Arts

Performing Arts

Theater/Performing Arts

From performing songs, poems, and skits in the familiarity of their own classrooms, to curriculum-based presentations in front of family and friends, to school-wide concerts and dramatic productions, the Performing Arts curriculum at RCS offers students at every grade level both a valuable opportunity for creative expression, and a proven means to develop the confidence that comes with feeling comfortable in front of an audience.

Junior PreKindergarten - Grade 4

On the Lower Campus, student performances are integrated into the academic curriculum. In every grade, beginning with Junior PreKindergarten, students prepare and conduct performances that reflect the themes they have been working on in the classroom. During the earliest years of their education, it becomes second nature for our students to express themselves in front of an audience.

Grades 5 - 9

On the Upper Campus students continue to benefit from an emphasis on public speaking in the classroom. In addition, opportunities for more professional levels of dramatic performance increase. Although all students are encouraged to participate, the performing arts program on the Upper Campus allows those students who particularly enjoy the stage to pursue this interest in greater depth.

Theater Offerings Grades 5-9

List of 6 items.

  • Shakespeare Workshop

    In 5th grade, students have the option of participating in the Shakespeare Workshop during the winter term.

  • Sixth Grade Musical

    Every student in the sixth grade performs in, or works behind the scenes to produce, the sixth grade play. Past performances include Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, Once Upon a Mattress, Willy Wonka, James and the Giant Peach, and more.

  • Varsity Acting

    Seventh, eighth, and ninth graders may take a theater class as one of their art electives. There are two skill levels offered, affectionately referred to as Varsity and Junior Varsity Acting. Varsity Acting always produces a play; some past performances have been The Devil and Daniel Webster and Infancy and Childhood – One Act Plays by Thornton Wilder.

  • Revelry

    The winter student performance at RCS is a medieval pastiche of song, dance, and storytelling in celebration of the winter solstice. Also referred to as “Revels,” the evening is a traditional time for young alums, home for the holidays, to visit campus and connect with old friends.

  • Spring Musical

    The Spring Musical is the major full-length production of the spring term. Open to seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, past performances have included George M., The Marx Brothers’ Cocoanuts, Hello, Dolly, Into the Woods, and more.

  • 9th Grade Portfolio

    Some ninth graders choose to focus on the dramatic arts in their portfolio projects, performing monologues, writing scripts, and producing plays.

  • - Parent '19

    We chose Rippowam Cisqua for the rich academic program and individualized learning plan. The Performing Arts program, however, was an unexpected treat. The Lower Campus holiday recitals allowed our daughter to sing and play instruments in front of a large audience. By the time she reached the Upper Campus, she had the confidence to audition for solo roles. Participating in the performances was an enjoyable way to balance the academic day. We've shed many tears of joy watching RCS students put on quality performances thanks to the efforts of a talented and dedicated staff.

  • - Student '19

    During the years I have spent at RCS, I’ve had many opportunities to participate in different shows. The school’s Performing Arts program allows students of all ages to perform without pressure. The program gave me and my classmates the confidence to put on the 6th grade school play. Being part of the James and the Giant Peach cast will always be a highlight of my time at Rippowam Cisqua.
Lower Campus: 325 West Patent Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549
phone: (914) 244-1200
Upper Campus: 439 Cantitoe Street, Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, a vibrant fine and performing arts program, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.