District highlights performing-arts festival, upcoming school musicals and arts infrastructure needs

The district’s visual and performing arts supervisors told the Washington Township Board of Education on Feb. 18 that the district successfully hosted the New Jersey Thespian (state theatre) festival at the high school and is positioned to be a continuing host site for similar events.

The supervisor said the festival provided workshops led by industry professionals and offered large-scale experiences for students who might not otherwise have access to statewide programming. The district reported it hosted hundreds of students over the weekend and had more than 30 student entries; several pieces earned “superior” scores and individual students and staff received statewide recognitions.

District staff thanked volunteers and named staff who supported the event, including Jessica Kelleher, Shannon Malloy, Amy Nelson, Jeff Walter (custodial) and members of food services and transportation who ran shuttles. The supervisor credited recent upgrades, including an updated sound system in the district’s performing arts center, as critical to the festival’s success and noted a lighting renovation remains a priority to reduce recurring rental costs.

Students gave a short sampled performance for the board; student Violet Merrigan performed a monologue used at the festival. The arts supervisor also announced upcoming district musicals (Shrek at the high school March 13–15; Orchard Valley’s Beetlejuice Jr. March 20–22; Bunker Hill’s Legally Blonde Jr. March 20–22; Chestnut Ridge’s Sister Act in April).

Board members applauded the staff and students. The district did not request new funding during the recognition item but noted the lighting renovation may produce future revenue and cost savings if pursued as a capital project.