Some here may remember that we wrestled with our younger daughter's education just before she started high school. Should we homeschool? Should she attend the local public high school? Should she attend the county magnet school for the performing arts? We chose the latter, despite a daily 90-minute bus ride each way. She loves it, and here's an example of why. Their school's recent production of "Les Miserables" was one of the best I've ever seen. Their voices are stunningly good, and the choreography was very detailed (watch "Master of the House" a few times, and you'll appreciate that). It was so detailed that those playing the poor were told not to wash their hair during the performance so it would look dirty. Anyway, please enjoy these excerpts, put out by the local theater. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=828573467168120&set=vb.199438623414944&type=2&theater https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=828103917215075&set=vb.199438623414944&type=2&theater
What a great performance! My dd also goes to a performing arts high school (LaGuardia Arts, from the movie "Fame") and everything they do blows me away. I always look forward to the annual musical. She's graduating this year and is waiting to hear from a dance conservatory any day now. Congrats to your daughter for being part of such a wonderful high school experience.
The theater has posted another excerpt, and it's one of my favorite parts. Again, this teenager's voice is just phenomenal. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=841301679228632&set=vb.199438623414944&type=2&theater
Isn't it great to look back and know you made the right decision? I know you must be very proud of her!!!
At the time, I really wanted her to choose to be homeschooled. She was ready for it! However, she insisted that she could cope with the daily 90-minute bus ride each way, with the endless rehearsals and performances, and with the pressure of completing homework in such an environment. And, for almost two school years now, she has proved that she can do it, and I'm very pleased about that. Performances like this are confirmation that she's well suited to this particular school setup.
My daughter is big in the theater, too, Steve. It really is demanding, isn't it? Loooong hours! That last tech-week before a performance, forget it, the kids come home to sleep and that's about it. Sounds like your daughter is really happy. Good dad! Even if they never go into acting or other areas of entertainment...the public speaking skills and confidence with crowds that the theater gives them is invaluable. So many kids can be so shy about communicating their ideas...they get overlooked. Theater gives them such a great ability to stand up and be heard. Helps with interviews, research presentation...all sorts of practical stuff in addition to those big showbiz dreams.
