IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION...

The PHS musical theater program prides itself on providing  educational-based opportunities for students. Striving to be as inclusive as possible, students are exposed to cultural, career, and informational workshops and lectures to expand their craft.

2020 • TAP INTENSIVE
Kristin Foltz Petrou, owner of Tap ‘N Arts Dance Studio, provided a free-of-charge tap instruction series over a three month period. Students learned basic and advanced combinations to be featured in Guys & Dolls.

STAGE COMBAT
Stage Combat and Stage Intimacy Instructor Dan Burke provided a two-part workshop of stage combat basics and safety.

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Emilie Leyes, actor, singer, and cofounder of MindBodyMoney presented workshops on nutrition, positive Brain training, and Resilience.

2019 • VULNERABILITY
Popular presenter Ryan Nicotra joined students for a workshop and discussion about the relationship between vulnerability and acting.

2018 • WALTZ INTENSIVE
Christy Kam and additional instructors from PA Dance Sport conducted dance intensives focusing on the Waltz and specific choreography featured in Cinderella: Broadway Edition.

2017 • SWING DANCE INTENSIVE
Christy Kam and additional instructors from PA Dance Sport conducted dance intensives focusing on the Swing Dance featured in Grease.

2016 • COMEDIC TIMING WORKSHOP
Jennifer Feldser—accomplished director, playwright, and former chair of the Hershey Area Playhouse—presented a lecture on the importance of honesty and truthfulness in comedic works.

2014 • WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY
New York-based actress Abigail Ludrof shared her experiences of attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, auditioning for professional theater, and participating in a producer's reading of Ghostlight: The Musical.

2013 • CLASSROOM 180
Representatives from Open Stage in Harrisburg, partnered with NYC performers, presented a full-day educational opportunity based on the cultural and historical context of The King and I. In addition they explored audition and movement techniques with the students.

2013 • WAR HORSE PUPPETRY
Students were provided the opportunity to meet members of the National Tour of War Horse performing locally at the Hershey Theatre and learn about the craft of puppetry.

2013 • CULTURAL EXPLORATION
During rehearsal for The King and I, students furthered their research into the Thai culture by participating in a Thai themed luncheon.

2012 • STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOP
Through Safe Violence by Dan Burke, students learned the basic techniques of stage combat and the importance of keeping actors and audience members safe while the violence and action realistic.

2012 • COLLEGE THEATER COOPERATIVE
Students traveled to Lebanon Valley College to discuss theatrical opportunities in College and learn choreography from their production of Chicago.

2011 • AUDITION WORKSHOP
Educators from local collegiate and private studios presented information about proper audition techniques. Students had the opportunity to perform and receive feedback.

2011 • THE THRIVING ARTISTS
Stage and Screen Actress Christine Negherbon Abraham shared details of her new book "The Thriving Artists" in which she and her husband, Broadway Actor Joe Abraham, detail the management skills needed to succeed financially as an actor.