Academics

Performing Arts

At GIA, music empowers students to express creativity, develop performance skills, and build teamwork. Our program enriches academic learning while nurturing a lifelong passion for music and cultural appreciation

Band and Drama High School

At Georgetown International Academy, the performing arts inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Each year, GIA’s all-school musical invites K-12 students to shine—whether in leading roles, ensemble performances, or behind the scenes in set and costume design.

The 2024-25 school year marks an exciting milestone with the launch of Guyana’s first school-based band program. Upper school students are now reading and composing musical scores while mastering new instruments. A dedicated jazz band has already emerged, performing complex arrangements.

Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience, GIA students experience the transformative power of the arts, building skills they carry with them for life.

Building Life Skills Through the Arts

At its core, band and drama offer far more than just entertainment. These programs serve as an educational tool, helping students to express themselves, work collaboratively, and think critically. When students immerse themselves in a role, they learn to empathize with different perspectives, gaining a deeper understanding of human emotions and experiences.

Moreover, participating in a drama production teaches invaluable life skills such as time management, problem-solving, and effective communication. Whether it’s coordinating rehearsals, memorizing lines, or managing stage props and lighting, students learn to work within deadlines and solve challenges in real time. These experiences cultivate resilience and determination, skills that will benefit students far beyond the classroom.

Fostering Creativity and Self-Expression

For many students, music and drama is an outlet for creativity and a chance to step outside their comfort zone. Band and Drama give students the freedom to experiment with different characters, emotions, and styles of performance. Whether it’s a Broadway classic, a contemporary play, or an original production, students are encouraged to interpret scripts in their own way, providing a unique opportunity for self-expression.

The joy of performance can also unlock hidden talents. A student who may have been shy in the classroom might find their voice on stage, while others may discover a passion for directing, choreographing, or designing costumes. High school theatre productions are collaborative efforts, involving students with a wide range of talents, from visual arts to music, and from dance to technical design.

Building Community and Teamwork

Theatre productions require teamwork, trust, and cooperation, making them a perfect environment for building a sense of community. In high school, where students are navigating personal growth and developing social relationships, being part of a musical or play helps create bonds that often last a lifetime.

Students who participate in drama learn to rely on each other—whether it’s hitting the right note in a musical number, helping a peer with a challenging scene, or solving a last-minute backstage issue. Each role, no matter how large or small, contributes to the success of the production. This

Enhancing Academic Success

Studies have shown that students involved in the arts tend to perform better academically. Musical Theatre and Drama develop skills that are transferable to other areas of learning, such as critical thinking, reading comprehension, and public speaking. Reading and interpreting scripts improves literacy, while the technical aspects of theatre engage students with STEM concepts in set design, lighting, sound, and more.

Additionally, participating in performances can increase students’ confidence, which translates into improved performance in other subjects. Speaking in front of an audience helps students overcome fear of public speaking, making presentations and class discussions less intimidating. This boost in self-assurance often leads to more active engagement in the classroom.

Join the Stage: Opportunities for Everyone

High school Musical Theatre and Drama programs are inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of experience level. Whether they dream of the spotlight, want to work behind the scenes, or are curious about discovering new interests, there is a place for everyone in theatre. Auditions, rehearsals, and performances are just the beginning of a journey that will enhance the high school experience and beyond.