Any variation of Visual Performing Arts (VPA) hosted on campus illustrates a story, whether from colored pencils on parchment, colored bristles on a canvas, a photo in a frame that’ll be creased into a wallet, a flag that obeys the rhythm of a band, or even a choir solo singing a lullaby that ricochets encouraging connotations. Just like a sport outside of school that involves long practices, being part of VPA also comes with a tedious schedule. From timely rehearsals to working on design projects and summer camps, it is challenging work for those who take on these extracurriculars. Despite their hard work, it is unfortunate to say that VPA does not earn an equal amount of treatment back in terms of funding.
In response, Charlotte Gamage (11), founder of Performers of Ayala, made it a priority to advocate for VPA’s qualities and overall purpose with intentions of supplying adequate funding for future productions, necessities, equipment, and more.
“I’ve always been interested in performing arts,” Gamage said. “I’ve started to recognize the lack of funding within performing arts and the lack of recognition for it as a whole.”
The club was founded on the last day of the 2024 to 2025 school year, is advised by Madeleine Sherratt, and meets every Tuesday at lunch in room B118.
Additionally, the club is divided into specific departments ranging from Theater, Choir, and the United Student Body (USB). Here, members are able to pursue the departments of their choosing or the one they are already assimilated into. Each department is trusted with the leadership of the Choir, Theatre, and USB executive board.
“I ran for the theater executive board because I care so deeply for the theater community,” Luna Maciel (11) said. “I want to make theatre newcomers feel welcomed and happy, like the seniors from my sophomore year did for me. I believe my participation in the Performers of Ayala Club will help the theatre community overall and help build a supportive system.”
Indeed, Performers of Ayala consists of a support system, specifically backed up by an adequate number of VPA advisors, which consists of Mr. Robert Davis, Mr. Tim Trost, Mr. Daniel Spellman, and Ms. Madeleine Sherratt. Simultaneously, the voices of students are what make their message more appreciable.
“I think the amount of teacher involvement and student leadership we have is phenomenal! When you bring passionate people who are willing to fight for improvement at school together, really great things happen,” Gamage said.
It is generally said that if an individual is invested in the wonders of the VPA program, is inundated with curiosity and determination to explore the intricacies of their artistic capacity, and attains the determination to challenge Ayala for a satisfactory outcome, then they should join this club.
“I hope to help bring unity upon campus. I also hope to bring recognition for all the hard work students are putting into their talents on campus,” Karissa Guzman (11), Secretary of Performers of Ayala, said. “I want to make sure their hard work goes noticed!”
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As of right now, their meetings consist of brainstorming ideas for advertising the club and enlightening members about future events.
Performers of Ayala plans to host a bake sale competition to see which department can get the most sales. The time and date for this event are to be determined, but it is something that would be greatly appreciated for students to participate in.
“I would recommend this club to an incoming freshman because it’s so important to get involved from the beginning of your high school career. I think the appeal of the club is fairly different than a lot of what we have at Ayala, and it can get people interested, especially if it’s about something they care about deeply.” Maciel said.
