Performing Arts

From the orchestra to the stage.

Choir

The First Academy’s choral department offers students the opportunity to discover and develop their vocal abilities to glorify Jesus Christ and share his love through music. For credit choral opportunities include:

  • Upper School Choir
  • Musical Theatre

Extracurricular opportunities are available outside of the classroom and include:

  • Fall Concert
  • Spring Concert
  • Performances at Sporting Events
  • District and State Competitions
  • Chapel Performances
  • Veterans Day Ceremony

Concert & Marching Band

The First Academy offers a comprehensive band program for students in sixth through twelfth grade. Our goal is to train young men and women to become proficient on a band instrument and use their talent to glorify God. The band program is structured to prepare students for lifelong musical enjoyment.

The Royal Guard and the band perform at halftime during the football game.

The First Academy offers a comprehensive band program for students in sixth through twelfth grade. Our goal is to train young men and women to become proficient on a band instrument and use their talent to glorify God. The band program is structured to prepare students for lifelong musical enjoyment.

Beginning & Intermediate Band

With the help of the band director, sixth through eighth grade students begin by selecting an instrument in Beginning Band. Once that decision has been made, each student will secure an instrument (usually through a rental or the school) to begin learning to play. No prior instrumental experience is necessary, only an interest in playing in band.

With at least one year of experience, seventh and eighth grade students may participate in the intermediate band. Visit the Middle School Arts page to learn more information about the Beginning or Intermediate Band.

Royal Marching & Concert Band

The Royal Marching and Concert Band is the premier instrumental organization at The First Academy. The ensemble is open to students in seventh to twelfth grade, who are able to meet the minimum performance requirements. The students in this group range from those who just love to be in band to serious music students who are considering pursuing music in college. The curriculum is a blend of technical and expressive development along with music theory, composition, and music technology projects.

The marching band competes in one to three local Marching Band Festivals and participates in the Annual Downtown Orlando Veterans Day Parade. After Marching Season, the Royal Concert Band performs at the All School Christmas Program in December. In the spring semester, the concert band participates in the Florida Bandmasters Association Concert Music Performance Assessment and Solo and Ensemble. In addition to these events, students have the opportunity to perform in one of the FMEA All-State bands, Central Florida Private School Honor Band, and the Festival of Winds at the University of South Florida. Biannually, the Royal Concert Band travels on a Spring Performance Trip. Some of our past destinations have been Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans.

After Marching Season, the Royal Concert Band has performed at various events including the All School Christmas Program, Florida Bandmasters Association Concert Music Performance Assessment and Solo and Ensemble, and bowl games.

Theatre

Upper School Theatre at The First Academy allows all levels of theatre student to thrive and excel in a rich performance environment. Performers and technicians have multiple opportunities to serve and create both during and outside of school hours. The theatrical arts at The First Academy allow students to develop their talents and gifts in an environment that maintains a Biblical worldview, nurtures a Christ-like attitude and desires to develop Christian character among its participants.

Extracurricular Theatrical Opportunities

Aside from the semesterly courses – Musical Theatre, Advanced Acting, Introduction to Theatre, Technical Theatre, Public Speaking – The First Academy’s Upper School Theatre Program offers the following annual opportunities:

  • Fall One Act
  • Spring Musical
  • In Class Coaching, Scene Work, One Acts, and Performance Opportunities
  • Competitive State, District 5 Thespian Festival and State Thespian Festival Individual Events and One Acts Opportunities
  • Participation in the Central Florida Applause Awards
  • Membership in the International Thespian Society: Thespian Troupe 5165
  • English Speakers Union Shakespeare Competition

Our theater program proudly puts on two to four productions each year in our black box theater or other off-campus venues. Students have the opportunity to audition for these shows or serve as leaders on the Technical Team including positions such as stage managers, makeup and hair crew, costumes crew, publicity crew, and lighting and sound operators. Upper School students may also serve as Student Directors for Middle School Performances. Auditions and Tech Applications are open to all 9-12 grade students and are publicized throughout the school.

An Evening of One Acts

The Upper School cast and crew of The Vagabond and the Viscount.

Upper School Fall Play: The Gift of the Magi

The cast and crew from Upper School’s 2023 Fall Play- The Gift of the Magi.

Connect With Us

To stay updated on the latest Theatre Events, get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, and find out show information, be sure to follow us on the following social media platforms:

Looking for more information? Contact Jason Porrata about courses or theatrical opportunities.