What is PAPA
The Pennsylvania Academy of Performing Arts, PAPA International, is comprised of community members, along with business and artistic professionals, dedicated to promoting the performing arts with integrity.
PAPA has enlisted a cadre of national and international advisors from the fields of Music Composition, Dance, Theater and Business. This core group of professionals will play an integral part in the development of our performing arts goals and objectives.
We will accomplish our mission by:
- Supporting an interest in the arts within the community and surrounding areas by opening performance opportunities for all ages.
- Providing a venue for a wide variety of performances, concerts, lectures, visiting artists and special events.
- Providing access to culture and the arts to develop life-long learning skills, develop talent and offer educational opportunities.
- Providing residency programs and affording access to the most exceptional composers, best emerging and established professional national and international artists.
- Encouraging national and international partnerships in the performing arts.
- Creating a research library and repository of artistic information and resources.
- Encouraging partnerships with businesses to enhance the life of the local, national and international community.
Where we are...
2006 - 2007
Masterworks Choir - The first audition was held October 2006, which yielded a 60 member Masterworks Choir comprised of adults, college and high school students within the community. The first of several performances was held in February 2007 and obtained rave reviews.
2007 - 2008
Masterworks Choir - This choir has grown to 80 members and provides the mature adult voice with the opportunity to sing music of the highest caliber in a positive choral setting.
Men's and Women's Choirs - Music reading skills are essential as these choirs will explore a unique repertoire composed especially for these voices and will consist of 30 - 40 members in each choir.
PAPA Chorale (High School Age Choir) - Consisting of a group of up to 80 members, this choir will provide the maturing voice with extraordinary choral music with absolute demand for choral perfection. This choir will be in competition during the first weekend of May 2008.
Youth Choir - In this choir there will be a maximum of 60 members, from grades 5 - 8, that will provide a positive educational environment to guide the development of the growing voice and increase musical knowledge.
Chamber Opera - A select group of voices that will perform a night of opera scenes, a children's opera or a light chamber opera with sufficient notice.
Chamber Choir - The Chamber Choir, co-directed by Sarah-Katherine Shealy and Chris McGinley, is an auditioned group of 16 advanced singers that serves as a community outreach ensemble. The choir will perform for community functions and events throughout Chester and Delaware counties in an effort to generate publicity and funds for PAPA. Currently the Chamber Choir is accepting commissions to perform for special occasions, corporate events, holiday gatherings, and more.
Each choir listed above, in addition to smaller ensembles, can be commissioned to perform for special events and gatherings within the community. Price available upon request.
Where we are headed...
2008 - 2009
In addition to the choirs listed above, we would like to add a Jazz Choir, as well as an Orchestra and Concert Band