Students in the Fine Arts Academy
The Harrisonburg High School Fine Arts Academy, developed and implemented in 2013, is an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential learning community that prepares students for a lifelong career, passion, and/or appreciation of creativity through the arts. The curriculum, built around the value of learning and understanding through the lens of the community, is also designed to ensure individual student growth. Critical thinking and advanced problem solving is demanded from each student through their development of creative intensity. Students are accepted into the academy through an audition process as an 8th or 9th grade student.
Back to Main Page Fine Arts Website
The following cast and pit members are students in our Fine Arts Academy.
Julie Beshoar
Cast: Flyer Guy
This is Julie’s first HHS production but she was Gertrude McFuzz in the SKMS production of Seussical, Jr.
Jade Chao
Cast: North Pole Elf, Macy's Elf, Teenager and Stage Manager
This is Jade’s first HHS production but her past roles include Nikko in The Wizard of Oz, Jr., Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Jr., and The Cat in Seussical, Jr.
Amara Clancey
Pit: Violin
This is Amara’s first time in the pit. She was on the crew for Hairspray and on the crew for Shrek, Jr. at THMS.
Natalie Corso
Cast: Boy Elf
Natalie was in musical for four years at THMS; she was the Ugly Duckling in Shrek, Jr. and the Stepmother in Into the Woods, Jr.
Emma Gibson
Cast: Matthews
Emma played Teen Fiona in Shrek, Jr., Darcy in Darcy’s Cinematic Life and the Witch in Into the Woods, Jr., all at THMS
Ari Han
Cast: Fake Santa #2
Pit: Piano
Through musical magic, Ari is both in the pit and onstage for his first HHS production. He has previous experience in THMS drama productions.
Anna Koubek
Pit: Alto Sax
This is Anna’s third year in the pit. She is in FAACL for visual art.
Mia Lemon
Cast: Jovie
This is the third HHS musical for Mia who was one of The Dynamites in Hairspray.
Anya Newman
Cast: North Pole Elf/Charlotte Dennon
Anya completes her perfect record of four years at HHS and four musicals. She also performs with Color Guard and HHS dance.
Kate Nichols
Cast: Boy
Kate was part of the Corny Council in Hairspray. She has studied dance at Ballet Extensions and with the Rockingham Ballet Theater.
Ellie Peeks
Cast: Elf #2
Last year Ellie was Daphne in Good Kids and was in the ensemble in Hairspray.
Sophia Pimentel Yoder
Cast: Saleswoman
Sophia was in both one act and musical productions at THMS, and most recently was Cinderella in Into the Woods, Jr.
Cecelia Thomas
Cast: Emily Hobbs
This is Cecelia’s fourth HHS musical. She is in Honors Choir and C-Crew.
Eleanor Tjaden
Cast: Store Elf #2
This is Eleanor’s first HHS production but she was in many productions at THMS and mostly recently was cast as Florinda in Into the Woods, Jr.
Rose Trainum
Cast: Security Guard, Police
Rose did sound for Legally Blonde and was stage manager for Hairspray.
Azalea Twining
Cast: Buddy the Elf
Azalea was the Matron in Hairspray, Kylie in Good Kids, Amber in Out for Winter Break and Aumerle in Richard II at the Shakespeare Youth Forum.
Ellie Velker
Cast: Deb
Ellie was Prudy Pingleton in Hairspray and was in Good Kids. She has been in many community theater and THMS productions.
Ella Young
Cast: Tiara
At THMS Ella was a Newsie in Newsies and in the ensemble for Matilda. Last year at HHS she was in the ensemble for Hairspray.