Even our youngest students get to perform through our no-audition, give-it-a-try program. Our elementary school is where students get the chance to flex their performing muscles under the guidance of teachers like Michelle Leisy, our Elementary Musical Theater teacher.
Michelle joined the PPA staff in 2022. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theater before earning a Master’s in Applied Theater from City University of New York. As one of our performing arts teachers she helps students in 1st through 4th grade gain confidence through performance in classes designed to provide a solid foundation in performing arts.
“I feel privileged to teach at a school that loves the arts as much as I do.”
What is unique about teaching at PPA?
“The arts are celebrated here. This is a school that honors the importance of arts education and makes it part of the daily schedule for all the students. Musical theater is prioritized alongside regular academics in our elementary school.”
What’s your favorite pastime at PPA?
““I love walking through the halls and seeing our students rehearsing, singing, and dancing. It’s such a joy for me to look at them in their ballet shoes and costumes as they move from class to class with such pride. These kids are doing amazing work that culminates in many incredible stage performances!”
What is fulfilling about your work?
“Any time I introduce a new area of acting study, it is so fun to watch my students make connections – directly in class, with each other, and to the world around them.
In our class, each grade puts on its own musical. On show day the energy is electric. Our students beam with excitement as they get ready to perform. And I love celebrating their accomplishments with them post show!”
At PPA every student can explore the arts with teachers like Michelle. Through our elementary musical theater class would-be performers study acting, scene and character development, storytelling, and the history of theater. There’s still time to enroll for the 2024-25 school year.
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About Parker Performing Arts School
Parker Performing Arts School (PPA) is a public, tuition free performing arts school serving elementary and middle school students, chartered by the Douglas County School District. We deliver the art of education combining a rigorous academic curriculum and daily training in performing and visual arts We accept all K-8 students interested in pursuing their artistic passion. Enroll now.