Even more students to receive free special training to prepare for performing arts school auditions
(West Palm Beach, Fl.) – Making their dreams come true! The Kravis Center’s De George Academy for Performing Arts is expanding to offer more students, who wish to pursue an education in the performing arts, the free opportunity to train and explore their creativity. The De George Academy supports Palm Beach County’s economically disadvantaged third- through eighth-grade students’ efforts to attend Bak Middle School of the Arts, Dreyfoos School of the Arts and other area schools with performing arts choice programs.
“The De George Academy is not just for the arts; it’s a place where you connect with others and feel free to be yourself,” said Kalen Hansen, De George Academy high school mentor. “DGA makes me happy due to the fact that we can express our gratitude for the arts as a family.”
During the 2022-2023 school year, nearly 100 students are expected to participate in the Academy’s afterschool and weekend workshops with 45 new seats being offered for incoming students. Classes take place every Saturday in the fall until November 12 and will begin again on January 14 through March 4. Taught by leading arts professionals, these workshops prepare Academy students for winter auditions for performing arts schools.
Since its founding in April 2012, the majority of De George Academy students return to the program annually and successfully gain entrance to local arts magnet schools. The acceptance rate for De George Academy students into arts magnet school’s is 50 percent as compared to only 25 percent for students not enrolled in the program.
“The De George Academy levels the playing field for students who have little or no access to quality performing arts instruction,” said Tracy C. Butler, Director of Education at Kravis Center. “By participating in the Academy, young artists expand their creativity, build technique, strengthen critical thinking skills, learn artistic discipline, and make new friends in a positive, supportive and professional environment. Enrolled students are tracked for the duration of the program to evaluate each individual’s success in reaching their goals. We are incredibly grateful to the De George family and to Find a Way 4 Kids for supporting the program’s expansion this year.”
The Academy’s mission to offer quality arts education experiences has been generously funded by the Lawrence J. and Florence A. De George Charitable Trust for the past 10 years.
To participate, students are nominated by arts teachers in their Title I elementary schools in the Spring and then participate in a week-long program in the Summer to prepare them for the De George Academy classes in the Fall. 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.
For more information about the De George Academy, or to donate to the program, please call (561) 651-4251 or visit kravis.org.
