DEGEORGE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Since 2012, the De George Academy for Performing Arts has served as a launching pad for underserved students in Palm Beach County who dream of pursuing a performing arts education. The Academy’s mission to offer quality arts education experiences is generously funded by the Lawrence J. and Florence A. De George Charitable Trust. Future De George Academy students are identified by Arts Specialists at Title I elementary schools in the Spring. Students must then participate in a week-long audition and evaluation program during the summer to attend the DGA in the Fall. Since its founding in April 2012, the majority of students return annually and successfully gain entrance to our local arts magnet schools.
Sponsored by Lawrence J. and Florence A. De George Charitable Trust
The Academy provides year-round professional instruction in dance, theater and vocal performance, as well as professional coaching in audition techniques and access to special workshops and performances. It is available to students in grades 3 through 8 who attend Palm Beach County Title I elementary and middle schools.
The De George Academy for Performing Arts levels the playing field for students who have little or no access to quality art programs. These students are competing with peers whose parent are able to afford classes and coaching to ready them for competitive arts magnet school auditions. By participating in the De George Academy, students gain high quality arts instruction while encouraging discipline, critical thinking, and creative risk taking in a positive, supportive and professional environment. Students enrolled in the program are tracked for the duration of the program to evaluate each individual’s success in reaching their goals.
SUMMER LAUNCH
The Summer Launch offers incoming students the opportunity to attend a week of intensive arts workshops in three areas: dance, theater and vocal performance, in order to engage students in the program and prepare them for their audition and subsequent participation in the full year workshops. Returning Level 1 students are also invited to take part.
FALL AND SPRING WORKSHOPS
These weekly arts discipline-based workshops focus on one of three arts areas: dance, theater, or vocal performance. Skill building is the primary focus of the Academy and private coaching sessions are available for students preparing for auditions to a performing arts magnet school.
SPRING RESIDENCY
This one-week intensive is offered to students in grades 5 through 8. The program, led by national and local teaching artists, focuses on arts as a means of creative expression. The program culminates in a fully mounted production to which parents, family and friends are invited.
MASTER CLASSES
Master classes with professional artists who are contracted to perform on the Kravis Center’s mainstage are offered throughout the year.
