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

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.

Beginning Band

With the help of the band director, students in sixth through eighth grade begin by selecting an instrument. Once their 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.

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the premier instrumental organization at The First Academy. The ensemble is open to students in eighth to twelfth grade who can meet the minimum performance requirements. Students are selected by an audition process. The Wind Ensemble curriculum is a blend of technical and expressive development along with music theory training. 

 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.

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular opportunity for students who are currently enrolled in either Concert Band or Wind Ensemble. Jazz Ensemble is one of the most loved ensembles in the school. Students work diligently to audition and be selected to perform with this top-notch ensemble. The students in this group are trained in music theory topics to develop their improvisation skills. They focus mostly on the learning of jazz standards, but explore the world of modern modern jazz compositions as well. The Jazz Ensemble performances are the most looked forward to performances of any performing group at The First Academy. They are always filled with excellent technical playing and lots of fun.

Royals Pep Band

The Royals Pep is an extracurricular opportunity for the band students at The First Academy. The ensemble is open to students in seventh to twelfth grade, who are currently enrolled in either Concert Band or Wind Ensemble 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 Royals Pep Band supports our school’s varsity football team by opening the games with the National Anthem and encouraging the players by playing upbeat tunes from the stands. We participate in local parades, such as the school’s Homecoming Parade, the Annual Downtown Orlando Veterans Day Parade, and the STARS parade organized by Universal Studios.

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.