Musical theater and drama programs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many of the strongest theater kids do programs after school. They don't rely on their schools, even if their schools have strong programs. When you look at the after school programs, you'll see that they draw from many different schools in the area. So...pick the school that suits your kid and also sign up for an after school program.

True, and many of them can't even do the school's shows due to scheduling conflicts and pre-professional obligations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell’s high school theater program was the best of all the privates we toured. We went to fall and spring shows at quite a few schools. Tech and stage design is great too, as a bonus plus.

[Anonymous]

Holton has had a great theater program for years, but they are losing great people because of poor leadership (both HOS and the Director of the Arts) so who knows what will happen in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

PP missed the joke (lol)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

#Sponge Bob Squarepants was a theatrical travesty.

I have no thoughts or opinions on issues of pride/gender blind casting in theatre programs, but I hope every school in the DMV is too proud to produce this show....

Down with Crabby Patties.

Bring Oklahoma back.

(sarcasm intended)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

#Sponge Bob Squarepants was a theatrical travesty.

I have no thoughts or opinions on issues of pride/gender blind casting in theatre programs, but I hope every school in the DMV is too proud to produce this show....

Down with Crabby Patties.

Bring Oklahoma back.

(sarcasm intended)

DC’s MS did SpongeBob, it was cute. I would think pretty lame for HS though.

[Anonymous]

I was literally imagining that a Starfish Kid was sort of like a Rainbow Kid--autism spectrum, a little queer/gender-queer and all over the place. I was like, Oh, that's a sweet term that fits a lot of kids I know. Turns out it was just a typo, but I say, let's make it a thing.

I know the thread is really old, but if you're looking for outstanding musical theatre programs outside of school, Young Artists of America (YAA) is there it's at! They're announcing their season today and audition signups have just begun. Will be very competitive for high school--the kids are just SO good. Easier to get in at the MS level, and I don't think "kids" (4th-5th?) requires an audition. Join the cult--you'll enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

* where it's at

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl or boy? I was just at Norwood’s BTSN last night and the drama teacher was making the point that there are usually about 10 or more girls for every boy who keen to do theatre. I imagine that is magnified at public high school just by sheer numbers?

that's the case in every theater group, even in private ones. My DD does both public HS theater and private theater. Girls are just more into it than boys, and most of the boys in theater are gay. I keep saying, a straight guy looking for a girl should join the theater.

You are a shining example of what a parent shouldn't be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:that's the case in every theater group, even in private ones. My DD does both public HS theater and private theater. Girls are just more into it than boys, and most of the boys in theater are gay. I keep saying, a straight guy looking for a girl should join the theater.

No. Just no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is the musical theatre/drama at Potomac?

Very good. Agree with previous poster - they offer a concentration in either theater or music, which to my knowledge is very rare.

In addition, they are taking all rising sophomores and rising juniors in the summer of 2026 who are part of the theater program (acting, tech, etc.) to perform a musical at the Fringe Festival in Scotland for 2 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl or boy? I was just at Norwood’s BTSN last night and the drama teacher was making the point that there are usually about 10 or more girls for every boy who keen to do theatre. I imagine that is magnified at public high school just by sheer numbers?

that's the case in every theater group, even in private ones. My DD does both public HS theater and private theater. Girls are just more into it than boys, and most of the boys in theater are gay. I keep saying, a straight guy looking for a girl should join the theater.

You are a shining example of what a parent shouldn't be.

Exactly. Just in case there was a lack of predatory behavior in a high school group....keep saying that. Gay guys can play football. Straight guys can do theatre and not just to find someone to "date".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell’s high school theater program was the best of all the privates we toured. We went to fall and spring shows at quite a few schools. Tech and stage design is great too, as a bonus plus.

We had a student at Sidwell and I wouldn't agree with this. No shade against Sidwell - the performances were solid - but I wouldn't say they were "the best" of the performances we've seen at other schools. (via our kids that attended other schools, or the many performances seen while in HS admissions process over multiple years, or seeing friends' kids). They were on par with others - so again, this is not a diss. And, I think some outshined Sidwell.

I think one thing to consider is how other requirements might affect ability to do performing arts. Some schools have heavy sports requirements, and while they might allow for a season of theater, they may not be friendly to performing in every one of them during the year. So pay close attention to other after school EC requirements. These vary A LOT across DMV schools (even across Big 3/5/7)

[Anonymous]

Potomac vs Langley for performance art teaching and performance opportunities?