K-12 Visual & Performing Arts
Visual & Performing Arts at Marion P. Thomas Charter School
MPTCS’s Visual & Performing Arts Department serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a full spectrum of artistic disciplines. Their aim is to foster creativity, inspire imagination, and empower students across visual art, dance, theater, and music.
The program aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual & Performing Arts, ensuring that students receive a robust and standards-based education in the arts.
Some of our Visual & Performing Arts Partnerships:
ArtsEd NJ
NJPAC
Visual & Performing Arts Administrators:
Central Office
High School
PAC Academy
Theater Overview
Overview
The theater program aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Theater Arts. It focuses on acting, script analysis, stagecraft (technical aspects), and production — giving students broad exposure to the world of drama. The program uses resources such as TheaterFolk for plays, curriculum support, and resources. Students are given opportunities to perform live and hone communication, teamwork, and production-oriented skills.
What Students Do:
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Study acting techniques: character development, voice, movement, improvisation.
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Script work: reading plays, analyzing structure, themes, characters.
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Technical theater: set design, lighting, sound, costumes – giving appreciation and skill for behind-the-scenes.
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Production experience: rehearsals, stage management, live audience shows.
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Theater history and literature: understanding the lineage of theater, cultural contexts, and how drama reflects society.
Why This Matters:
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Theater builds confidence in public speaking and collaboration, creativity in performance and design, and an understanding of storytelling.
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The technical component ties into STEM/STEAM skills (design, technology, production) and supports cross-discipline connections.
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Live performance adds a powerful experiential dimension: students must bring something to life and share it with an audience.
"In the Heights" - HS Theater Performance
Visual Art Overview
Our Visual Art curriculum is founded on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual & Performing Arts, emphasizing the development of artistic skills and creativity. From elementary to high school, students explore a wide range of art mediums, techniques, and styles. They learn to express themselves visually, analyze art critically, and understand the cultural and historical contexts of art. Our students create and showcase their own artwork, participating in art exhibitions and community projects to share their creativity with others.
The Visual Art Instructional Team:
PAC
Ms. Toone
STEAM
Ms. Quinones
HS
Mr. Benjamin
Dance Overview
Dance is an integral part of our Visual & Performing Arts program. We follow the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Dance, encouraging students to express themselves through movement. Our dance curriculum encompasses various styles, from classical to contemporary & hip hop, and students learn choreography, dance history, and performance skills. They have the opportunity to participate in dance recitals and collaborate on projects that emphasize the connection between dance and other art forms.
The Dance Instructional Team
PAC
Ms. Newby-Phillips
STEAM
Ms. Moore
HS
VACANCY
HS
Ms. Rhodie
Ms. Thomas
Music Overview
The New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Music guide our music education program. Our students delve into the world of music, from music theory and history to vocal and instrumental performance. They have the opportunity to learn to play various musical instruments and participate in choir and band ensembles.
The Music Instructional Team
PAC
Dr. Brown
STEAM
Ms. Caldwell
At Marion P. Thomas Charter School, we believe that an education in the visual and performing arts is essential for the holistic development of our students. Our program aligns with state standards and fosters creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills, preparing our students to become well-rounded individuals who appreciate and contribute to the arts in their communities. Our dedicated arts faculty is committed to nurturing each student's unique talents and ensuring they have opportunities to shine in the world of visual and performing arts.
All three schools will host a minimum of two performances: Winter & Spring. They will also collaborate to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month so students can demonstrate their musical talents and appreciation for diverse musical traditions. Artists will be afforded the opportunity to showcase their artwork throughout the year as well.
Partnerships