The voices of a new generation ring out in celebration of theatre arts

Theatre Arts, under the watchful eye of professional actor and experienced teacher, director, producer, and writer Stephanie Pitsiladis, focuses on the key disciplines of acting, singing, dancing and various other aspects of the stage – including orientation toward the critical life skills that young theatre students need to prepare them for work in the professional world of entertainment.

Music, under the delicate and firm hand of Elaine Thomas, had already cut a niche at the school before it joined forces with Theatre Arts, with the program turning out a polished orchestra at Laval Liberty since 2005 and at Western Laval, its predecessor, prior to that, year in and year out, for many years. Now, it appears that the marriage of the music and theatre arts program is a match made in pedagogical heaven, a union of the passions of two art forms that offer young people exceptional development, the challenge of striving for excellence, the desire to actualize their talents, and the opportunity to show what they've learned, in real time, through polished productions like Curtains.

Together, the energetic Ms. Pitsiladis and the enthusiastic Mrs. Thomas, have set a precedent at Laval Liberty High School that will motivate generations of students and teachers for years to come.

Notably, they've also succeeded in establishing an attitude of cooperation between musicians and actors, a symbiosis of heart and harmony, sight and sound, and words and music that melt and meld into high-wire productions. Take it on reliable evidence, folks, these two people relish the challenge of teaching their students to perform without a safety net, with the courage that is nothing less than spectacular.

"It's been an intense two months of practice, but it paid off," said trumpet player, Nicola Pompa, minutes before the closing performance of Curtains. "I love it. These guys put on a really great show. Some of them are so good I think they'll probably make it to Broadway," said Nicola, in his praise of the cast.

Added Mrs. Pia Pulice: It's evident that the hand of a professional actress is involved."

Common throughout the performance was a kind of 'conversational' delivery of the lyric emotions – in an extremely effective way, a way few mediums can. The vocals possessed a seemingly effortless sound, exquisitely nuanced, through the singers' ability to project without pushing.

"This reminds me of other Broadway shows, like Hairspray," said spectator Niki Benoliel. "For inexperienced performers, they're really good."

Young people interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts face enormous challenges that can come at them from multiple directions, says Stephanie Pitsiladis, the twenty-something Theatre Concentration Teacher at Laval Liberty High School who speaks from personal experience, having herself performed on stages in the theatre capitals of the world.

"My main role is to help them achieve their technical best, learn to generate energy, to

express themselves spontaneously, and to develop their artistry to a level of creativity and productivity that makes them credible on stage," she says, referring to the objectives of the Theatre Concentration Program.

"The stage is a full time business," she adds. "Anyone hoping to make a career in it must be taught about casting directors, creative teams behind shows, and about the lingo, rules, and etiquette that permeate every production from auditions to Opening Night and beyond, she explains," her voice of experience leaving no stone unturned.

Mr. Ruggi also recounted that when he congratulated James Soares Correia (Lieutenant Cioffi), telling him that he should pursue a career in Theatre, the graduating student replied: 'I thank you for making the program available and for giving it your support.'

"That was a special moment for me," Mr. Ruggi told Courrier Laval, eyes beaming with pride.

The Theatre Concentration program at Laval Liberty High School is not only interested in artistic training and formation, but also in helping create a well-rounded, disciplined, and healthy performer. The goal is to champion the physical, mental, and emotional tools required to enjoy a healthy existence in the performing arts world, sums up Stephanie Pitsiladis.

Renata Isopo