Arts

Seven King School seniors became the first graduating class to earn the new Performing Arts Distinction, a specialized diploma track that honors four years of focused training, creative exploration, and a deep commitment to music and theater. The program showcases student-led capstone projects that highlight each artist’s unique voice, while also preparing those pursuing college-level performing arts. Faculty praise the distinction for fostering both creative and personal growth, calling it a transformative experience on and off the stage.

King took center stage at the 2025 High School Halo Awards, earning 15 nominations and bringing home two major wins. Held at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, the statewide celebration honored student excellence in acting, singing, and technical theater. Among the highlights: Zach Louizos ’25 won Best Leading Male Role in a Classical Musical for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables,” and Anaiya Shah ’27 was named Best Chorus Member for her standout ensemble work. The evening also featured a fabulous performance by seniors Isabella Kolenberg, Maria Sharavarnyk, and Zach, who performed to a packed and enthusiastic audience. King’s presence at the Halo Awards was a celebration of the school’s thriving Performing Arts program and its commitment to creative expression, collaboration, and excellence.

Advanced Art 2 students turned the upper school mezzanine into a gallery of social impact. Their exhibition, “Illuminating the Unsung: A Visual and Reflective Tribute,” showcases mixed-media tributes to overlooked changemakers from history, each piece the result of deep research, reflection, and creative risk-taking. Inspired by a national fellowship awarded to teacher Corina Alvarezdelugo, the unit fused art and advocacy, inviting students to use visual storytelling as a tool for justice, empathy, and personal growth.

In a spirited and ambitious performance, middle school students brought the musical mystery “Curtains: Young@Part" to life with humor, heart, and teamwork. The production challenged the cast with its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and ensemble-driven energy, giving students a meaningful opportunity to grow as performers. With guidance from faculty and a supportive rehearsal process, students gained confidence as they took on the show’s emotional depth and theatrical challenges.

King School’s annual Art Colloquiums celebrated the remarkable growth of senior art and design students in their final year of the OPEN (Original, Personal, Experienced, and Novel) program. The colloquiums, held over two assemblies, marked the culmination of years of creative exploration, as twelve talented artists presented portfolios that were as diverse as they were personal. Through trial, evolution, and self-expression, each artist unveiled a unique body of work that told a powerful story of transformation, boundary-pushing, and voice-finding.

More than 180 students took center stage during King’s tenth annual El Sistema Residency, a weekend that blended creativity, collaboration, and musical discovery. Over the course of just a weekend, they worked side-by-side with professional musicians and guest artist Pete Francis P’31 to compose original music, experiment with improvisation, and explore new forms of self-expression. From spontaneous solos to group compositions, the residency offered students a chance to lead, connect, and grow — showcasing the power of music to build connection, confidence, and joy.

King School Performing Arts upper school winter musical “Les Misérables” brought Victor Hugo’s timeless themes of justice, redemption, and sacrifice to life in front of a packed theater in late February. The show challenged a troupe of more than 35 students to develop technical skills and emotional depth. Through an immersive production process, students gained a deep understanding of 19th-century French history, while exploring complex themes of law, morality, and social justice. The camaraderie backstage strengthened connections across grade levels and translated into powerful performances on stage. Congratulations to all who made this amazing performance possible.

Congratulations to Sydney Hauben ’25, Nina Griffith ’27, Emma Lange ’27, and Gates Seidelmann ’27 who were selected for the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition at the Hartford Art School. Emma, who earned a Gold Key, also qualified for the national competition. The students' award-winning works, ranging from a chandelier-inspired sculpture to a modern take on school life, are the result of their dedication to their craft under King School’s Art and Design Program.