Arts

Middle school students closed out the 2025-26 theatrical season with a spirited production of “Once Upon A Mattress,” a musical retelling of “The Princess and the Pea.” Directed by Performing Arts teacher Amy Darnton, the cast developed confidence, creativity, and leadership skills throughout the rehearsal process while strengthening friendships and learning the value of collaboration. Students reflected on personal growth both onstage and behind the scenes, from mastering choreography and ensemble work to embracing bold character choices. 

Senior art students presented deeply personal and thought-provoking capstone projects at this year’s art colloquium, held on April 22 in the Performing Arts Center. Guided by the Art Department’s Original, Personal, Experienced, and Novel (OPEN) framework, the event showcased a wide range of artistic inquiries. From music and memory to religion, identity, and the natural world, students used a variety of materials and techniques to explore meaningful themes, reflecting years of growth, experimentation, and self-discovery. Together, the presentations highlighted the strength of the upper school art program, celebrating art as a powerful form of expression and inquiry.

The 11th annual El Sistema Residency brought together 150 student musicians for a weekend of intensive collaboration, where participants worked in small, cross-program ensembles to compose and perform original pieces built on a shared musical foundation. Beginning with a showcase of visiting programs and culminating in a seamless, symphonic-style performance, the residency emphasized both individual expression and collective creativity. Guided by professional musicians and fueled by long rehearsal days, students developed musical skills and formed connections, reinforcing El Sistema’s mission of using music as a powerful tool for community, collaboration, and personal growth.

King’s Upper School brought big laughs and sharp satire to the Performing Arts Center with “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The classic musical lampoons corporate ambition while showcasing students’ vocal talent and stage presence. Creative choices, including Head of School Carol Maoz as the recorded narrator and a technically ambitious moving set, added layers of humor and spectacle. The production also marked a milestone for seniors, whose time on the King stage culminates with this lively show.

Lower School students launched audiences into a galaxy of adventure with their production of “Space Pirates,” a playful science-fiction musical about discovery and belonging. As quirky travelers navigated unexpected challenges and unlikely friendships, performers strengthened their confidence and collaboration while exploring storytelling in a setting designed to support both artistic growth and personal development under the direction of Amy Darnton.

King School students explored history, identity, and storytelling through art this month during a week-long residency with award-winning illustrator and studio artist James Ransome. From painting and collage to abstract work with found papers, students across all three divisions collaborated with Ransome to create a triptych depicting the Great Migration of African Americans, bringing this pivotal chapter of American history to life.

Bravo to our performing arts students and teachers for three wonderful end-of-year concerts. Each vocal and instrumental performance showcased the talent, dedication, and joy of music-making across all divisions, delighting audiences with energy, warmth, and holiday spirit.

Sixteen King students contributed artwork to the fourth annual “Through Your Looking Glass” Social Justice Student Art Showcase in New Canaan, showcasing creative responses to topics ranging from racial justice and historical advocacy to environmental issues and community identity. Students across all divisions used their pieces to reflect personal experiences. Through their work, they engaged in meaningful conversations about the power of art to spark dialogue and inspire change.

Visually stunning and emotionally moving performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” brought the magic of Shakespeare to the Performing Arts Center this week. Under the guidance of new performing arts teacher Andrew Wildman-Foster, actors and crew members tackled complex choreography, refined their expressive abilities, and navigated the challenges of working with a large ensemble. The production also introduced advanced technical elements, including the school’s first instance of safely flying a performer, which required careful coordination and communication among the backstage team. Throughout the entire production process, students built a supportive, creative community, strengthened their problem-solving and collaboration skills, and embraced the personal growth that comes from engaging in ambitious, risk-taking theatrical work.