St. Andrew’s & St. Anne’s talent in the spotlight at Focus

The Focus Festival of the Arts celebrated 35 years of envelope-pushing theatre in a three-day celebration of stage plays, music, and art from May 8 to 10.

 

“The Focus Festival of the Arts was truly amazing! From the student performances on our many stages and art displays in Staunton Gallery to the musical numbers played in our band rooms, there was an abundance of artistic talent to relish throughout the event,” said Kevin McHenry, Head of School.

 

This year, we staged High School Musical, a family-friendly show featuring positive messages about friendship and being true to yourself. Other plays on the docket included One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, You Have to be Carefully Taught, and a slate of shorter plays, some written and directed by our very own SAC and SAS students. Plays were staged throughout campus, including in the Wirth Theatre, Reininger Rehearsal Room, and the Makespace.

 

The festival had the Head of Drama & Film, William Scoular, as its artistic director, with assistance from outside directors, choreographers, and many employees. Even Kevin had a role in one of this year’s 14 plays. Hundreds of students from St. Andrew’s and St. Anne’s participated alongside special guests. Everyone involved showcased remarkable artistic, musical, and theatrical abilities. The weeks leading up to this much-anticipated event were full of frenzied chaos, creative brainstorming, and lots of hard work.

 

Staunton Gallery was transformed into an art gallery with pieces on display from students in every grade and an opportunity to try your hand at making a clay bowl on the pottery wheel. The collaborative painting project took shape nicely as attendees added their strokes to the Lawren Harris (Class of 1906) Group of Seven canvas.

 

Live music was also on the agenda, with the Middle School Band, the Jazz Band, the Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble performing in the Robert and Jilla Williams Band Room. There was also a Coffee House on Thursday evening.

 

We are grateful to all who attended and supported our students. We recognize the dedication of our student and theatre tech crews and our staff, whose countless hours of rehearsal and preparation made this event possible.

 

“The laughter and tears shared, the connections made with old boys and current and alumni parents all added to an unforgettable experience,” added Kevin.

 

This year’s Friday evening finale promised to be an evening of fun and entertainment, and it did not disappoint. Family and friends gathered in Cole Hall for an upscale barbecue, followed by a special presentation from the always fabulous Pipes & Drums.

 

“With such bright stars in our community, I’m already looking forward to the fall play,” said Kevin.

 

Check out all that the festival had to offer in our photo gallery.