For 30 years, Vail Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) has been dedicated to providing theatrical, educational and cultural experiences for children in the Vail Valley. Since 1994, VPAA has been inspiring excellence, fostering artistic expression and cultivating talent, and the zealous crew of producers, directors and teachers plan on telling stories for another 30 years.
As executive producer and founder Annah DeLuca-Scully puts it, VPAA emerged to fill a void in performing arts education for local students, and VPAA initially offered musical theater acting and improv classes.
“Over the years, the academy’s vision expanded, evolving into the production of full-scale musicals and forming partnerships with renowned venues like the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Now celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence, VPAA offers year-round programs catering to aspiring performers ages 8 to 17,” DeLuca-Scully shares.
DeLuca-Scully and Colin Merig, VPAA artistic director and choreographer, let their passion lead them to the community, offering school enrichment programs including acting for the camera, music video production and public speaking. Plus, they participate in directing and assisting with school musicals and participate in community events.
DeLuca-Scully and Merig bring invaluable experience to their students on and off the stage. DeLuca-Scully has taught secondary language in Boulder and Vail, and she’s produced corporate, private and public events in Colorado and California. Her nurturing spirit and brio bring warmth to the theater and make VPAA a welcoming and exciting environment. Merig brings a wealth of performing arts experience to VPAA; his musical theatre, national tour, Broadway, cruise ship, film and television experiences have enabled him to transfer invaluable knowledge, teaching skills and mentoring to the youth of Vail.
VPAA has become a beacon in the Vail community, shining a light for students to find joy on the stage and — most importantly — grow their confidence. Everything VPAA does is thanks to devoted supporters and community members. “Through the generosity of donors and the selfless efforts of volunteers, VPAA is able to offer scholarships, maintain its high-quality productions, and expand its outreach programs. Partnering with local schools and venues allows VPAA to enrich the cultural landscape of Vail and provide accessible arts experiences to a broader audience,” DeLuca-Scully explains. “Together, with the unwavering support of the community, VPAA continues to thrive as a vital hub for artistic expression and creativity in the Vail Valley.”
Vail is full of many long-standing pillars that contribute to the tight-knit community that makes the Valley so special. But, without forward vision and eagerness to expand and evolve, that passion risks extinction. That’s why Merig says, “I believe the next 30 years for VPAA will be more exciting than ever as we embrace the evolving community that now surrounds us. Representation in theater is vital. VPAA has the compassion and knowledge to showcase talent with youth who can shine a spotlight on the imbalance of gender, disability and ethnicity. We can tell another 30 years of stories with diversity.”
Photos courtesy of Vail Performing Arts Academy
The productions are fun for everyone involved (including lucky audience members), but at the heart of everything is the students. Students get to be a part of beloved stories like Frozen, The Jungle Book and Rent, and VPAA believes that this is the most important stage in a child’s life. However, the lessons learned from these experiences stretch far beyond the theater. “The most rewarding aspect of teaching performing arts is watching student’s confidence soar!” Merig beams.
“VPAA has the power to inspire not only students but every audience member in a life changing way as we tell stories with 100% enthusiasm and commitment,” Merig shares. “Seeing the authentic performance gusto in our students creates a ripple effect of good will that is celebrated by all who experience our shows. I believe musicals are like magic carpets designed to transcend us beyond the mundane and into a world filled with wonder and splendor.”
VPAA will bring Mean Girls Jr. (a junior show adapted from the well-loved 2004 classic) to the stage summer 2024, a fall show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, plus the academy is always offering a myriad of enrichments and experiences.