It’s the Professional Thing to Do!

by Cayt’lan Wayt

Do you like to sing, dance, or act? Are you searching for a studio where you can train professionally? The Professional School for the arts is a training center that offers classes in dance, voice, acting, musical theatre, and the newest addition, pilates, and it is only 20 minutes away. Founded and directed by Lisa Matsko Hamilton, PSA is a great place to study for serious students, and aspiring performers. The seriousness and dedication comes from within. Lisa stated, “I performed for many years, and ended up teaching. I knew I wanted my own studio, and before I knew it I had it.” The faculty at PSA is made up of working professionals who are more than dedicated and qualified.

“Our adding principal that sets us apart from many arts programs is that we are not for the hobbyist. We offer a supportive and disciplined atmosphere with teachers who are working in the professional world. Our program is geared to the student whose desire is to perform professionally.” And that’s exactly what comes out of PSA; students who have gone on to perform on Broadway, in national tours, civic light operas, and others have been accepted to and graduated form some of the most prestigious performing art schools in the nation.

Hamilton instructs the Musical Theatre Audition Workshop with a life long friend and experienced performer/director, Gerard Babb. Along with Hamilton and Babb, there are many other well-known and experienced dance instructors, such as: Jon Engstrom, Jerry Macintyre, Kim Arnett, and Dexter Jones, who just completed the national tour of 42nd Street at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Each of these instructors are dedicated to educating students who have the desire and passion to make it in “Show Business.”

One of the most amazing things about PSA is their scholarship program. The Professional Arts Education Center (PAEC) offers scholarship in acting, musical theatre, dance, and voice. These scholarships are awarded based on desire, potential, talent, and financial need. Four ESHS students currently attend PSA, two of whom have been awarded scholarships. PAEC is a nonprofit organization and most of the money used for scholarships is raised at the annual benefit.

ESHS was lucky enough to have been exposed to this amazing training program. Hamilton, came and visited the students in the chamber and chorale choirs on Tuesday, September 9. She discussed what PSA was about, explaining that the training received at PSA will prepare aspiring performers for the harsh reality of “Show Biz.” She also invited ESHS students to take classes and attend Scholarship auditions that PSA holds annually. She explained to choir students that scholarship programs and the dedication of both students and teachers can really enable dreams to come true.

ESHS’s musical theatre, drama, and musical departments are all growing and expanding tremendously each year. Not only that, but the students enrolled in these classes who participate in programs like that of PSA have the dedication and passion to make it in the world of performing arts. The next scholarship audition will be held on December 13^th. For more information, visit www.psarts.com. With support from our school and training programs like PSA, dreams are becoming more of a reality each day.