If you ever (thought about performing) but have thought, `but I'm not good enough,' my question back to you is `Says who? Here at SAS we are all given the opportunity and resources that the community has in order to grow. All we need to do is to be bold and take that first step, then everyone around you will help you along the way.
- Jason Neeley '22, Oglethorpe University '26
Theatre
Theatre is a space for learning and for creating. Formal theatre courses focus on collaborative skills, scenework, types of performance, and acting methods. Students in both middle and upper School are encouraged to audition for productions throughout the year.
Join the SAS Players for three shows of Brightstar, a musical that tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids.
In addition to performance, students may help with directing, scenery and costume design, music, and administrative functions related to the shows. Through the theatre program, students enjoy a creative outlet while honing lifelong skills of public speaking, teamwork and working under strict deadlines.
SAS theatrical productions in recent years have included: Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Beauty and the Beast, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and more!
Recently, students have begun traveling to, competing at, and learning at state-level, national-level, and international-level conferences, from the Tennessee State Thespian Conference to the International Thespian conference. Every year, our students have the opportunity to audition in front of college representatives, perform an ensemble one-act at ThesCon, and leave with “Superior” and “Excellent” ratings on their solo musical performances, costume design, and more.
Music
The music program at SAS provides opportunities for students to perform vocally and instrumentally while becoming proficient in theory, sight reading, and music appreciation. Each year, our student musicians form a unique ensemble for our weekly chapel services and other events.
Middle school music classes help students learn sight-singing, read rhythms, learn correct vocal production to maximize their abilities, study music theory, and how to be a member of an ensemble. Upper school students may take choral or instrumental classes and songwriting, music production, and recording classes or Afternoon Programs, as well as participate in varied special performances throughout the year.
Creative Expression assemblies and Open Mic Nights afford chances for musicians and vocalists to perform works of their own choosing for a wonderfully receptive audience.
SAS students play with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra ,which gives two performances a year and rehearses weekly throughout the school year. Transportation is provided for private lessons as well as for orchestra rehearsals. This is one more link in our partnership with the University.
WMTN Radio
In classes, afternoon programs, and independent studies, our students learn the art and science of radio broadcasting. Many blossom into creative student DJs who broadcast LIVE out of an on-campus radio station known as WMTN, the Mountain. They also learn to record their own shows and host panel discussions.
In the past two years, the radio program has been nominated for 20+ national awards at the Intercollegiate Radio Systems Conference, with wins in Best Radio Station ID and Best Foreign Language Show.
For more information, visit sasradio.org.
