Theater

Purpose

Our mission is to establish a vibrant fine arts department at North Tampa Christian Academy, focusing on musical theater, theatrical training, vocal and dance training, and backstage technical skills. We are dedicated to offering students a comprehensive fine arts education through professional workshops, spiritually enriching theater camps, and high-quality productions.

Program Focus

  • Musical Theater Training: Comprehensive training in all aspects of musical theater.

  • Theatrical Training: Development of acting skills and stage presence.

  • Vocal Training: Enhancing vocal techniques and performance.

  • Dance Training: Instruction in various dance styles and techniques.

  • Backstage Technical Training: Learning about stagecraft and technical operations.

  • Professional Excursions: Opportunities to work with industry professionals.

  • Guest Workshops: Sessions with guest lecturers, teachers, and performers.

  • Theater Camps: Spiritually enriching camps designed to develop talent and faith.

  • Productions: High-quality religious and mainstream musical theater productions.

Conservatory Staff

  • Director: Devin Anavitarte

    • 12 years of educational experience

    • 20 years in production

    • 30 plays written

    • 65 productions directed

    • 7 novels self-published

  • Dance Instructor: Jerè James

    • Owner/operator of Inez Patricia School of Dance

    • 30+ years of instruction

    • Horton pedagogy training from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

    • Former students on Broadway in The Outsiders and The Lion King

Rehearsal Times

  • Grades 5-8: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00-10:30 AM

  • Grades 9-12: Mondays and Tuesdays, 12:45-3:15 PM; Fridays, 12:45-3:15 PM

Students must use the Titan Teacher Network for missed classes and maintain regular attendance, with absences only allowed for illness or family emergencies. Enrollment is open at the end of each semester.

Admittance Process

  • Complete application

  • Submit 3 recommendation letters

  • Schedule and attend an interview and audition (August 19/20)

Student Responsibilities & Requirements

  • Middle School students must maintain an A/B average

  • Upper School students must maintain a 3.0 GPA

  • Regular communication with teachers

  • Keep up with class work via TTN videos

  • Submit travel dates in advance

  • Admittance decisions are made by the director and admission committee

Fees

  • Upper School (Grades 9-12): $1,700 per year or $850 per semester (monthly payments available at $170 over ten months)

  • Middle School (Grades 5-8): $800 per year or $400 per semester (monthly payments available at $80 over ten months)

Fee Allocation

  • Venue rental fees

  • Costumes, sets, props

  • Sound equipment

  • Show license materials

  • Guest lecturers, performers, and additional master classes

  • Choreography costs

  • Educational excursions (e.g., Disney Imagination Campus)

Additional Opportunities for Upper School Students

  • Fall semester religious theater camp at Camp Kulaqua

  • Performance of the spring musical at New Tampa Performing Arts Center

Benefits of Musical Theater and Dance

  • Enhances creativity

  • Builds collaborative skills and community

  • Improves time management

  • Teaches patience and concentration

  • Promotes empathy and physical activity

  • Boosts self-esteem and self-discipline

  • Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving

Future Vision

  • Expansion to include instrumental and vocal offerings

  • Increase in staff

  • NYC tour for Broadway shows and theater workshops

  • Development of a Performing Arts Center