Arts
Shady Side Academy students flourish through a unique curriculum that effectively intertwines the arts into all levels of learning. At the elemetary level, a lesson on Asia can go beyond the boundaries of geography to incorporate experiments in bamboo painting and Japanese songs. Dedication to the arts continues well into the Middle School and Senior School through active participation in visual and performing arts programs. In addition, two very unique facilities – the Benedum Visual Arts Center and the Hillman Center for Performing Arts – provide Senior School students with exceptional spaces to further explore and develop their individual artistic talents and interests.
Junior School Arts Curriculum: Art | Music
Middle School Arts Curriculum: Art | Music | Theatre Arts
Senior School Arts Curriculum: Arts Departmental Overview
Arts Facilities
Two unique facilities on the Senior School campus provide students with exceptional spaces to explore and develop their individual artistic talents and interests.
Benedum Visual Arts Center
In 1994, the campus' powerhouse was renovated and reemerged as the Benedum Visual Arts Center. This facility provides visual arts students with a specialized arts classroom, a ceramic workroom with electric and gas fired kilns, a darkroom suite, a metal/wood working shop, a painting/sculpting area, a large group meeting area and a gallery to display student and alumni artwork.
Hillman Center for Performing Arts
Opened in 2004 on the Senior School campus, the Hillman Center for Performing Arts is Shady Side Academy's primary performing arts classroom. As a teaching, learning and student performance space, the Hillman Center offers current students a chance to discover and nurture their talents as performers. The facility includes a 650-seat main theater, a black box theater, band and choir rooms and more. Several Senior and Middle School performances are held here each year, as well as the annual Hillman Performing Arts Series, which brings professional performances to campus. Visit the Hillman Center for Performing Arts page to learn more.
