Arts

Performing Arts

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Department, recognizing that the performing arts are at the core of human existence, offers ensembles and classes in a supportive environment that provides for performance-based assessment and process-oriented learning. Students are encouraged to exceed previous levels of achievement, discover self-confidence, develop self-esteem, build self-discipline, and achieve self-awareness. Teachers are models for active learning, risk-taking, and self-expression. Students are taught the arts for the sake of the arts and as a model for all learning. Motivated students are prepared for advanced study.

The study of the performing arts is a major component of a well-rounded education. As such, the performing arts at Rivers aim to help students understand how to listen to and interact with other performing artists as well as to express themselves confidently, articulately, and artistically.






2025-26 Nonesuch Players Season

Upper School Fall Play:
Little Women
November 6, 7, and 8, 2025

Middle School Fall Play:
Sounds Off
November 13 and 14, 2025

Upper School Winter Musical:
9 to 5
February 19 and 20, 2026

Middle School Spring Musical:
Annie Jr.
May 14, 15, and 16, 2026


Performing Arts Events

List of 3 events.

View All Events

Music Ensembles

List of 3 items.

  • Instrumental Program

    Select String Ensemble (US) - Ben Carson, director
    Select Wind Ensemble (US) - Dan Shaud, director
    Select Piano Ensemble (US) - Victor Cayres, director
    Chamber Ensemble (US) - Dan Shaud, director
    Chamber Ensemble (MS) - Dan Shaud, director

  • Jazz Program

    Rivers Honors Big Band (US) - Philippe Crettien, director
    Rivers Big Band (US) - Bill Jones, director
    Select Combo I (US) - Philippe Crettien, director
    Select Combo II (US) - Philippe Crettien, director
    Intermediate Jazz Band (US) - Philippe Crettien, director
    Beginning Jazz Ensemble (MS) - Clayton DeWalt, director
    Middle School Jazz Ensemble (MS) - Bill Jones, director

  • Vocal Program

    Select Chorus (US) - Krissy Skare, director
    Chorus (US) - Krissy Skare, director
    Middle School Chorus - Krissy Skare, director


Performing Arts News

List of 3 news stories.

  • What If?: Sonic Exploration in Original Middle School Fall Play, Sounds Off

    Attendees of the Middle School fall play were treated to a collage of sound and color in the Black Box Theater this November. The original play, Sounds Off, was created by faculty member Ellie Strayer and featured music by Performing Arts Department Chair Dan Shaud P’31.
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  • A Portrait of Resilience and Loyalty: Nonesuch Players Present Little Women

    The Nonesuch Players presented a beloved classic for the annual Upper School fall play in their adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Directed by Juliet Chase Bailey and starring Upper School students, along with a few adult colleagues, the show will run in the Black Box Theater from November 6 to November 8.
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  • Students in Theater Arts class with Julia Auster-Hogan ’06 performed Employees Must Wash Hands... Before Murder.

    Middle School Theater Arts Performances Showcase Creativity, Collaboration, and Confidence

    On the evening of Tuesday, April 29, Middle School Theater Arts students took to the Black Box stage to present a series of imaginative and dynamic short plays. This performance marked the culmination of a yearlong journey through the performing arts curriculum, which all Middle School students participate in three times a week during a dedicated performing arts block. Theater Arts is one of several offerings and is taught in three sections by Julia Auster-Hogan ’06, Diane DeVore, and Ellie Strayer.
    Read More
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