School Programs

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Learning through the performing arts brings creativity and imagination to the forefront. The Appell Center’s school programs are carefully crafted as perfect extensions to the classroom. We have program options that can happen in your school, in one of our theatres, or both! Browse our flexible programming options and let’s find a way to connect with your school and classroom.

Stage the Page

For Grades K-2

Our signature literacy and theater arts program brings popular children’s stories to life on the Strand Theatre stage.

School Matinees

For Grades 3-5 and 6-12

The education and entertainment never stop with these incredible offerings!

York County Student Music Festival

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is delighted to announce a brand-new festival showcasing the massive talents of local student musicians! Submissions are open for any performance groups from York County schools, arts organizations or local bands comprised mostly of York County students aged 18 and under. Selected groups will have the chance to work with Gabe Staznik, band leader and drummer of the United States Air Force’s premier pop/rock group Max Impact, and perform on the Capitol Theatre stage on February 3, 2024.

Submission Rules:

• Open to any solo performer or group with the majority of the members living in York County.
• Groups may be affiliated with a school district or private school, or performing arts organization, or may be an independent act.
• Submissions can be entered by teachers, parents or group members.
• Groups should represent music genres that are traditionally underserved in schools. For example, rock; pop; small group jazz, rock and R&B; Latin music; etc.
• The majority of performers in each group must be in high school. The maximum age for a performer is 21.
• Groups will be selected by a panel of York County musicians and educators based on musicianship to create the most diverse program possible for the festival.
• Submissions must adhere to the following:
• Submissions should be MP4 videos sent as email attachments or with links to file sharing sites like Dropbox, WeTransfer or Google Drive.
• The submission should include two contrasting songs (for example, a fast song and a ballad, or two songs in two different styles) that best represent the group’s abilities. The total length of the audition should be less than 8 minutes.
• Please do not include your name or your group’s name on the video itself. In the email, please include:
• Group name
• Contact name
• Contact email
• Contact phone number

Email your submission and any questions or concerns to ajmyers@appellcenter.org

The timeline for selection is as follows:
September 12, 2023 – Submissions open
November 10, 2023 – Submission due by 11:59pm
On or around November 24, 2023 – Selected groups notified

Expectations for selected groups include the following:
Provide a short bio, description of the group, and 2 – 3 photos by December 15, 2023
Provide own transportation to and from the Appell Center for the Performing Arts the day of the show (February 3, 2023)
Groups should plan to be at the Appell Center from approximately 4PM until 10PM, including sound check, time working with the guest clinician, and the performance.

There will be no guest list or free tickets for selected bands.

Contact ajmyers@appellcenter.org with any questions.