At Lynchburg City Schools (LCS), we believe the arts are essential to a well-rounded education. They prepare learners for academic and career success, promote holistic student development, and provide an avenue for young artists to participate in the city’s rich cultural landscape. Follow along for the last installment of a three-part series exploring LCS visual arts, music, and theatre programs.
United by the Stage
In the fall of 2023, Heritage High School Pioneer Theatre students’ performance of “The Trial of Ygor” at the state competition earned them a spot at the prestigious Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Mobile, Alabama. The cast and crew were ecstatic. Participation in the SETC is a highly coveted honor, reserved for the two best schools from each of the ten competing states. There was just one problem: Finding the funds to get there.
As the students quickly learned, their city wasn’t going to let them miss out on this golden opportunity. In December, Jefferson Forest High School theatre students dedicated a performance of their competition one-act, “The Green Bird,” to Pioneer Theatre, raising $600 toward their trip. In January, the Academy Center of the Arts hosted Pioneer Theatre students for a special fundraiser performance of ‘The Trial of Ygor” in their iconic historic theatre. Community members responded with enthusiasm, packing the house and giving generously.
The Academy Center of the Arts hosts Pioneer Theatre students for a special fundraiser performance in their historic theatre.
“Here at the Academy, we believe the arts are critical to a healthy community, and whenever we see an opportunity to support the connection and means of expression they bring, we want to be a part of that,” said Academy CEO Geoffrey Kershner.
In the end, Pioneer Theatre raised enough money to compete at the SETC, where they showcased their talent, got feedback from industry experts, and met theatre students from across the East Coast. This life-changing experience wouldn’t have been possible without their hometown’s enthusiastic support.
“It’s definitely an honor to receive so much support from the community. It makes me proud that we’re respected enough for them to want to help us,” said Heritage High graduate Filipi Klein Araujo, who acted in “The Trial of Ygor” during his senior year.
This isn’t the first time Lynchburg has rallied around Pioneer Theatre. In 2018, Heritage High’s rendition of “Second Samuel” also earned them a spot in the SETC, and community members raised money to help them participate.
Even when it’s not competition season, Lynchburg shows up for LCS theatre programs. School buildings come alive as audience members file in for plays and musicals, which are often sponsored by local companies. School auditoriums have become cultural hubs where community members come together to celebrate the arts.
Dunbar Middle School theatre students perform at an LCS community event.
“It’s exciting that people come to our shows who aren’t related to anyone in the cast or crew. They come because they’ve heard our shows are good and worth their time. It’s encouraging, and it also motivates us to hold ourselves to a high standard so we can continue to maintain that reputation within the community,” said E. C. Glass High School theatre director Allison Daugherty.
Behind the scenes, local organizations pour into LCS theatre students. Community theatre organizations like the Academy, Wolfbane Productions, and Endstation Theatre Company frequently feature LCS students as cast members, visit schools, host field trips, lend their expertise, and invite students to perform. In January, for example, T. C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation performed songs from “Seussical Jr.” at the Academy’s 2025 Animation Festival.
T. C. Miller Elementary students perform “Seussical Jr.”
Theatre Connections: From Lynchburg to Broadway
In addition to support from local organizations, LCS theatre programs’ alumni networks enrich educational offerings and introduce students to future possibilities in the arts. Graduates of both high schools often launch successful performing arts careers and return to their alma maters to impart their expertise and mentorship onto current students as guest choreographers and directors.
Alumni like Jennifer Paulson-Lee, a prolific director, choreographer, and playwright who served as a guest choreographer for E. C. Glass High School’s spring 2025 production of “Footloose,” bring the wisdom of Broadway to their hometown. Glass Theatre even boasts some famous alumni, like Golden Globe award winner and Emmy nominee Connie Britton, who still checks in on the program and participates in fundraisers when her schedule allows. Others remain in town to foster the arts scene in Lynchburg full-time, like Opera on the James Executive Director Perry Payne Millner, who guest-directed a musical at E. C. Glass and continually partners with schools across the division to introduce students to the world of opera.
E. C. Glass students pay it forward with a special matinee performance of “Peter Pan and Wendy” for 800 LCS elementary schoolers in February of 2025.
“I think it’s important to find a way to give back and share what you can with the younger generations,” Paulson Lee said. “I would not be who I am today without the people who mentored me when I was a student.”
Others return to their old stomping grounds as theatre teachers themselves. Daugherty, Pioneer Theatre technical director Taylor Wisskirchen, and Glass Theatre technical director Erin Foreman are graduates of the theatre programs they now lead.
These alumni connections are invaluable to students, providing world-class educational experiences, professional contacts in the industry, opportunities to learn from experienced mentors, and inspiration as they explore future career options.
Alumni like Heritage High theatre teacher Taylor Wisskirchen return to their alma mater as educators.
Theatre Students Pay It Forward
As alumni mentors teach students the importance of giving back to their community, many are inspired to invest in the elementary and middle schools that kickstarted their own theatre journeys. At many Dunbar Middle School for Innovation productions, high schoolers can be spotted helping behind the scenes or even lending their acting talents for onstage cameos. Students at Linkhorne Middle School perform special matinees of their musicals for elementary schoolers. Middle and high schoolers who attended T. C. Miller Elementary frequently help with productions at their old school.
Linkhorne Middle students perform songs from “Moana Jr.” for Paul Munro Elementary students.
Many students graduate with years of theatre experience under their belt, thanks to top-notch performing arts programs at every LCS secondary school and some elementary schools, most notably T. C. Miller. And thanks to the annual Pioneer Theatre Camp, elementary schoolers now have even more opportunities to dip their toes into the world of theatre.
This June, LCS third through fifth graders will rehearse and perform “Finding Nemo Kids” with coaching from Heritage High theatre staff and students. The week-long summer camp will culminate in two public shows, giving participants a chance to show off what they’ve learned and test their performance skills.
Elementary students rehearse “Honk! Jr.” at Pioneer Theatre Camp in 2024.
Pioneer Theatre technical director Taylor Wisskirchen launched the program last spring with a production of “Honk! Jr.” The camp helps young students develop public speaking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while allowing them to explore creative self-expression in a supportive, fun environment. Pioneer Theatre high school students direct, choreograph, lead, and mentor younger students. The experience is enriching for all involved, facilitating connections that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
“Seeing students take the stage for the first time is a powerful experience. It’s important for elementary schoolers to know what opportunities are available once they hit middle and high school,” Wisskirchen said. “It’s also a big deal for the high school students, since they’re responsible for the show. It’s eye-opening for them and helps them develop their individual leadership and teamwork skills.”
Heritage High students gain leadership experience as Pioneer Theatre Camp leaders.
Cultivating Community through Creativity
LCS students have opportunities to explore the arts at every grade level. Along the way, they reap countless benefits, from increased cognitive development and interpersonal skills to opportunities to process emotions through creative expression. Whether they’re interested in painting, cello, acting, sculpture, or technical theatre, there’s a community of fellow art lovers waiting to welcome them.
It’s no coincidence that many of the city’s business and community leaders are products of LCS arts programs. Lynchburg embraces young artists with open arms, and in turn, students pour into the city, both in their school years and beyond.
“Our students live in a city that cares deeply about them. As they grow up, they learn to care deeply about the people around them, as well,” said LCS Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Strategic Planning Reid Wodicka.
Click here to learn more about LCS visual arts and music programs.