Performing Arts

Our Performing Arts Program guides students to explore a wide range of creative skills, build self-confidence, and cultivate their craft.

Theatre

The Pulaski Academy Theatre Department offers classes in the performing arts and technical theatre to sixth through twelfth grade students. The study of theatre benefits students well beyond the visible exploration of character on stage. Theatre teaches important life skills such as confidence, public speaking, empathy, problem solving, teamwork, time management, improvisation, and respect for various art forms. Studying theatre engages and enhances students’ imagination and creativity.

Students are offered performing arts as an elective starting in the sixth grade where they receive an overview of theatre as an art form, performance basics, an introduction to playwriting, and costume and makeup design. Students can continue studying theatre throughout middle school with combined seventh and eighth grade classes in performing arts or technical theatre. Each class offers an increased level of study based on grade level. In upper school, students can hone their skills in a wide range of technical and performance-based classes, from stagecraft to acting, directing, and design.

In addition to class offerings, the PA Theatre Department produces three full-length productions a year: the fall play, spring musical, and middle school musical. The Theatre Department also participates in the Fine Arts holiday production, Frosty Follies. PA Theatre is a member of the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society and competes annually at the Arkansas Thespians Festival.

Music

In keeping with our mission to Explore, Create, Contribute, and Achieve, P.A. Choral Music is a place where we explore the music of different cultures, where we create moments of musical beauty and inspiration, where we contribute our individual voices to a greater sound, and where we work to achieve excellence in the music we make together. 

Early Childhood and Lower School students receive weekly lessons in music education in the hands of a certified music teacher. Classroom instruction centers on the Orff-Schulwerk approach, a method that combines the elements of music in such a way that children are active participants in their own musical education and personal growth. Speech, singing, instrument playing, music theory, multicultural music, and improvisation are all integral components of the ECS music experience.

Middle School students in sixth grade or above also have the opportunity to participate in band. Students will learn basic music theory, as well as music reading and fundamentals of playing an instrument of choice. They will expand upon these basics and learn to perform music from different stylistic periods. Students compete regionally in solo competitions and have opportunities to perform for school events and in school concerts throughout the year.

From musical theory and history to performance in a jazz ensemble, wind ensemble or the PA Sounds choir, Upper School students are offered a full range of courses and activities to inspire musical interest and expand upon knowledge and skills. Opportunities abound for Upper School students wishing to hone their musical talents. Students aspiring to develop their gift of voice may participate in one of PA’s many choral groups, while those more interested in expression via musical instrument may enroll in band. Whether involved in vocal or instrumental music, students learn to explore their own creativity and appreciate the talents of others.

To see videos of each band, visit the Pulaski Academy Band Performances playlist.

Videos from 2019 and earlier can be found here.