Blog

“All things seem possible in May.” — Edwin Way Teale

And what a magnificent May it has been!

At Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts, May has been a celebration of creativity, growth, recognition, and student artistry across our TK–12 program. From award nominations on professional stages to intimate showcases, our students and educators have filled the month with unforgettable moments that reflect the heart of our community.

May 3 — Jerry Herman Awards

Cast, crew, and staff attended the Jerry Herman Awards, a local celebration dedicated to recognizing excellence in high school musical theatre. This year’s production of Into the Woods received two nominations: Best Lighting Design (EJ Saintlouis & Koda Gudiel) and Best Actor (Daniel Gutierrez).

It was an incredible evening at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre, celebrating the artistry of musical theatre alongside 54 high schools from across the Los Angeles area.


May 7 — Tony Awards Recognition

Our Theatrical Arts Director and TK–12 Theatre Coordinator, Diane Feldman, was named one of 18 Honorable Mentions (out of thousands of submissions) for the Tony Awards Excellence in Theatre Education Award!

She and Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts are now officially featured on the Tony Awards website and will be included in the 2026 Tony Awards Playbill — an extraordinary recognition on one of theatre’s most prestigious national stages.

Diane shares her heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed thoughtful words and support in making this recognition possible, and celebrates this honor as a reflection of the incredible work of the entire WDV Performing Arts community.


May 13 — Performing Arts Hallway Installation

The hallway outside the Blackbox Theatre came to life with newly installed Performing Arts displays, proudly showcasing programs and opportunities available to students in grades TK–12. The installation highlights the breadth of performing arts offerings and celebrates student creativity across all age levels.

 


May 17 — First Annual High School Musical Theatre Showcase

Musical Theatre Production raised the curtain on its first annual Musical Theatre Showcase. Every cast member from Into the Woods selected and staged a solo, duet, or trio, stepping into the spotlight as featured performers.

The evening also included four ensemble production numbers drawn from a range of musical styles. Choreographer Lindsey even introduced students to original Bob Fosse choreography in “All That Jazz.”

The performance featured student musicians in the pit, including EJ Saintlouis (drums) and Aaron Peters (keyboard), with Diane on piano. All technical elements were operated by an all-student crew led by Stagecraft/Crew Instructor Will Schneider.


May 21 — Voices of Da Vinci Spring Concert: HORIZON

The Voices of Da Vinci Spring Concert, HORIZON, was a powerful celebration of resilience and rising beyond limits, bringing together the Junior Choir (grades 3–8) and High School Choir (grades 9–12) for the first time.

The evening featured standout performances ranging from Chaka Khan’s “I Know You, I Live You,” led by A’dour Jordan, to Coldplay’s “Fix You,” arranged by Kyle Weinstein and led by Ty Reyna and Nico Kowal. The Junior Choir also delivered moving performances, including “Scars to Your Beautiful,” led by Helena Rain Ruiz and Grace Jenkins.

With student arrangers, assistant directors, and soloists throughout the program, HORIZON showcased the depth of talent, leadership, and artistry within the Voices of Da Vinci community. The concert stood as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of young voices coming together to inspire and uplift.

 


May 26 —Tuesday TK–2 Spring Performance Parlour 

The TK–2 Tuesday Class presented their first in-class Spring Performance Parlour. Da Vinci’s youngest performing artists took the stage with confidence, sharing physical and vocal storytelling that delighted audiences with laughter and applause.

The performance concluded with a joyful ensemble finale of “Put On a Happy Face” from Bye Bye Birdie, leaving the audience smiling.


May 26 — Performing Arts Seminars Showcase

On the same day, audiences were invited to experience student work from across all Performing Arts Seminars. The showcase featured stagecraft design renderings, children’s theatre performances, and original student-composed music tracks, highlighting the remarkable range of creativity across the program.


May 28 — Thursday TK–2 Spring Performance Parlour
The TK–2 Thursday Class presented their first in-class Spring Performance Parlour. WDV’s youngest performing artists took the stage all on their own, sharing physical and vocal storytelling that sparked giggles and applause throughout the room. Their finale — “Put On a Happy Face” from Bye Bye Birdie — left the audience smiling, especially when a few parents joined the students on stage for the joyful closing number.


May 29 —Connect TK-8 Talent Show

The annual Connect TK-8 Talent Show is on stage in the Blackbox tonight! From puppetry, to dancing, to singing, to magic - these sensational students dazzle and delight audiences year after year after year. The present and future of performing arts at Da Vinci is brilliantly bright!


Performing Arts Senior Awards and Graduation Cords

This May, we also raised the curtain on Performing Arts Senior Awards, and distributed pink Performing Arts Cords to our graduating Seniors! Congratulations to all!

May has truly reflected the spirit of WDV Performing Arts — a loving community where students are not only performers and creators, but collaborators, innovators, and storytellers.


June & July — “Waiting in the Wings…”

June 6 — Connect 3rd–8th Grade Spring Theatre Showcase

Our Connect performing artists present their Spring Theatre Showcase, featuring all theatre classes along with new dance and acting/improv students.

Highlights by grade level:

  • 3rd–5th grade: Scene and song from Matilda (“Revolting Children”)
  • 6th–8th grade: Scene and large-scale musical production number from Footloose ("Footloose")

Our newly launched Acting/Improv class and Dance class will also perform! Dancers will bring “This Is Me” to life and our acting/improv students will entertain audiences with spontaneity as well as devised scenework.

We’re looking forward to watching more than 75  students command the stage and share the energy of live theatrical performance!

This showcase celebrates student growth in ensemble performance, creativity, and confidence across the Connect performing arts program.


July Summer Performing Arts Opportunities

Join Diane and Ariadna (theatre graduate of Connect High) for two exciting weeks of camp, offering students continued creative exploration in theatre and performance.

Summer Theatre Playground
(TK-2 grades)
July 13-17 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Black Box Theater, 201 N. Douglas St., El Segundo
$275

Summer Theatre Workshop
(3rd-8th grades)
July 20-24 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Black Box Theater, 201 N. Douglas St., El Segundo
$395

Learn more & register:

https://www.summerinwiseburn.org/our-camps

Related Posts