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Wakefield Thought Leaders
Welcome to Wakefield Thought Leaders, a dynamic collection of articles showcasing the expertise and innovation within our community. Written by our talented educators and respected voices beyond Wakefield, these insightful pieces cover a wide range of topics. From mental health and wellbeing to pioneering in education, athletics, the arts, and global citizenship, each article reflects the thought leadership, passion, and unique experiences that shape our students into engaged citizens.
Now viewing articles in the category Wakefield Arts.
In the Spotlight: Wakefield’s The Play That Goes Wrong Featured in Middleburg Life
April 1st, 2026
Published in: Middleburg Life & Hunt Country - April 2026
Middleburg Life spotlights Wakefield’s upcoming production of The Play That Goes Wrong in Diane Helentjaris’ article, “The Play That Goes Wrong”: Dr. Toby Brings the West End Hit to Wakefield, highlighting the direction, student performers, and creative energy behind one of the school’s most ambitious shows. Read the full feature and don’t miss your chance to see one of the most entertaining shows of the year.
Scenes from School: I Was Shreked
March 2nd, 2026
Part of our Scenes from School series, this reflection steps into the GLO Theater, where Wakefield’s production of Shrek The Musical comes to life through standout performances, ambitious design, and a full community effort that transforms the stage into something far bigger than the space itself.
Posted in: Scenes from School, Wakefield ArtsImprovising At Wakefield Teaches Valuable Lessons
February 1st, 2025
Published in: Country Zest & Style - Winter 2025, p. 6
Imagine being live on stage in front of 200 people eagerly anticipating your performance. For most, this alone would be enough to scare them silly. Now, imagine you have no lines and don't even know what the story is yet. The show must be made up in the moment, with everyone watching.
It's called the art of improvisation, performing on the spot without a script, relying only on your fellow actors and the audience to support you. It's more than enough to give even the most seasoned performer a bad case of stage fright.
And yet, "improv" has taught me more about navigating life as a high school student than I ever could imagine. Every new show, like every moment in life, brings new challenges and opportunities to grow.
Imagination Cast Through Creativity: Wakefield School Visual Arts
December 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - December 2024, pg. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - December 2024, p. 8
“A day without art is a day of lost potential.” —Gary Genther
The Visual Arts stand as a pillar of academic excellence at Wakefield School, deeply intertwined with the school’s mission of fostering “character, curiosity, and clear voices.” Upper School Fine Arts teacher Gary Genther, a monumental presence at Wakefield since 1986, has been instrumental in shaping this program. “A day without art is a day of lost potential,” he emphasizes, underscoring his belief that every student possesses an “artistic personality” worth developing.
On Building—On Stage and Off: Tethering the Joys of Performance Arts to the Joys of Self-Confidence
November 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, pg. 12 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, p. 10
“Sixth graders built functional stairs for our Addams Family set. Were they perfectly square? No. But they were square and plumb enough…and after the show, those sixth graders brought their parents on stage and said, ‘Dad, I built this!’” —Michael “Jonz” Jones
Wakefield School in The Plains has a long history of celebrating the performing arts and their invaluable role in education, but for many years, one of the key lessons was, Hey, who needs a fancy facility? Great theater can be made ANYWHERE!...
With the completion nearly three years ago of its new state-of-the-art theater and auditorium, though, Wakefield has had the opportunity to expand the experiences it can offer its students...
Playing by Ear: How the Freedom to Explore Grows Confident Musicians–and Confident Kids
November 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, pg. 14 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, p. 12
“If I asked the faculty to come in my classroom and do even half of what I ask the kids to do, they’d fight me all day! But the kids? They just come in and do it!” —Bess Putnam
Bess Putnam, the second-year Lower School music teacher at Wakefield School who was named Lower School Educator of the Year last spring, has designed a classroom environment so inviting as to make anyone want to start singing, dancing, and playing some music–all of which her students are invited to do each class period. Gazing around her room filled with color, texture, soft light, and especially, musical instruments, she says, “Most children are ready to jump in!”
Acting Up at Wakefield Summer Camp
October 2nd, 2024
Published in: Country Zest & Style - Fall 2024, p. 23
What do you get when you combine 63 young actors, an original two-act musical story and script, a state-of-the-art theater, and just 30 hours to put it all together? At Summer Smash Up (SSU) musical theater camp at Wakefield School in The Plains, the answer was: Simply Magic.
Posted in: Country Zest & Style, Wakefield Arts
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