Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Madison Finney

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

ACTRESS & EDUCATOR

Madison Finney

(Seussical The Musical)

This is the most heartfelt production of Seussical I have ever seen. It was truly heartwarming. Niah’s crafting of Horton’s performance was incredibly moving. This program clearly produces individuals who are tapped into their hearts and souls, cultivating beautiful theatre to match.

Paul Brewster McGinley, Sr

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

CONSULTANT, THEATRE PROJECTS

Paul Brewster McGinley, Sr

(Suessical, The Musical)

Strong acting through song - connecting voice & body. Strong sense of ensemble - working together as a team

Josh Zacher

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER, PERFORMER, & ARTISTIC EDUCATOR

Josh Zacher

(Seussical, The Musical)

I have never seen a Seussical with such depth, nuance, and maturity. These characters felt far more lived in and real than I have ever seen before. Greatly enjoyed the way in which the piece explored different vocal and dance styles within the score as a tool for education. This program is clearly going above and beyond by diving deeper into the material and challenging its students to grow their work and their artistry. They are also encouraging true self expression and helping their students cultivate skills to succeed not just in theatre but also in life.

Jeff Calhoun

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

ADJUDICATOR

Jeff Calhoun

( Disney's Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, Big River)

Asheville Performing Arts Academy's performance was as polished and professional as it gets. It's obvious that this is a serious and dedicated performing group. This cast is filled with triple threats, they acted, sang and danced with equal aplomb.

Shay

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

ADJUDICATOR

Shay Rodgers

(Theatre Under the Stars)

Their energy was contagious! From 8-18, these students knew how to work together as a team and clearly had fun doing it.

Wren C

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

COMPANY MEMBER

Wren C.

When I first signed up for JTF, I thought I was signing up for a competition. And I do love competition, But I found that it was so much more than that.
I felt an overwhelming sense of community and belonging. But most of all, I felt an overwhelming love for theater. Watching so many different people from so many different places, who all loved theater as much as I do, I really did discover who I wanted to be when I grow up.

Craig V

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

PARENT

Craig V.

JTF with APAA was a transformative experience for my 9 year old son, who found himself surrounded by thousands of kids who loved what he loved: musical theater. APAA supported the kids (and parents!) throughout the whole experience, and the group was brilliantly prepared to perform in front of talented judges such as the director of Newsies on Broadway. He saw Broadway pros perform, was part of a tightly supportive group, and learned lots. APAA put the kids first and always had their best interests in mind. My son thought it was amazing and very much hopes to return.

Fiona R

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

COMMUNITY THEATRE MEMBER

Fiona R.

JTF was super fun and amazing character-building weekend. I loved the chance to improve as an actor, dancer, and singer. I felt super proud of myself, my teammates, and our directors!

Julie R.

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

PARENT

Julie R.

I was blown away by the intensity our kids brought to their performance! They blew me away! I have watched it so many times and I am overwhelmed every single time. It was so delightful to watch all the other groups perform as well.
And just watching them have a blast singing and dancing with all the other kids- trading bracelets and making new friends. It was honestly fabulous.

Amanda H.

JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF)

Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award

STAFF

Amanda H.

I have had the honor of participating in JTF as a student, stage manager, and now as a member of the staff. Each time we go, you feel a rush of emotions - nervousness, excitement, and most of all pride. Every person attending puts their all into their performance and the love of musical theatre shines through each and every one of them. It is such an honor to be a part of the APAA and the magic that they are able to create for each student

Join our Programs

Carpenter Academy
of Irish Dance