout the year and a grand art gallery during VAPA show week.

 

Film, taught by Brittany Todd, teaches students the art of filmmaking and behind-the-scenes production work. Students participate in an annual film festival and screen their work for the school community throughout the year.

 

Photography under Zach Moore's instruction covers various photography techniques, including different types of shots and filters. Student photographs are featured in galleries and at major school events like the VAPA show.

Yearbook and Creative Content, directed by Amelia Strazzulla, offers students hands-on experience in publication design and digital media. Yearbook students document school events and shows while learning photo editing and layout design. The Creative Content class focuses on graphic design, social media management, poster creation, and designing merchandise and programs for school events.

 

Digital Art, taught by Joseph Brent, encompasses both 2D and 3D digital art, animation, and basic coding. Students learn the fundamentals of digital animation and creative technology.

 

Fashion, under the direction of Alexa Crusciel, allows students to explore fashion design and transform their creativity into wearable art. Students collaborate on design projects throughout the year, with their work featured at school events. Students also are able to participate in the annual fashion show.

 

 

Behind-the-Scenes Excellence

Production and Design, taught by Suzie Elder, teaches students the essential skills needed to bring theatrical productions to life. Students learn to design costumes, makeup, and hair for shows spanning every era from biblical times to the present. The curriculum includes machine and hand sewing, stage makeup application (including special effects like old age and blood effects), hair techniques including wigs and bald caps, and the art of quick changes, some as fast as 20 seconds. Students also learn costume measurement, alterations, and schematic drawing for designs. They're responsible for maintaining costumes, hair, and makeup during performances, troubleshooting problems that arise in real-time.

 

Technical Theatre, led by Michael Naffziger (Artistic Director & Technical Theatre Director), offers three levels of stagecraft classes. Students learn professional technical skills, including set design and assembly, lighting and sound design, and the operation of power tools such as chop saws, power drills, jigsaws, circular saws, and nail guns. Remarkably, students are responsible for setting up all school events, and all theatrical performances are manned entirely by student crews, giving them invaluable real-world production experience.

Seize Your Spotlight, The Charter Way

This showcase event represents more than just an informational session, it's an opportunity to envision your future as an artist. By meeting the passionate educators, connecting with current students, and experiencing the vibrant arts community at Indian River Charter High School, you'll understand why IRCHS is the ideal place to develop your talents.

Whether you dream of commanding the stage, creating visual masterpieces, working behind the scenes, or exploring multiple artistic disciplines, IRCHS provides the programs, mentorship, and opportunities to help you grow into an amazing artist.

Don't miss this chance to discover your perfect artistic fit!

Event Details:

Seize The Day The Charter Way!

 

 

( Photos by A. Strazzulla of the IRCHS Yearbook Team )

Ava Cook
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