Performing Arts at ULS | Theater, Music & Movement

IN THIS SECTION

Empowering Artists. Inspiring Excellence.

Where Artistry Takes Center Stage

Our Performing Arts program is renowned for nurturing potential with an approach that promotes artistic excellence and puts students at the center of their creative journey. Through movement, music, theater, and film, students learn to take artistic risks, explore passions, and express their unique point of view. With an abundance of roles to play and opportunities to engage in programming both during and after school, every student finds their spotlight. By the time they reach Upper School, ULS students learn what it takes to be masterful in their artistry, with some performing and competing at the national level.

View the Curriculum Guide Admissions

custom-experience-insignia-background

Drama and Theater

The ULS stage is a place where students’ ideas and craftsmanship come to life. Under the guidance of expert instructors, they take ownership of the storytelling process, make bold artistic choices, and even select performance material that reflects their interests and talents. At every age, students have a wealth of opportunities to showcase their dramatic skills, both in the classroom and through co-curricular offerings.

Stepping Into the Spotlight

Curriculum-inspired class productions, after-school drama programs, and regular assemblies provide Lower School students with opportunities to showcase their budding passion for the arts, prepare for performances, and build confidence in speaking before an audience.

Students in grades three through five are introduced to the exciting world of musical theater with support from Upper School mentors. They learn the fundamentals of theater design, dance, vocal music, and stage performance, and they have opportunities to participate in the Upper School musical.

Expanding Theatrical Horizons

Starting in Middle School, students explore theater through courses in design, production, acting, directing, and film. After completing a foundational course, they can choose from electives like stage combat, public speaking, and theater production.

The curriculum spans theater history from early storytelling to the Elizabethan stage, connecting arts and academics in meaningful ways. Middle School students can also participate in Upper School productions, gaining deeper experience and preparing for advanced work.

Mastering their Craft

In Upper School, students refine their skills in acting, technical theater, design, and film. With flexible schedules and diverse electives, they can explore various aspects of theater or specialize in a chosen field.

The Liggett Players, our student-led theater company, provides leadership opportunities in all areas of production, earning state and national recognition. Whether writing, designing, choreographing, or managing lighting and sound, every student has a chance to shine.

"Through the arts at University Liggett School, students are inspired to move beyond excellence and into true artistic discovery."

-DR. PHILLIP MOSS, CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Music

At ULS, students are guided by exceptional music teachers who are accomplished performers, arrangers, and composers in their own right. They infuse their passion and expertise with students at every level as they explore myriad opportunities to hone and showcase their musical skills. From vibrant songs in Early Childhood classrooms to Upper School performances at the Opera House, every student discovers their unique voice - and a lifelong love of music.

Early Childhood: Musical Beginnings

In Early Childhood, music is taught through a song-based curriculum that integrates movement, listening, singing, and rhythm. Creative movement activities help children combine singing with gross-motor practice, while basic instruments are introduced to develop a sense of rhythm and musicality. Learning is often linked to literature to inspire student creative decision making with the use of instruments.

Lower School: Nurturing Musical Foundations

The Lower School’s Orff-inspired program guides students from Early Childhood through fifth grade in exploring music through song, dance, movement, and percussion instruments. This experiential approach encourages innate creativity, improvisation, and helps children develop a strong foundation in musical concepts and personal expression.

Middle School: Broadening Musical Experience

Middle School students can choose to focus on vocal music, band, or orchestra as part of their performing arts education. They also have access to trimester electives, such as bucket drum line, ukulele studio, and songwriter studio, allowing them to explore various musical genres and techniques while encouraging creative expression and collaboration. The program is intentionally designed to expose students to the breadth of musical possibilities at their fingertips, helping them discover their passions and deepen their musical skills.

Upper School: Achieving Musical Excellence

In Upper School, students refine their skills through a comprehensive selection of courses and experiences that enhance their creativity and growth. Whether composing in the sound studio, studying music theory in class, or performing in the Pit for a student-led production, our individualized approach ensures that each student can tailor their experience to match their musical goals.

A Tradition of Artistic Excellence

ULS artists shine on local, state, and national stages, with many continuing their craft in college and beyond. From Broadway to television, our alumni continue to make their mark. Discover inspiring stories in our Alumni Arts Hall of Fame.

Alumni Arts Hall of Fame

“Choreograph a musical at 16? There are not many schools where you would get to do that. We were being pushed to pretty high standards for such a small school.”
Leonard Sullivan ‘97 (Arts Hall of Fame)