Monthly Newsletters - July 2025

Congratulations on 25 successful performances in June!

Dear Students and Parents,

 

An excellent question we are often asked is, “How long does it take for students to learn how to play music, dance, or act?” The answer is that it just really depends on what your goals are and the level of interest that the student either has initially or develops over time.

 

When students first begin their lessons, they all have the opportunity to perform in a showcase. Concerts and showcases are always completely optional and deciding to perform is a commitment to practice regularly outside of class in order to prepare! Again, shows are optional because some students just want to learn slowly in a low-pressure environment and have no interest in being on stage – in fact, many of our adult students fit in this category. Totally fine!

 

For students who are seeking a large amount of growth, we feel this tends to happen year over year for the students that make the commitment to get on stage in front of an audience. Maybe they get nervous, maybe they forget a part of their act or song, mistakes happen. All of these real-world experiences on stage help our students grow into successful, well-educated and talented adults ready to take on life – whether it be in the arts or any career!

 

We always like to say that learning music is like learning a language, and how well you speak depends on how much you want to learn and the amount of time that you have to put into it.

 

Take this month for example, we had some students who performed in our Summer shows with less than a year of experience as well as four graduating seniors who merited our highest award that is rarely presented – the “Hall of Fame” award and will be majoring in music this Fall at the University level.

 

Speaking of performances though, I’d like to extend my congratulations to all of our students, parents, faculty, and staff for the 25 outstanding music,dance, and drama concerts, recitals, and shows held this past June!

 

Over the past few weekends, we were treated to hundreds of unique performances encompassing just about every musical genre imaginable. From contemporary pop/rock, jazz, musicals, stage plays, classical, contemporary Christian, country, 70’s/80’s hits (I’m a sucker for these, I’ll have to admit) and both classic and modern video game themes! Where else can you go to hear all of that in one place?

 

Every student has their favorite artists and styles, and our faculty love helping them find their niche and nurturing their skills!

 

Our dance students were equally as amazing with a stunning showcase titled “From Screen To Stage” – a film themed show conceptualized and written by Mrs. Madeline Bresette and choreographed by our fabulous dance faculty.

 

What I really enjoyed about our dance shows was the diversity of skill levels – from the brand new beginners who made their debut performances to the veteran Dance Company students!

 

Our acting and musical theater students were equally awesome with their intriguing showcases and amazing production quality of “Phantom of the French Quarter” and “The Little Mermaid JR.” Special shout outs to all of the theater parents, faculty, and staff who continue to go above and beyond with helping backstage, supporting the students with snacks, set building, and transporting props. Your support is truly appreciated more than you know!

 

Stay tuned to our social media pages for photos!

 

I’m sure you will agree that there were so many special moments shared on stage this past month – many of which were defining moments in the lives of our students.

 

Maybe you just had one of the most amazing performances ever, or perhaps a clunker or two snuck its way into your ditty. Maybe you just know you could have performed 100% better.

 

As artists, we all tend to be our own biggest critics - and that’s a whole other conversation!

 

The point, though, is that every time we perform, we gain experience and grow to understand our needs for future success! This ultimately affords us a greater level of focus in our lessons, increased self-confidence, and expectations for our journey forward.

 

Watching you all use your talents and grow in your skills is truly the greatest part of my job here at LAAPA. Having personally watched thousands of performances over the years, seeing the evolution over the span of months and years is phenomenal. This is all because you and our amazing faculty members have worked hard to make it happen!

 

Remember that while all of our productions are completely optional in terms of participation, they really are an integral part of music and dance education - so if you weren’t ready this time, be on the lookout for the next ones!

 

Congratulations!

 

~ Ryan Cullen, Academy Director

 

Hall of Fame

Congratulations to four of our graduating seniors who have been inducted into the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Hall of Fame!

Students who merit the Hall of Fame award are graduating seniors nominated by their teachers and confirmed by the Directors, have an outstanding performance history both at our academy and throughout the community, and will be continuing their education in the performing arts at the college level.

This award has previously been presented only 19 times in our 47 year history, and you can view past recipients on the placques in the lobby at each campus.

Our 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees are:

Patrick Cullen, piano/voice

Gracyn Dunavant, voice/musical theater

Brady Myers, voice/musical theater

Tripp Wilson, guitar

Little Women, the musical!

Tickets are on sale NOW for our summer musical, Little Women! All seats are reserved seating, so the sooner you get yours, the better!

 

Get Tickets!

Student News - Got something to share? Send it to us!

We love getting your news, success stories, and comments. If you'd like to share your news with us, please e-mail at studentnews@laapa.com. Please note that we publish our newsletters monthly, and if you don't see your submission in this edition, it will be published as soon as space is available! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/laapaface, youtube.com/laapatube, and on Twitter at @laapatweets.

Recording Studio

Our recording studio is located at the Mandeville campus and features a 32 track ProTools system, 4k video cameras, premium mics and equipment. Click the button below to learn more, schedule a studio tour or book your session today!

Learn More!

 

Happy July Birthdays!

We'd like to wish the following students a very Happy Birthday this month!

Abigail A [10], Abigail O [7], Addison G [13], Adelynn B [11], Adviti G [6], Aiden B [11], Aiden W [16], Albert A, Alexander H [6], Amirah M [5], Andrew [S], Anitra H [5], Arthur B [11], August L [11], Beena A, Bennett K [3], Bonnie H, Braydon W [16], Brooks B [13], Caleb B [12], Carson V [14], Carson L [9], Charlie Pearl W [3], Charlotte W [9], Charlotte K [9], Christian P [16], Christian D [6], Christian S [12], Cobie C [6], Cody L [10], Conner L [15], Cruz F [10], Daniel W [12], Dillon O [11], Dylan G [10], Eleanor K [9], Elena V [7], Eloise R [4], Emily D [8], Emma H [17], EmyBea H [8], Evelyn S [11], Evelyn C [3], Evelyn M [2], Everett P [11], Gabriel G [4], Genoveva G [11], Glenn G [9], Grace L, Gracyn D, Grayson P [10], Gummaw N [14], Harrison E, Hayden F [14], Heath P [10], Ingrid I [9], Isaac R [15], Jace G [8], Jas’lynn S [9], Javier L [12], Jeffrey L, Jeremy P, Jimmy L, John “Claude” R, Jolie D [9], Jonah G [8], Joseph H, Joyce A [9], Julian J [8], Juliet W [10], Kaylee C [11], Kennedy R [14], King D [8], Kyrie G [7], Leah C [14], Leo P [12], Leto L, Levi W [10], Lila D [14], Lilia R [7], Lily B [14], Lucas P [10], Lucille C [11], Lydian R [10], Madan K, Maddox B [12], Madisyn T [14], Marcella G [10], Maria R [15], Marie T [8], Marina V [16], Mason P [15], Max P [9], Meg G [17], Michael B [10], Miekal J [9], Mila C [6], Milo H [8], Molly M [9], Morgan P, Nadia G [10], Nathan J [15], Nicoli H, Nya F [12], Oakleigh B 6 Olivia C 2 Paulina L 5 Payton R 16 Phoenix G 12 Raegan M [9], Reilly B [15], Roy H, Safia H [15], Sarah S [9], Saul R [11], Savannah M [8], Semaj T [10], Silas W [13], Sophia P [15], Sophie C [12], Spencer J [12], Stacy V, Stephanie B [10], Sullivan M [12], Talen B [17], Terian L [7], Troy G [10], Tucker H [14], Viviann D [8], Zoey P [14]

Important Dates

Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:

New Artwork by Michaela Howell

We are very fortunate to work with local artist Michaela Howell. Many of her paintings and art are on display at all three of our school campuses!

Michaela recently brought in new artwork that can be viewed at both of our Northshore campuses. The beautiful piece above is available for purchase at our Mandeville location for $850.

Interested in purchasing art from Michaela? Inquire at the front desk!

With down home country humble beginnings Michaela has always been very resourceful. She cuts, sands, primes, paints, and in some cases stains her abstract versions of the wooden instruments, creating very hands-on works of art. This resourcefulness has “Played” out very nicely in her most current work. Though the recycling of varying musical instrument components including guitar strings, violin knobs, music sheets featuring the instrument showcased, Michaela portrays a ‘current’ sense of style combined with a very vivid color pallet, creating a symphony for the senses!

View More!

Student Spotlight - My'Keyell Brown

This month’s Student Spotlight features Mandeville campus student My’Keyell Brown! My’Keyell is about to make one full year since beginning acting lessons here at LAAPA!

Outside of LAAPA, she enjoys playing flute in her school band as well as singing. My’Keyell’s favorite type of dramas are musicals, and she also enjoys hip hop dance! If she had to pick only one favorite musical, she couldn’t - it’s a tie between Hamilton and Sister Act. My’Keyell’s favorite film is The Outsiders. Her future goals include wanting to create change in the world and inspire people - a direct quite from My’Keyell: “I want to be a little famous, but not too famous - Bruno Mars famous.” When asked what she meant by that, she asked, “How old is Bruno Mars?” to make her point that we know of Bruno Mars, but not actually that much about him!

My’Keyell had nothing but glowing things to say about her teacher, Ms. Rachael, as well as her lessons. She really likes how caring Ms. Rachael is, as well as how she wants you to really get the material being taught while also making it challenging. Her favorite part of lessons are warmups - at the moment, that consists of a game called Mafia, in which her favorite role is narrating for the group! My’Keyell appreciates how inviting LAAPA is as a whole and the opportunity it offers to learn many different skills. She’s gained immense confidence from her lessons that she is able to apply right back into her lessons and performances. My’Keyell, we’ve seen you shine brighter and brighter with each performance and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in your future!

A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in May!

We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!