Shine On: The Stage Is Alive at Da Vinci

The Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts department continues to radiate creativity, collaboration, and heart across all campuses. This season, the energy in our studios and stages is undeniable, a reflection of our students’ passion and our team’s dedication to building joyful, expressive spaces for every artist to thrive.

Of the many advancements, we are thrilled to welcome Will Schneider to the full-time Performing Arts team as our new Technical Theatre Manager. Will brings artistry, precision, and care to every production, supporting as a Stagecraft instructor and lead for all A/V needs across the Blackbox Theater and all-organization events. His expertise ensures that every cue, light, and mic amplifies our students’ brilliance.

One of the other most exciting announcements is that the high school Drum Ensemble will be converting into a full Drumline next semester! In response to community feedback, and under the direction of our phenomenal new Drum Instructor, Abraham Barrer, brand new Yamaha drums have been purchased and are slowly being integrated into the Drum Ensemble this semester. This is no doubt a historic moment for our growing WDV Performing Arts program and we are very excited for it to launch, so please be on the look out for Drumline sign-ups and auditions at the beginning of January. 

Student Performances and Growth

In other high school events, rehearsals for our upcoming production of Into The Woods are well underway, and both cast and crew are doing an incredible job, arriving prepared, energized, and supportive of one another. It’s exactly the kind of environment we strive to uphold: creative, collaborative, and filled with love. Additionally, the “Voices of Da Vinci” Choir continues to foster musical leadership within the group with student directors, musicians, and, for the first time ever, a student arrangement of a song to be performed by the choir. They are preparing to inspire audiences at the WDV Performing Arts Winter Showcase and their second annual “Fam Jam” Winter Concert, which is a special, intimate event that showcases solo and small group performances from choir members along with their friends and family members. 

Over at the TK–8 level, both TK-2 and Grade 3-8 choirs have experienced an influx in membership. The TK-2 Choir has a number of young first-time singers and the Gr. 3-8 Choir has steadily increased in size, including over 30 members on just their Tuesday group alone. In Theatre, students are hard at work on their production numbers for the Winter Showcase, bringing their stories and songs to life. We’re also thrilled to share that new studio mirrors have been installed in the Blackbox, infusing the space with a renewed sense of focus and professionalism, especially among our youngest performing artists. 

Family and Community Engagement

Family engagement is also on the rise in beautiful ways, nearly 30 family members have volunteered to participate in the family number for the upcoming Winter Theatre Showcase! This growing connection reminds us that performing arts have always been about community, creativity, and belonging.

In addition, Performing Arts Seminars are thriving, with participation increasing across all disciplines. We’re especially excited to celebrate the launch of a new Acting class at Da Vinci RISE, expanding access and creative opportunities for students at every Da Vinci school.

As we approach the winter season, we invite you to join us for our upcoming performances that showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students:

• WDV Winter Performing Arts Showcase — Friday, Nov. 21, 7–9 PM | El Segundo Performing Arts Center, 640 Main St.
• “Fam Jam” Voices of Da Vinci Choir Concert — Thursday, Dec. 4, 6–8 PM | Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas St.
• Studio Orchestra Concert — Monday, Dec. 8, 6–8 PM | Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas St.
• Winter Performing Arts Seminar Night — Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6–8 PM | Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas St.

We’re excited to launch Beyond the Stage: The WDV Performing Arts Campaign, a fundraising initiative dedicated to sustaining and growing our performing arts programs. With your support, we can ensure that every Da Vinci student has the space, support, and spotlight to shine.

Each rehearsal, each note, and each brave performance reminds us that the arts are more than a showcase, they’re a heartbeat of our schools. Thank you for helping us keep that heartbeat strong.