EVSPA features early childhood development, ballet, musical theater and enrichment programs

Admissions Policy
Assessments

Admissions Policy

The Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts' (EVSPA) programs are open to all students. EVSPA is an equal opportunity school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, national origin, or sexual orientation. Students are accepted with or without previous training.

Admission to EVSPA is a simple process. This is accomplished through an interview and an assessment of the new applicant's skill level. To ensure proper class placement, EVSPA offers a free assessments.

Musical Theater Division Candidates are interviewed and assessed by Musical Theatre Director, Ron Boucher. Students are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the assessment. Students will be asked to vocalize and sing a selection from a musical or a classical art song.

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In addition, applicants are asked to bring jazz and tap shoes to assess their dance skills.

Classical Ballet Division Candidates are interviewed and assessed by Director of Dance, Ms. Sandra Balestracci. Ms. Balestracci’s experience and qualifications allow her to quickly evaluate the applicant's talent and skill. New students are placed at a level which will best meet their needs for further development, and if necessary, corrective instruction.

Transferring dance students are welcome. Ms. Balestracci makes a concerted effort to preserve the student's self esteem and provides extra attention during the transition period to ensure they feel comfortable.

Placement level is at the sole discretion of the directors. While every effort is made to keep students of generally the same age together, the student's abilities and acquired skills are used to determine placement in the programs.

For a free assessment and interview with Mr. Boucher or Ms. Balestracci, call the EVSPA offices at 757-229-8535 today.

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Assessments

Students in the Early Childhood, Classical Ballet and Musical Theatre Divisions are assessed annually.

Assessments for Program students accomplish the following:

Documents student progress
Initiates communication between teacher and parent
Encourages students to accomplish specific goals
Provides concrete recommendations for student improvement

Assessments will be completed by each student’s teacher. Utilizing a written evaluation form, teachers will objectively assess the progress, behavior, and attitude of each student.

Each assessment corresponds with the conclusion of a developmental year at EVSPA and follows a student performance designed to showcase student growth and skill acquisition.

Year In Revue Year in revue ballet

A recital format is used for final assessment called “Year in Revue.” Parents desiring parent/teacher meetings to discuss assessment results are encouraged to call the office and make an appointment with their child’s teacher.

Parents hoping to have their child advanced to the next level will find that these assessment periods provide them with a time for such discussion. The EVSPA directors encourage open discussion and an appointment can be scheduled.

At the time of assessment, students are recommended for fall class placement and suggestions for summer intensives may be made. The student, teacher, parents, and the appropriate Director all confer and agree upon class placement.