DISCOVERING THE SELF THROUGH ART

Growing up is a period of self-discovery. While this can at times take place in the face of academic or athletic challenges, the process of self-understanding also requires opportunities for self expression free from competition or preconceived expectations.  Each child has a creative side seeking expression, but each child has talents and interests unique to him or her alone. One child may find the greatest pleasure in drawing while another may feel most free when playing the flute. One who loves to act may be best friends with another who loves to take photographs, sing, or sculpt.

That is why Wooster School’s arts program offers a wide variety of stimulating and challenging opportunities to students of all ages to explore their artistic selves and find the areas that best allow them to express what they have to offer to the world.

Our visual art program is structured to include all different media, both two- and three-dimensional; to work large as well as small, individually, as well as in groups; and to emphasize involvement in and enjoyment of the process of working as well as the finished product. Flexibility and a willingness to experiment are encouraged in a non-competitive but engaging and focused atmosphere.

As student grow older, the visual art program gradually builds skills and helps students expand their creative thinking, develop confidence in expressing original ideas, and gain a deeper knowledge of the principles of design, color, theory, and art history. Wooster's Art Intensive program offers in-depth studio time for portfolio work.

Our dramatics arts program is known in the community for outstanding performances, recently producing The Laramie Project, To Whom It May Concern, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, and You Can’t Take It With You to packed audiences.  Students participate in all facets of the production from acting, assistant directing, and stage managing, to set construction, lighting, and technical design.  After the fall production, the winter traditionally sees a musical, followed by a Middle School production in the spring.

Finally our music program boasts six singing groups including the Wooster Madrigals who perform annually at Carnegie Hall. Additionally there are four instrumental ensembles – most notably Mr. King’s Jazz Ensemble – and the opportunity to take private lessons from the professional musicians who are members of our adjunct faculty.

Exploring new media and forms of self expression, tapping into one’s creative resources, and developing skills in the pursuit of artistic excellence are what the arts are about at Wooster School.