Prairie’s Performing Arts adventure begins as Primary School students give expression to their creativity by singing, moving, and playing instruments. As they discover the possibilities in their own voices, they also learn how their talents can combine with others in an artistic tapestry of their own creation. In the Primary School years, students make their own music come alive in the Leipold Johnson Early Childhood Center and Primary School Music Rooms. They are mentored by professional artists from the ballet, opera, and symphony. Our goal is to deepen each student’s abilities to imagine, create, perform, listen, and reflect as they commence their life-long enjoyment of the Performing Arts.

Middle School students expand their Performing Arts horizons, refining and extending their skills in larger ensembles, learning about music in new global and historical contexts, and taking their talents into the greater community. Students can elect music offerings of Band, Strings, or Choir and may also participate in the Jazz ensemble that meets during Flex. In addition, any ensemble student can participate in contests and festivals in the greater Southeastern Wisconsin community. In Theatre, students may elect General Theatre, Fall Musical (7/8), Spring Musical (6), or Spring Play (7/8). 

A Prairie alum describes their Upper School Performing Arts experience with these words: “My high school Performing Arts experience has been one of challenge, learning, and joy. The Performing Arts continue to influence the way I read, write, and perceive the world around me. They have allowed me to appreciate the meaning of collaboration and community. Whatever I do and wherever I go, I will continue contributing to the arts community around me.”

In Upper School, students can fulfill their three credit arts graduation requirement by choosing from Concert Choir, Orchestra, Strings, AP Music Theory, Fall or Spring Play Cast, Intro to Tech Theatre, Tech Theatre Workshop, and Tech Theatre Design. Plays and musicals are cast through auditions and arranged in seasons; this scheduling model enables students to combine participation in athletics and the arts. Some classes are inclusive of everyone at any level while others have prerequisites and are designed for students with more advanced skills.

Each year professional performing artists, alums, and our own faculty share their own passions when they visit our stage and music rooms as visiting artists and mentors.