lincolnparkarts-blog

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Members of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School's 2016 graduating class have received $2.3M in in college scholarships! Congrats to the 149 seniors that will graduate this Saturday!

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My Time at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School: 8 Stories Through the Eyes of  Seniors

by Olivia Campbell 

 In just its first decade, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School has earned its spot as one of the top charter schools in Pennsylvania. Founded in 2006, Lincoln Park is a tuition-free public charter school that boasts six different departments, including Theatre, Dance, Media Arts, Health Science and the Arts, Music, and Literary Arts. Each department has its own highly-trained and professional staff who are committed to helping students, as individuals, live up to their full potential. Outside of the arts, Lincoln Park also requires students to take academic classes, and also offers a few College in High School classes through the Community College of Beaver County.

Lincoln Park is known for its excellence, both in academics and in the arts. Every student in each of the departments attends the charter school by choice, leading to a strong community of students who want to learn – and who want to talk about the school, in the hopes of sharing its purpose with future students who share the same passions.

THEATRE

The Theatre Department is home to students specializing in one of the two different aspects of theatre: Theatre and Musical Theatre. Though they all belong to the same department, students  in  both programs learn and practice theatre from Lincoln Park Resident Artists – specially-trained, working professionals in their field. Students have the opportunity to perform  in large productions, as well as smaller, student-directed one acts, as well as other productions throughout the year.

Ian Patterson in “The Little Mermaid”

Ian Patterson, a junior from Chippewa in his fourth year at LPPACS, ��is proud to be a theatre major. “The arts classes we take here at Lincoln Park are filled with hard-working students who are excited to develop their craft each and every day with the help of skilled teachers,” he said. He added that the teachers at LPPACS, both in the arts and academics, are industry professionals; the theatre staff alone boasts teachers who have worked on Broadway and under Bob Fosse, a Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, as well as a screenwriter, dancer, and actor.

“My arts classes are the best part of the day,” added Danielle Elegy, a senior from Beaver who has been at Lincoln Park for three years. “Miss Kim Brown's makeup class was the most impactful class I have ever taken. Not only did she show us we can be creative through makeup, but that we are very special and talented people. She is the   wisest person I have ever had the pleasure of  meeting.”

The department experience goes beyond the classroom; students are encouraged to audition for Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center productions, as well as help out behind the scenes (both opportunities are open to all students, regardless of department). Unlike most high schools, which put on about two shows a year, Lincoln Park will produce eight in the 2016-2017 season. Elegy, who plans on continuing her LPPACS education at Boston University in the fall to get her BFA in stage management, said, “I work tech on just about every show  at Lincoln  Park.  If I'm  not  the stage  manager  or assistant stage manager, I'm either working lights, fly, costumes, makeup, or deck.”

Marissa Kairis, a senior from Moon in her fourth year, had her first lead role as Elizabeth Proctor in this year's production of The Crucible. “Being in The Crucible was an amazing experience,” she said, “and being a lead in a show was such a rewarding feeling. Being at this school has given me knowledge about theatre that I kn I couldn't have gotten at my old school.”

Marissa Karias in “The Crucible”

Large-scale productions aren't the only performances students get the chance to participate in. Patterson is one of the students that gained experience directing a one-act play in the One Act Festival (April 29-30). “One Acts is arguably the best opportunity Lincoln Park offers its students, catering toward Theatre majors who want to go into the business professionally. First time directors and stage managers are given real experience with what it's like working with peers to create a show, with the added benefit of guidance from all the wonderful theatre and technical staff we have at LPPAC. It's a wonderful collaboration between multiple majors, and for an experienced actor with directing aspirations, it's letting me take part in my dream while I still have plenty of time to learn and grow into the role of directing a stage show.”

“If you truly want to get the most out of your high school experience, each class will leave you with something special,” Patterson said. “I believe that's what Lincoln Park has done for me.”

DANCE

Lincoln Park's Dance Department provides an extensive education  and specialized training to students of the various genres of dance, while also focusing on the strong foundation dancers need to pursue a career in this performing art. The courses    range from beginner to advanced, allowing each student to have a more individualized   and challenging experience. Students work both inside and outside the classroom, from master classes and workshops with professional dancers and college professors, to productions they can audition to be a part  of.

Haley Care, a senior from Hopewell who has attended Lincoln Park for five years, said, “I have three hours of dance in the morning, so an hour and a half of ballet, and then an hour and a half of either modern, an improv class, jazz, or tap.” She added, “My advanced ballet class has been the most important (class I've taken) because it's pushed me harder than I've ever been pushed before, and I feel like it's not only made me a better dancer, but a better person – I'm able to pick up on things faster, and that's made me smarter.”

(From left to right) Clair Kraskey, Haley Care, Nicole Truzzi, and Macy Minear in Cinderella: An Original Ballet

This past season, the Dance Department put on a production of Cinderella, both directed and choreographed by the head of the department, Jennifer Verba. “Mrs. Verba is very  professional,”  Care said. “She's been in so many professional shows, she's choreographed so many professional shows, and she's so much fun to work with. She's so nice and fun, but we still get things done.”

“I was the stepmother in Cinderella,” Care said, “but I've been in The   Nutcracker for three years in a row and other shows too, like House of Pop.” She added, “Being in a show is the most fun I ever have. It's not only fun, but it teaches you lessons; it teaches you professional skills outside of school.”

Hannah Hall and Jennifer Verba

The Dance Department is full of hard-working, dedicated dancers. Care, for instance, plans on opening a dance studio for special needs individuals when she's older. The teachers and their classes offer exciting opportunities to young dancers willing to learn and apply themselves in order to be the best dancers they can be, while at the same time creating a strong community of students.

MEDIA ARTS

 The Media Arts Department has teachers from various media backgrounds, and as such, provides classes in several different areas of study. These include  visual arts,  design, photography, and technical media, all taught by industry professionals who have decades of experience between them. This department is home to instructors who have worked with clients to make web and print designs, worked with local media and broadcast television, and had artwork in galleries.

Emily Matzie is a senior from Rochester has attended Lincoln Park for five years, studies photography. She really looks up to Cassie Patten, the department head, and Stephan Elko, the photography teacher who owns his own business and studio. 

Cassandra Patten and Emily Matzie

“Mrs. Patten is just amazing at everything she does – she designed her own labels for the business her and her husband have together, and she designs all these logos for so many people from all over the place,” she said. “We're really close – it's nice. It's kinda like a little family, in a way, especially when you're on Pulp. and yearbook, because you definitely  get  really close  to  Mrs. Patten.  (It's  also) really  nice  having small, advanced classes with Mr. Elko and getting to have one-on-one experiences with him.”

 Brandon Toal, a senior from Moon in his third year at LPPACS, agrees. 

“The art teachers are one of a kind, honestly. They're casual, and you can kind of talk to them as if they were a friend of yours. They do stay very professional, but they know how to be fun, and not strictly just a teacher.”

As an upperclassman, Matzie gets to take advanced classes, including Mr. Elko's aforementioned advanced photography class. She's also on the LPPACS  yearbook, as well as the Pulp. – a Visual and Literary Arts Journal, a student-run publication that is a joint effort between the Media Arts Department and the Literary Arts Department. “I think I would have still been able to do yearbook (at another school),” she said, “but I don't think I would have been able to develop the skill that I did here. Pulp. wouldn't have even – I mean, that's a whole student-published book! That's insane!” she exclaimed. “Plus, I don't think they even have photography classes at most other schools, so it's huge that I get to work in a dark room and develop film  here.”

Pulp. has been a important aspect of Toal's time at Lincoln Park, as well. “That class has shaped me not only in terms of design, which I struggled with a lot in the beginning, but also taught me how to work my peers on a professional level. Although it is pretty advanced, I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to pursue a career in graphic design.”

Matzie is really involved in the department and the school, as media students are expected to be. “I shoot for the shows here, and I do all the sports photography –  basketball for girls and boys, golf, track, and volleyball, and that's just the after school stuff.” During school hours, however, she says her favorite activity was being part of the yearbook staff. “I got to do photography and design, so it was kind of the best of both worlds, in a way.”

Brandon Toal

In the future, Toal wants to continue with his art by becoming a concept artist, but he says he has a backup plan in place, too. “I hope to attend PTI in the fall and attend graphic design courses so that I have a career to fall back on if concept art doesn't work out.” In fact, while he may be reluctant to put it so boldly, he's already developed a small form of employment. “I've been doing freelance work when the opportunity arises, but it's not a constant thing; just a job here and there.”

The Media Arts Department offers a wide-array of classes to a large group of very diverse students, while still being able to provide individual attention and guidance. The faculty brings their experience with them to give their students the most advanced education the area has to offer, in part by regularly meeting with students throughout the year to ensure that they keep improving and continue to push themselves to succeed.

 HEALTH  SCIENCE AND THE ARTS

The Health Science and the Arts Department was designed to provide students with an in-depth exploration of careers in the health industry by looking beyond the classroom into professions like nursing, athletic training, nutrition coaching, athletic coaching, and more. Students in this department participate in very rigorous academic courses.

Riley Carlo is a junior from Moon in her fourth year at Lincoln Park, who, after graduation, wants to pursue a career either as a nurse or a medical doctor. She said about her classes, “They're very informative and advanced – most of our courses are based on college courses. (Our teachers) are strict; they want you to really understand the material instead of just blowing it off.” She added, “My favorite classes are Anatomy and Intro to Athletic Training. They've given me a good foundation for what to expect in college.”

Riley Carlo

This department offers very unique opportunities to those wanting to enter the athletic or medical fields. For instance, Carlo also explained that she's  gotten to participate in field trips to the UPMC in Shadyside, and will get to watch an open heart surgery next year. The Health Science Department and its teachers utilize lectures and hands-on activities that allow students to learn about and explore the physiological, psychological, and anatomical studies of the human body. They focus on the importance   of maintaining good health, and how health science can be particularly helpful to the other performing artists who attend the school.

You can't talk about the Health Science Department without also mentioning the sports teams! The Lincoln Park Leopards, the basketball team, are particularly important because they are deeply rooted in the local community. They share their name with the Midland Leopards, who played for the old Midland high school before it closed in 1986, after winning five state championship titles in the '60s and '70s. In 2014, the new Leopards brought another state championship back home to Midland and finished the season with a 30-1 record! Needless to say, Lincoln Park is home to a fantastic basketball team that is a proud tradition to the surrounding community, as well as several other athletic programs like volleyball, track, and golf.

 Students in this department are on an advanced track to success in any career they'd like to pursue in the athletic or medical fields. With the aforementioned college-style courses and well-performing sports teams, students can expect to graduate from the department with a very unique, impressive  transcript.

MUSIC

 The Lincoln Park Music Department is home to a faculty where every single member is a professional musician. On top of that, some are also either past or present college instructors. These teachers represent myriad organizations including various colleges like Carnegie Mellon University and Geneva College, as well as musical organizations like the River City Brass Band and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Because of these connections, students often get the opportunity to learn from and work with many artists outside of the school.

Katie Wethli  is a senior from Cranberry who has spent her whole high school career at Lincoln Park, in the Music Department, as a voice major. She's very, very passionate about the work she does at the school, in no small part due to her teachers. “My home school has a performing arts portion of the school, but I don't ever think I would have gotten the same knowledge and amazing teachers there, compared to Lincoln Park. Some of my music teachers have won Grammys, taught at colleges, performed with top-notch groups, and have also had their compositions performed around the world. These achievements are not common among many high school teachers.”

Katie Wethli

As a voice major, Wethli gets an individual voice lesson with one of the highly- skilled music department teachers each week during school hours; she said it's one of her favorite classes!

 “My teacher, Dr. Marissa Ulmer, gave me confidence and really pushed me to be better. Honestly, one thing I liked is that she made me scared to ever arrive at my lesson unprepared. Some people may say being scared or afraid is a bad thing, but honestly, that fear pushed me to want to be the best I ever could be, not only for myself, but for her!”

She also took a class called Leadership in the Arts this year, taught by Todd Goodman, which was just as important. “This class is probably the most helpful class I have ever taken,” she said. “It has taught me to not only be a leader in the arts world, but also in every other aspect of my life. I've learned that our morals and beliefs do matter,   and that in order to be a leader, you need to be confident in what you believe, but also mindful of others beliefs.” She added that this class spawned  a new  nonprofit  organization this year, named Lincoln Park Cares. “We are an active group of artists who strive to support the community and provide resources to those in need,” Wethli said.

Participating in founding Lincoln Park Cares is definitely not the first thing Katie has done through the school. “I have participated in the House of Pop Show as both a soloist and a background singer. The show was the first experience I had with singing solo with a large band, background singers, and dancers. By far, it's my favorite show Lincoln Park puts on,” she said. “Also, I have sung in many Fall, Holiday, and Spring Concerts!”

Katie plans on continuing her music education in the fall, but she's currently in- between Duquesne University and The Catholic University of America.

“Right now, I plan on getting my Bachelors of Arts in Music, which is a general music degree, but I will major in something else, too. I'm just going to use my knowledge and experiences that Lincoln Park had given me and see where life takes me!

“Oh, and I will practice my music!” she added, very enthusiastically. “You can't forget that!”

LITERARY ARTS

 The Literary Arts Department has the smallest staff of the six departments at Lincoln Park. Taught by Dan LeRoy and Deanna Baringer, both working authors and writers, the department is a very tight-knit group of students who are frequently given one-on-one time with their instructors. Occasionally, the department will have guest speakers and presenters, like Jim Daniels, a poet, screenwriter, filmmaker, and professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and National Book Award-winning  poet Terrence Hayes, as well as many others.

In the Literary Arts Department, students learn how to better write in genres they may already be familiar with, like poetry and fiction, as well as forms they may have never come across, like creative nonfiction and screenwriting. Students in their first year go through these four genres in survey classes, and if they pass their first two semesters by reading all the assigned material and learning all the required technique and vocabulary, they join the rest of the department in workshops, as well as content creation classes and various staffs.

Kira Talbot

Kira Talbott, a senior from Moon Township who has been at Lincoln Park for four years, said, “My favorite class was Principles of Public Speaking, which was taught by Mr. LeRoy. I took it my sophomore year, and basically, it was class that was meant to make everyone feel more comfortable with reading in public, because as writers, we need  to be comfortable with reading our pieces aloud. We had to memorize a lot of different works and present them, which was really challenging at first, and really scary. Then, the final involved us writing a speech of our own and presenting it to our class, as well as others. It was really awesome because, at the beginning of the semester, everyone was so nervous and shaky,  but by the end, when we had to present our speech, I think we were all very confident in what we were doing, and we were really excited to  present.”

She adds, “I could go on forever about that class – it had a really big impact on me. Prior to taking it, I was really timid and really shy.  I didn't have any confidence in myself or in my work, to the point where I didn't even want to present any of the poems he assigned us at the beginning. However, I knew I had to present eventually, and when I did, I really put every ounce of myself into it. When I got my grade sheet back, it read 100% on it, and Mr. LeRoy told me that I had a talent, and that he wanted to see more of it – more of me. Up until that point, I had never received such outright encouragement, so it kind of instilled a wave of confidence in me, and I realize that I may not be as bad as I think I am, and that maybe I do have talents. Maybe I shouldn't be shy, because I have something to offer.”

Outside of the classes that change from semester to semester, the Literary Arts Department is also home to three student-run staffs second year students can apply participate in. The SIREN is the school newspaper where students learn AP style and about how a real newspaper operates, while also getting the opportunity to report on different events happening around the school. BatCat Press is the only high school run small press in the country that specializes in handbound editions; students on staff learn not only how to book-bind, but also get the opportunity to read submissions from adult authors from all over the country before choosing which ones to publish. Lastly, there's Pulp. any student, regardless of department, can submit literary and art pieces to Pulp. 

The Literary Arts Department is comprised of creative, independent individuals who are encouraged by their fellow students and teachers to do their best and work their hardest in whatever it is they choose to do, whether that's learning how to publish books on BatCat, explore creative nonfiction, and how to write properly in a peer-led workshop.

About seven-hundred students, from seventh to twelfth grade, call Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School home. Students always receive the individualized education they need to succeed, in both academic classes and in the art of their choice. These students, having had to audition to be a part of the school, truly want to be there, and are taught by professionals who feel the same. With opportunities open to every student, and even more offered on a department-by-department basis, students who attend Lincoln Park are given the chance to make the most of their high school careers while providing them with a skill set for a bright future.

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10 years ago today Lincoln Park opened its doors for the first time! Over the years, countless phenomenal things have happened in our theaters, halls, studios, and park. But what has made the success of Lincoln Park truly possible is our phenomenal staff, students, resident artists, and patrons.

Thank you all for supporting the arts and arts education! Here is to another fabulous decade!

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Jacquelyn Johnson: A Spotlight

by Jenna Lepczyk 

Jacquelyn Nicole Johnson, a senior media major, has been going to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School since she was a freshman. This month, Jacquelyn will be showcasing her photography artwork in an art exhibition at Robert Morris University.

Jacquelyn Nicole Johnson

Before LPPACS, Jacquelyn went to Rochester, and because of certain changes in the school, her family looked into other academic options. Almost auditioning for Literary Arts department at LPPACS, she changed her mind and submitted a photography portfolio.

“One place I could consistently photograph was my grandparents’…I think that’s what validated me wanting to take pictures, because my family never questioned it and I was comfortable,” she explained.

“Sleeping in Public” by Jacquelyn Johnson

Jacquelyn explained how her father didn’t come from an artistic background. When he graduated high school he joined the Marines and was based in Korea. There, his interest in photography formed.

“Whenever I was getting into photography, that’s was when everyone was on Tumblr. Then I’d look at my dad’s journal where he had all these old photos of these beautiful Asian women…they weren’t necessarily really good photos but he was photographing really good things.” Jacquelyn continued, “I think that is something that drove my style.”

“Even if I end up doing commercial work for a while I just want to make it my own…something that I can still care about. I’m going to Carnegie Mellon [University] to study fine art and minor in computer programming.”

“Pick a Card” by Jacquelyn Johnson

From LPPACS, Jacquelyn has learned how to be resourceful and provide for herself in the environment, knowing how to distribute motivation for academics and art classes. Jacquelyn has actually done some work for Stephan Elko, Resident Artist and photography teacher for LPPACS. Jacquelyn has gone on shoots with him, and he, in return, has taught her a lot about the art form she loves.

 “Sometimes it feels like a business environment, in a good way,” she explained.

Now after all of the work she has done, what she has accomplished and experienced, she’s continues to work hard for each shoot. She explained how she’ll think about something for years before trying to do approach it creatively. 

In the class of 2016, you can see some of Jacquelyn ‘s work in a new art exhibition gallery at Robert Morris University.

“The RMU show is important because it is the truest display of student work there will be been all year…the show as a whole is without a theme but I imagine all of us have our own, specific motivations for what we are presenting.” Jacquelyn said, “I also am printing a few images I created for my final senior portfolio, and it is a project I have technically been working on for the four years I have been here.”

“Eating in Public II” by Jacquelyn Johnson

The Media Department will be hosting a gallery opening at The Wheatley Center at Robert Morris University on Sunday, June 5  from 11 to 3.

 The opening will showcase student artwork, with additions from several alumni, and live music will be featured. Light refreshments will be provided. The show will run for two weeks following the opening reception.

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The Lion King Experience Jr. Edition: A Coming of Age Story

by Jenna Lepczyk

Tessa DeJeet as Rafiki 

The sun is rising over the Pride Lands at Lincoln Park! This particular show is classified ‘Junior,’ means it’s for seventh to ninth grade actors and actresses. ‘The Experience’ means that the songs are shorter than a typical musical. It’s all the same scenes and songs as the original musical and movie, only shortened.

The Lion King itself is a classic ‘coming of age’ story, and now that reflects in the cast itself, when younger students from Lincoln Park get their time to shine and prove themselves. Musical theatre major and ninth grader, Mathew Fedorek, will be portraying the character, “Scar.”

“Being a freshman, it’s actually really cool. It’s almost like we’re the seniors of the show now,” he said. “It’s cool to be the big guys on campus -- so in other shows we were always the underdogs, but now we get to show them [the middle schoolers] what to do.”

Now the students who are usually in an ensemble get lead roles, and have a chance to be the dance captain, in the featured dancers groups, and in the principals. Angelina Paterini, an eighth musical theatre major, will be portraying “Nala.”

“I wanted to be Nala because she’s really fearless and powerful. It’s inspiring to be someone like that… There’s a lot of pressure trying to live up to the reputation that the seniors and juniors have created.”

Angelina has an uncle and sister at home whom she hopes she will be making proud.

“My uncle went to Broadway and he plays piano; he’s really talented. He’s always critical and has a lot to say.” Paterini added, “My sister also went here [Lincoln Park] and she's the main reason I wanted to come here. I hope I make them both proud!

This show is fun for the whole family, and it inspires the audience to believe that you can do anything you believe in and work towards.

Fedorek says, “Mufasa has a line in the show, ‘If you look up at the stars all the great kings of the past and I will be looking over you’.” He continues, “I think that’s very important for people to understand, that no matter what’s going on you will always have someone backing you up. You are never alone and you can do whatever you want to do when it comes to your dreams.”

The Lion King Experience Jr. Edition at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center

Date: May 13-15

Time: Fri. 7:30 PM, Sat. 2:00 & 7:30 PM, Sun. 2:00 PM Venue: MainStage Theater Tickets: $20, $18, $15

http://lincolnparkarts.org/event/the-lion-king/

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The Little Mermaid: A Deeper Understanding

By Jenna Lepczyk 

Have you every dreamed of being under the sea? The director, and artistic producing director at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Justin Fortunato, plans to do just that and bring The Little Mermaid to life. The Center plans to immerse the audience in the family-friendly Disney musical with one of the most complicated sets yet.

 “It’s a technically very difficult show… there’s stage directions like ‘This happens at the bottom of the ocean,’ then three words later we’ll be at the top of the ocean’s surface… or we’re completely on land,” explains Mr. Fortunato. Set designs for The Little Mermaid have been underway since November, so they’ve been working on making this musical a spectacle for months. However, Mr. Fortunato is trying to make this show something a little more than your familiar Disney cartoon. In the rewrites it went through after the Broadway opening, The Little Mermaid became more focused on the relationships.

Rachel Mracna  as Ariel, The Little Mermaid

 “I think the most important relationship in the show is that between King Triton and Ariel. The reality of the situation— even though these people are dressed as fish, and they live in the bottom of the ocean —he’s a single parent with seven daughters. He’s trying to do his best to keep his family together,” says Mr. Fortunato. “The circumstances of the show do the work for us, it puts us in this kind of fantastical world. The costumes and the sets kind of take care of all the Disney stuff, and then our job in the rehearsal room is delving into the realistic situation we’re in.”

Mr. Fortunato continued, “What really spoke to me in this show is that, yes, Ariel and Eric have this star-crossed love relationship, but I think what gives the show heart, that I think a lot of parents and children will be able to relate to, is the relationship between father-mother daughter-son. I think what makes this really interesting is that the father has to be father and mother to seven entrancingly different daughters.

This show is really about celebrating who you are, and understanding that wanting to understand other parts of the world doesn’t mean you can’t have respect for home.

Mr. Fortunato also said, “So for parents, it’s understanding how to let go in that way, and for younger people, just because you go out and explore that doesn’t mean you have to lose where you came from.”

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

April 15-17 & 22-24Fri. – Sat. 7:30 PM, Sun. 2:00 PM Approximate running time is 2.5 hours with an intermission Venue: MainStage Theater Tickets: $20, $18, $15

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 Ariel, our favorite mermaid princess. 

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Cinderella: An Original Ballet

by Jenna Lepczyk

Young or old, you know the story of Cinderella. A classic folk tale about a young girl facing many challenges and in the end is triumphant, a “rags to riches” story. Most are familiar with the Disney version, fairy god mothers and a pumpkin carriage, but Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center will be putting on an original ballet, choreographed by Jennifer Verba. The first landmark Cinderella was Rostislav Zakharov’s ballet in 1945 and since then has been added to the list of classical ballet performed over and over again.

On March 18-20, you can see an original version of this ballet. Mrs. Verba has written all three acts, using the strengths of the dancers she gets to work with. “The dancers and kids at Lincoln Park have inspired me the most,” Mrs. Verba went on to say. “Their excitement to want to do it and want to learn; they are having fun with the performance. This motivates me to make it fun for them.”

When asked about the most challenging part of choreographing Cinderella, Mrs. Verba answers with Act Two. “It opens up with all the dancers on stage dancing and the Prince arrives, the stepsisters and stepmother arrives, Cinderella arrives.” Then Cinderella runs off and loses her shoe, “That act includes the most dancers… it’s probably the most difficult part because it involves so many dancers.”

Cinderella has three acts in total, and the preparation for choreographing the entire show has taken a long time Mrs. Verba has been listening to the music for months and has gone to see other versions of the ballet to try and get the best understanding of the show possible. She has taken the orchestration of Cinderella and created her own original work to it. Cinderella at Lincoln Park will be similar to most traditional versions of the ballet.

Left to right: Claire Kraskey, Haley Care, Nicole Truzzi, Michael Caye and Macy Minear

Something that may stand out is the fact that Cinderella will not be in a blue dress or glass slippers, but a gold one with gold shoes. Also, the “ugly stepsisters” are considered more “annoying stepsisters, and their names will be Natasha and Sophia. One thing that may be shocking to Disney fans is the fact that the ballet doesn’t include mice, but Mrs. Verba has decided to have them in her version.

“There is a difference to it than your typical Disney movie. There are fairies added that actually bring Cinderella gifts before she goes to the ball… We have three mice, we’re using Gus Gus, Jaq, and Susie. We want to make it a little more Disney for the little kids in the audience because they all know there’s mice.”

Come and see Cinderella, an original ballet, for yourself! This show will be guaranteed enjoyment for those who love the ballet, and those that love the story of Cinderella.

Date: March 18-20

Time: Fri. – Sat. 7:30 PM, Sun. 2:00 PM | Approximate running time is 2.5 hours with an intermission Venue: MainStage Theater Tickets: $20, $18, $15

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The Crucible: A Historical Allegory

by Olivia Campbell 

Jackie Appel as Abigail Williams, Greer LeRoy as Mary Warren, Julia Paul as Susanna Wallcott & Malkyah Bailey as Tituba

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center is producing The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller written in the early 1950s. The Crucible, at first glance, is a play about the Salem Witch Trials, but it actually serves as an allegory for a larger cultural event that was happening at the time, the Red Scare and McCarthyism.

Dan LeRoy, Director of Literary Arts at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, knows quite a bit about this era, given his role as both a writer and a teacher. He explains, “The Red Scare is usually attributed to Senator Joseph McCarthy, who, 66 years ago (not too far from here in Wheeling, West Virginia), announced that he had a list of 205 government workers that were presumed to be members of the communist party. This kicked off a period where numerous people were accused of being members of the communist party and socialist sympathizers. Their names and reputations were tarnished as a result of the activities of Senator McCarthy.

“All of that's true to an extent,” Mr. LeRoy went on to say, “but Senator McCarthy gets a lot of credit for something that he probably doesn't deserve that much credit for. This is something that dates back at least a decade, and maybe more than that – there were fears about communist influence in America going back all the way to the beginning of the Depression. There were fears that because of the economic instability in the country that communists would take advantage of this opportunity to try and undermine the government. Senator McCarthy became the face of this movement … he was later discredited. It turned out that a good deal of what he had to say was not based in fact.”

Mr. LeRoy pointed out that while McCarthy's own reputation was tarnished by his often incorrect assertions, he still was right about some of the accusations that he made. For instance, perhaps the most famous account of McCarthy correctly identifying as a communist in the government was Alger Hiss, a State Department and United Nations official. Hiss's name was mentioned before the House Un-American Activities Committee, or HUAC, which was an investigative committee of the House of Representatives that was investigating citizens with ties to the Communist Party. Hiss maintained his innocence through two trials and until his death in 1996. But as evidence stacked up against him, it was clear that McCarthy's accusation was correct and that Hiss, after much debate, was indeed a Soviet agent.

Mr. LeRoy continued to say, “McCarthyism has become a pejorative. It is the idea that, drawn from Senator McCarthy's career, that we accuse not just, in particular, people of being communists or socialists. But really, it's expanded to encompass anyone who is, as they say, on a witch hunt.”

Marissa Kairis as  Elizabeth Proctor

Given this, it's rather obvious to see how the Red Scare and McCarthyism connect to The Crucible. Mr. LeRoy explained further, “Arthur Miller, who also wrote Death of a Salesman, was a target of some of these investigations. He had a very personal ax to grind. The Crucible compares and connects the witch hunts in Salem to the witch hunts during the McCarthy era.

Marissa Kairis, a senior from Moon Township, portrays character of Elizabeth Proctor. "I learned about The Crucible and its connections to McCarthyism when I was a freshman in an acting class.” She says, “Understanding this connection helps me grasp the paranoia and fear that is very strong in this play.”

The Crucible opens Friday, March 4, and runs for two weekends.

March 4-6 &11 - 13

Fri. – Sat. 7:30 PM, Sun. 2:00 PM 

Venue: BlackBox Theater

Tickets: $20, $15

For tickets: http://lincolnparkarts.org/event/the-crucible2/

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Dancing with the Teachers

by Jenna Lepczyk

Every other year at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, teachers pair up with a dance major and attempt to win a contest. This contest is called Dancing with the Teachers. Imagine Dancing with the Stars, but funnier, significantly less serious, and you actually know some the dancers.

Dancing with the Teachers is brought to you by the Humanitarian Club at the school and is always for a good cause. The winning teacher/dancer duo gets a $100 prize, and it goes to the charity of their choice. Senior Andrea Nickel, a Literary Arts major and president of the humanitarian club, says that “It’s important people care because their contribution, the $5 admission to the show, all goes to charity.” She also said that “any profit we makes goes to the Humanitarian Club. We do events like Pennies for Patients in the first week of February. We also sponsor a child, Anderson, who lives in Africa.”  

Four years ago, Melissa Potts, an English teacher at the school, won Dancing with the Teachers alongside dancer John Cageo. Miss Potts told me, “It was a tough battle. We had a dance off with Dr. Butterini and Katerina Garren that included moves like the worm, somersaults, and some intense running man.” She decided to donate her prize money to the Women’s Shelter of Beaver County.

A newcomer to Dancing with the Teacher, Zac Cageao, is feeling the pressure this year. He will be dancing with Nicole Truzzi, a senior dance major. “We are going to melt some faces with sheer awesomeness,” Cageao said. When asked what plans they had, Cageao responded, “If I told you that, I would have to kill you.”

Both Potts and Cageao agree that dancing on stage in front of an audience is daunting. Miss Potts shared that, “I got to be out of my comfort zone and experience what our students go through every time they step on a stage in any capacity. I gained a larger respect for what they do and how much time they put in to every performance.” 

Four years later it is no surprise that Mr. Cageao is feeling the same pressure, “It is nerve-wracking, I’m a little terrified about dancing in front of my peers and students.” He continued, “Even though I possess natural born dancing skills that are unsurpassed by anyone ever, I’m still nervous about strutting my stuff upon the stage.” However, he added, “It’s for a good cause.”

This February you can come see Miss Potts dancing with math teacher, Mr. Kevin Patterson, and cheer on everyone else who is competing. Dancing with the Teachers promises to be a fun show that anyone could enjoy, and will give the satisfaction of helping out those in need!

Dancing with the Teachers Wednesday, February 17, 7:30 PM Tickets are $5 at the door BlackBox Theater

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Jonathan Zelezniak

Lincoln Park Resident Artist worked as a Technical Director and Lighting Designer for the Neil Labute New Theater Festival in NYC  

Jonathan Zelezniak, is celebrating his third year as a Resident Artist and Master Electrician at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. He has served as Lighting Designer for Ensemble Immersion, Senior Themes and Choreography, Jazz Pop, as well as An Ideal Husband. He's currently working on the design for The Crucible.

Jonathan is a Pittsburgh native who grew up in Upper St. Clair. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from Youngstown State University in 2011.  After graduation he moved to St. Louis to work for STAGES St. Louis as their Assistant Master Electrician, and St. Louis Actors' Studio (STLAS) as their Master Electrician and Technical Director. 

Recently, Jonathan got the opportunity to serve as Lighting Designer for the premiere of Day of the Dog at 59E59 Theater in New York City. Just last month, he travelled to NYC again as their Technical Director and Lighting Designer for the Neil Labute New Theater Festival. 

Take a look at some event photography:

 Off Broadway World Review

Theater Pizzazz Review

Back home, Jonathan also works with the local theater Union, IATSE.  His most memorable jobs there include setting up a tea room for Taylor Swift and arranging Jason Aldean's VIP area.

Jonathan has done lighting design for Central Valley High School's productions of Shrek and Me and My Girl. He also works with Thomas Jefferson High School for gala functions and lighting workshops. He serves on the executive board for East Liverpool's Got Talent, a local community based music festival.

 Jonathan lives in Midland with his wife Amanda, their daughter River, and their dog Angel. They are expecting another baby girl in May. 

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Ensemble Immersion Review

By Jenna Lepczyk

Each year at Lincoln Park, the students work together to create E.I. or, Ensemble Immersion. It is completely student run and uses aspects from each of the arts studied here at LPPACS: dance, literature, music, visual arts, and acting. There are several shows each school year and I went to the one on Thursday, Sept. 24th.  

Each E.I. performance is different from the last and, until the actual performance, the subject is kept secret. Audience members have no knowledge of what they are about to experience, yet they attend to be apart of the thrilling surprise of the show. After seeing the first E.I., I’m curious how they’ll top it next time.  

After taking my seat, the lights went down and the show began. I was skeptical at the beginning, but soon I was watching these amazing actors and actresses put on a show that captivated the audience. In an instant the show went from dramatic to hilarious. The audience around me was constantly laughing. Never underestimate a sweatband or kazoos. There were many parts for the dancers to showcase their talent and each left you in awe, I never knew you could dance with a cardigan so beautifully. Music was playing constantly, from chill blues to something much more hardcore. The singers were simply fantastic; it’s hard to believe I go to school with each of these people.  

E.I. is something special and if given the chance, you should go see it. I’m excited to see what’s in store for the next E.I. I’m sure it’ll be just as magical as the show I just witnessed.

Photo Cred Emily Matzie

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West Side Story at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.

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House of Pop

by Jenna Lepczyk

In past years, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center has put on a show every winter called Jazz Pop. Last year, everyone was told that it was the final performance of Jazz Pop, which it was. However, on Jan. 15, you will see it reborn into House of Pop.

For the first time, the show includes other elements from students that attend Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School (LPPACS), such as dance and poetry. The entire show, run by Mr. Josh Jones, is to be one of the best shows of the entire year. Breaden Young, a music major at LPPACS and senior, says “They’re tying other forms of art into this show, and thats what makes this show special.” He’ll be playing guitar throughout House of Pop.

 In the weeks upcoming to the show, students stay after school and practice almost nonstop so that the show is perfect and something the audience will enjoy seeing. They work tirelessly and give up most of their time, including two full weeks just before the show, practicing into the night. Katie Wethli, a senior vocal major at LPPACS and from Cranberry Township, says, “No matter how much work it is, it has to be one of the best shows I’ve ever been in.”

 “New name, new show… there’s a lot of music from the ‘80s, ‘50s, and the ‘90s too, and some current stuff, so it’s good for all ages,” Katie continued. You can see her perform a solo and some background in the show.

Ian McKenzie, sophomore literary major from Seneca Valley, will be the very first student to ever read a literary work aloud at House of Pop. While Ian reads his poem aloud, dancers have been choreographed in the background.

“Judging by what I have heard at the rehearsals, the singers are going to be really well put together.” Ian shared. “Mr. Jones has put together a show that really flows, seamlessly… It’s going to be one of best shows they’ve had in the history of the event!”

January 15, 2016  7:30 PM, 

On sale date: Monday, December 14, 2015

Venue: MainStage Theater

Tickets: $12 adults, $5 students

For tickets: http://lincolnparkarts.org/event/house-of-pop/

Photo Credit: Sarah Hartenstein

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Looking back at the end of the 2015 season!

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Lion Cubism art by ArtReach 11th grade student, Rebecca McClure.

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Awesome photo of "The Nutcracker" rehearsal!

The expressions in the back row are priceless! Comment with your best caption for this photo...