Visual and Performing Arts

“All the world’s a stage…”

“And all the men and women merely players” — Shakespeare

For many students in the Williamsport Area School District, performing arts are the lifeblood that sustains them. The high school’s drama club provides instruction and exercises in classic performance arts such as pantomime, improvisation, school dances, and script work which culminates in the production of plays and musicals throughout the school year. Students in lower grades in the district may also have productions as time and interest permits. Furthermore, the district benefits from the musical talents of the students who put their training to good use singing in musicals, or even accompanying in the orchestra pit for musicals or play productions.

Local schools with active drama programs may participate in the Ray of Light Awards, a school-level awards program sponsored by the Community Theatre League recognizing excellence in the performing arts of area schools. Williamsport Area High School is proud to participate in the annual event, having won a number of awards.

For these students who find their love for the stage in primary, intermediate, middle or high school, they can continue their pursuit of performing by participating in various age-appropriate productions of the Community Theatre League of Williamsport. The community is also home to the Community Arts Center where various national shows, performers, and events come to town providing students, their families and surrounding communities with opportunities to experience various cultural expressions.

Students perform during
In 2022, WASD was once again recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.  This marked the 20th time in 21 years that WASD has received the designation, which is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. WASD is among only 738 school districts selected nationally.
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“Art is in the eye of the beholder…”

“And everyone will have their own interpretation”— E.A. Bucchianeri

Williamsport Area School District’s Visual Arts Department teach students appreciation, knowledge, creativity, and expression for artistic and academic success. From expressing oneself to creatively communicating to commercial art applications, visual arts are explored and available to students from primary school through high school with a dedicated curriculum for grades K-8.

Additional art courses are available at the high school level. The Visual Art Department offers three discipline focus tracks: two-dimensional (drawing, painting, printmaking), three-dimensional (clay, sculpture, jewelry), and photography & digital media.  In each track, students develop artistic literacy by creating, presenting, responding to and connecting with visual works of art. Students may also take the courses as a means of expression and communication or with a drive to develop and refine artistic skills.

The district’s Career & Technical Education offers commercial art as a career path where students can get hands-on learning instruction in preparation for furthering their education for a career as a graphic artist.

Williamsport Area School District participates in National Art Honor Society which provides opportunities for scholarships, as well as national recognition for upcoming young artists and connections to other members.

Students participating in the district’s art programs often enter various competitions where their creations can be seen and even purchased.

A female student works in the WAHS art suite.
WASD was recognized in 2019 and 2020 as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) for its commitment to visual arts education.
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