WHERE ARE OUR STUDENTS COMING FROM?
|
The Musical Theatre & Actors Studio is made up of four tracked courses:
|
|
This year, 83% of our MTAS students commute from high schools across the county. The rest, 17%, attend Fairfax High School as their base school. The bar chart above highlights this year’s high school representation by number of students from each base high school.
|
|
|
|
THE DIRECTOR'S CUT
The Director’s Cut is a monthly newsletter which offers a behind the scenes look at what makes up our Academy! On the last day of each month, you’ll get an inside look into what we’ve been working on. We’ll be sharing our experiences involving curriculum, performances, guest artists, workshops & masterclasses, and so much more!
|
ERICH DICENZO [Director]
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erich DiCenzo attended the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University, where he graduated Cum Laude, receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Upon graduation, Erich decided to take a bite out of the "Big Apple" and was afforded the opportunity to work closely with a rising New York City production company – RWS & Associates – building his professional experience not only in theatre, but in the commercial and fashion industries as well. With his theatrical career underway, Erich continued to craft his resume by performing with some of the country’s most reputable regional theatres, including North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, and Prather Entertainment Group, with whom he toured in Disney’s High School Musical. However, it is Erich’s oceanic adventure on the seven seas which he gives most credit: Cast as a Featured Singer/Dancer aboard one of Regent’s luxury cruise liners, Erich had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail around-the-world, resulting in an exploration of over sixty countries, an experience which not only changed his life, but paved his new path towards teaching. Since arriving in Virginia over eleven years ago, Erich has not only served as the Director of Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre at Fairfax High School, but has found a role in the community-at-large. Mastering the ever-so-difficult balance of teaching and performing, Erich has been able to blend education with industry, all while taking on several leadership opportunities and responsibilities. With a significant focus on staying relevant for his students, Erich has worked professionally behind the scenes as well as in the spotlight. He has served as the Resident Director and Choreographer for the City of Fairfax Theatre Company as well as the Instructor of Musical Theatre at Fairfax County Public School's Institute for the Arts. On stage, Erich was most recently seen as Nicky in Reston Community Players' production of Avenue Q, which earned him his sixth WATCH Award nomiation. Other regional credits include Dominion Stage's production of Snakebit, in which Erich portrayed the role of Michael [WATCH Award Nomination], The Arlington Players' production of Pippin, in the role of the Leading Player [WATCH Award Nomination] and Reston Community Players' productions of Rock of Ages (Mayor/JaKeith) and Gypsy (Tulsa) [WATCH Award Nomination]. "Producing professional theatrical productions through unique educational opportunities." That has been Erich's vision since he arrived in Fairfax, Virginia and began his career as an educator. With loads of unique experiences in tow, Erich DiCenzo is thrilled to be a part of the Fairfax Academy, and looks forward to continue blending his performance career with what has been his most rewarding adventure yet...teaching! |