Program Recognized by the Educational Theatre Association

Lake Ridge Academy’s Theatre Program has been recognized by the Educational Theatre Association for “creating outstanding environments for student theatre.” This first-ever distinction celebrates schools and communities for their support and contributions to the education and success of their theatre students.

The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) announced its first-ever cohort of “Premier Communities for Theatre Education” featuring 25 institutions from around the country. To qualify, schools must adhere to the EdTA Opportunity to Learn Standards and provide students with resources suggested by the National Core Arts Standards in Theatre. Lake Ridge Academy was the only school in Ohio to receive this distinction.

Director of Theatre Kristy Rodriguez said "This award recognizes the holistic approach to theatre education and the institutional support for it. This award goes much deeper than just producing quality shows. It celebrates the community surrounding the product on stage—the curriculum, professional development, spaces to perform, and support for our students."

Upcoming performances for Lake Ridge Academy theatre students include Natalie McMahon ‘23 and Cole Stellato ‘23 each performing solo musical theatre pieces and Jacob Robertson ‘24, who will present his costume design and costume construction projects. These students scored among the best in the state and are now qualified to represent Ohio at the International Thespian Festival in June. Kashmere Shafik ‘24, Claire McElwain ‘24, and Sabrina Wisniewski ’24 are members of the All-State production of Moon Over Buffalo. The most recently held performance, The Theory of Relativity, has been named a full-length mainstage production for the state festival next weekend, an honor given to just 8 shows from throughout the state.