Visual & Performing Arts | Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Source: http://www.aolp.org/academics/visual-performing-arts
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Visual & Performing Arts | Academy of Our Lady of Peace
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Tap your creativity in the OLP dance, drama, or visual arts programs, where you will be empowered to hone your love of the arts.
We offer courses for all levels—for those exploring performance for the very first time to lifelong artists — and encourage girls to explore new areas, styles, and techniques. Whether you want to find your voice in one of our vocal music or theatre programs, bring movement to the music that moves you, or add your voice to the art surrounding us, you’re sure to find your place at OLP.
When learning is approached through, with and by the visual and performing arts, creativity is cultivated, innovative thinking is fostered and imagination is both celebrated and enhanced. OLP provides and requires participation in visual and performing arts course work through a vast array of innovative elective courses including Pilot TV, digital arts, dance, painting, watercolor, ceramics, music theory and more.
Dance
In the OLP Dance Studio, art comes to life as students learn to express themselves through movement. Offering four distinct levels of dance instruction - ranging from Introduction to Dance to Advanced Dance Honors - OLP provides a welcoming space for students at every stage of their dance journey. In class, students explore a diverse range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. They learn fundamental techniques, explore movement combinations, and dive into the principles of artistic expression within each genre. Students also gain insight into the choreographic process and have multiple opportunities to create their own original works. Our curriculum is designed to empower students, fostering confidence in their abilities while aligning with the National Core Arts Standards for Educational Dance, which focus on the key areas of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. At the conclusion of the academic year, students perform in our Annual Dance Showcase, a celebratory event featuring performances by students in all class levels and our award-winning Dance Team. Our new state-of-the-art dance studio provides a professional space for students to refine their technique, explore creative movement, and develop their performance skills in an environment equipped with the latest technology and resources.
Drama
Dive into a world of storytelling and self discovery with the OLP Drama program. Students will participate in exercises and improvisations designed to free them as performers and will also have the opportunity to get training in creative writing, theatrical design, stage management, directing, choreography and more. Text analysis, vocal and physical acting techniques are stressed in the OLP Drama program, and special attention is paid to exercises helping students explore their own imaginations with confidence.
In addition to Drama which is mostly performance focused, OLP also offers a course focused on Technical Theatre. This class is designed to help students gain a thorough understanding of theatrical and staging techniques as they have evolved through history and into the digital age. With hands-on experience in set building, light programming, sound design, stage management and prop design, students will get the full "behind the scenes" experience of what it takes to produce a theatrical show.
Credit is granted to participants in school productions. Our productions include student written and produced one-acts, full length musicals, mainstream shows and new plays. Our performance venues include our 750+ seat outdoor Aquinas Amphitheater, the new 260-seat St. Thérèse Theatre to more intimate spaces like site-specific performances on campus.
The OLP Music department boasts both instrumental and voice class options. Vocal Craft is a course designed to bring students from all levels of music and voice technique to become well rounded singer-songwriters and innovators of the music industry. Units of this class include: Foundation of Vocal Technique, Ensemble Singing and Harmony, Vocal Anatomy and Health, Lyric Writing and Poetic Composition, Melody Development and Style Exploration. In this class, students are encouraged to find their voice and become well rounded musicians and artistic collaborators.
Music
The Music Production course combines elements of music history, music theory (chords and scales), ear training (figuring out how to play popular songs by ear), reading of notes and tablature, and ensemble playing with pian, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and electronic keyboards. Students are encouraged to try several instruments and perform with the group and in live performances, such as on PTV news and at school events.
Students with more advanced skills will benefit from leadership “music producer” activities with the group.
On the technical side, students will learn the basics of setting up a sound system for performances, and will use Ableton Live software with their laptops and school equipment to compose and record songs, both with microphones (analog) and with MIDI virtual instruments, and publish them to Spotify and Apple Music.
The result will be a confident, well-rounded beginning musician, ready to increase their skills with a lifetime of experiences.
Visual Arts
The OLP visual arts studio offers the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in the creative process. Introductory classes provide a strong foundation in a variety of media, while advanced classes stress self-expression and the development of personal themes. Many students assemble portfolios for college applications and the AP Exam in Studio Art. Our students' artwork consistently wins recognition in various competitions.
The spacious student art space in our historic Qualiato Building allows student artists the opportunity to experience a working art studio environment while they immerse themselves in classes that include technique workshops as well as sessions that incorporate symbolic and personally expressive meaning into their art making.
Students learn to make decisions in situations where there are no standard answers and to critically evaluate the results. We hope that they will leave their art class, as with nearly any class here at OLP, having learned to respect the often very different ways others think, work, and express themselves.
VAPA Course Offerings
VAPA Course Offerings
Dance
Drama
Music
Visual Arts
Introduction to Dance
Dance I and II
Dance III and IV
Advanced Dance Honors
Drama I/II
Drama III/IV
Drama V/VI
Technical Theatre I/II
Concert Choir I/II
Advanced Choral Ensemble
Instrumental Ensemble
Advanced Instrumental Ensemble
Music Theory
AP Music Theory
Video Production I/II
Video Production III/IV
Advanced Video Production
Digital Storytelling
Digital Photography I/II
Multimedia Design
Journalism
Art I/II
Painting I/II
Handbuilding Ceramics I/II
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
AP Studio Art: Drawing
VAPA Practicum Honors
Visual & Performing Arts practicum is offered as an honors independent study course to provide individual students with the opportunity to further explore special talents or interests in the arts. Students will work with the classroom teacher to set personal learning goals and to determine the type of project or learning experience they would like to pursue. Students may have the option of taking VAPA Practicum in tandem with a regularly scheduled class, but will have leadership opportunities, special projects and coaching in the class to be determined based on the individual's interests and abilities. This course is designed to supplement a student’s educational pathway and passion in the arts. Department Chair and Instructor approval is required in order to enroll in VAPA Practicum Honors.
Areas of study available:
Dance, Music (Instrumental, Choir, Music Theory), Drama, Art, Video Production)
Profiles
Kelly Culver
Dance Teacher, Head Dance Team Coach
Heather Tiegs
Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair, Art Teacher
Gilberto Moreno Sánchez
World Languages Teacher, Video Productions Teacher
Scott Higby
English Teacher, VAPA Teacher
Related Stories
All Stories
All Stories
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Get ready
To take flight
Apply
Contact
Visit
Address
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
4860 Oregon Street
San Diego, CA 92116
USA
Get directions
Tel:
+1 619-297-2266
Share your Story
@AcademyOfOurLadyOfPeace
Key Links
Inquire
Visit
Apply
Arts
Athletics
STEM
ALL IN FOR OLP!
Alumnae
Parent Portal
Livestream
Events
Pilot Voices Podcast
School Calendar
Pilots Spirit Wear
Submit an Anonymous Tip
Summer School
Pilot Summer Academy
Terms & Privacy
Sitemap
#SchoolWebsite design
by
Interactive Schools
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace admits students of any color, race, ethnic origin or faith to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, ethnic origin or faith in the administration of its educational policies, scholarships, financial aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.
Visual & Performing Arts | Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Menu
Close
Apply Now
Portals
Powerschool
Schoology Students
Schoology Parents
School Admin
Home
Our School
Back
Our Mission & Values
Our Campus & History
A Culture of Unity
Leadership
Faculty and Staff
Board of Trustees
Employment
Admissions
Back
Why an All-Girls School?
Joining Our Sisterhood: Apply Now
Parents' Guide to the OLP Application
Admission Dates
Learning Support Programs
Affording OLP
Scholarships
Campus Tour
Pilot Summer Academy
Club Pilot
International Admissions
Academics
Back
Back to School 2025-2026
Academics
Academic Departments
Back
Theology
Social Studies
English
Mathematics
Science
World Languages
Health & Fitness
Interdisciplinary and Internship Courses
STEM
Visual & Performing Arts
Learning Support Programs
Counseling
Scholarships
Summer School
School Life
Back
Student Life
Athletics
Student Clubs
Safety and Security
Tech in the Classroom
Food Service
Class of 2026
Parent Portal
Global Scholars Travel Program
Faith and Service
Back
Sisters of St. Joseph
Campus Ministry
Retreats
Serving the Dear Neighbor
Support OLP
Back
Community Events
Supporting OLP
Back
How to Give
Giving Circles & Giving Societies
Alumnae
Back
Welcome, OLP Alumnae!
Alumna of the Year
Alumnae Give Back
Alumnae Portal
News & Media
Back
All
News
Photos
OLP Podcast
Pilots Spirit Wear
Key Links
Inquire
Visit
Apply
Arts
Athletics
STEM
ALL IN FOR OLP!
Alumnae
Parent Portal
Livestream
Events
Pilot Voices Podcast
School Calendar
Pilots Spirit Wear
Submit an Anonymous Tip
Summer School
Pilot Summer Academy
Featured Events
Visual & Performing Arts
In Academics
Back to School 2025-2026
Academics
Academic Departments
Theology
Social Studies
English
Mathematics
Science
World Languages
Health & Fitness
Interdisciplinary and Internship Courses
STEM
Visual & Performing Arts
Learning Support Programs
Counseling
Scholarships
Summer School
Tap your creativity in the OLP dance, drama, or visual arts programs, where you will be empowered to hone your love of the arts.
We offer courses for all levels—for those exploring performance for the very first time to lifelong artists — and encourage girls to explore new areas, styles, and techniques. Whether you want to find your voice in one of our vocal music or theatre programs, bring movement to the music that moves you, or add your voice to the art surrounding us, you’re sure to find your place at OLP.
When learning is approached through, with and by the visual and performing arts, creativity is cultivated, innovative thinking is fostered and imagination is both celebrated and enhanced. OLP provides and requires participation in visual and performing arts course work through a vast array of innovative elective courses including Pilot TV, digital arts, dance, painting, watercolor, ceramics, music theory and more.
Dance
In the OLP Dance Studio, art comes to life as students learn to express themselves through movement. Offering four distinct levels of dance instruction - ranging from Introduction to Dance to Advanced Dance Honors - OLP provides a welcoming space for students at every stage of their dance journey. In class, students explore a diverse range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. They learn fundamental techniques, explore movement combinations, and dive into the principles of artistic expression within each genre. Students also gain insight into the choreographic process and have multiple opportunities to create their own original works. Our curriculum is designed to empower students, fostering confidence in their abilities while aligning with the National Core Arts Standards for Educational Dance, which focus on the key areas of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. At the conclusion of the academic year, students perform in our Annual Dance Showcase, a celebratory event featuring performances by students in all class levels and our award-winning Dance Team. Our new state-of-the-art dance studio provides a professional space for students to refine their technique, explore creative movement, and develop their performance skills in an environment equipped with the latest technology and resources.
Drama
Dive into a world of storytelling and self discovery with the OLP Drama program. Students will participate in exercises and improvisations designed to free them as performers and will also have the opportunity to get training in creative writing, theatrical design, stage management, directing, choreography and more. Text analysis, vocal and physical acting techniques are stressed in the OLP Drama program, and special attention is paid to exercises helping students explore their own imaginations with confidence.
In addition to Drama which is mostly performance focused, OLP also offers a course focused on Technical Theatre. This class is designed to help students gain a thorough understanding of theatrical and staging techniques as they have evolved through history and into the digital age. With hands-on experience in set building, light programming, sound design, stage management and prop design, students will get the full "behind the scenes" experience of what it takes to produce a theatrical show.
Credit is granted to participants in school productions. Our productions include student written and produced one-acts, full length musicals, mainstream shows and new plays. Our performance venues include our 750+ seat outdoor Aquinas Amphitheater, the new 260-seat St. Thérèse Theatre to more intimate spaces like site-specific performances on campus.
The OLP Music department boasts both instrumental and voice class options. Vocal Craft is a course designed to bring students from all levels of music and voice technique to become well rounded singer-songwriters and innovators of the music industry. Units of this class include: Foundation of Vocal Technique, Ensemble Singing and Harmony, Vocal Anatomy and Health, Lyric Writing and Poetic Composition, Melody Development and Style Exploration. In this class, students are encouraged to find their voice and become well rounded musicians and artistic collaborators.
Music
The Music Production course combines elements of music history, music theory (chords and scales), ear training (figuring out how to play popular songs by ear), reading of notes and tablature, and ensemble playing with pian, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and electronic keyboards. Students are encouraged to try several instruments and perform with the group and in live performances, such as on PTV news and at school events.
Students with more advanced skills will benefit from leadership “music producer” activities with the group.
On the technical side, students will learn the basics of setting up a sound system for performances, and will use Ableton Live software with their laptops and school equipment to compose and record songs, both with microphones (analog) and with MIDI virtual instruments, and publish them to Spotify and Apple Music.
The result will be a confident, well-rounded beginning musician, ready to increase their skills with a lifetime of experiences.
Visual Arts
The OLP visual arts studio offers the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in the creative process. Introductory classes provide a strong foundation in a variety of media, while advanced classes stress self-expression and the development of personal themes. Many students assemble portfolios for college applications and the AP Exam in Studio Art. Our students' artwork consistently wins recognition in various competitions.
The spacious student art space in our historic Qualiato Building allows student artists the opportunity to experience a working art studio environment while they immerse themselves in classes that include technique workshops as well as sessions that incorporate symbolic and personally expressive meaning into their art making.
Students learn to make decisions in situations where there are no standard answers and to critically evaluate the results. We hope that they will leave their art class, as with nearly any class here at OLP, having learned to respect the often very different ways others think, work, and express themselves.
VAPA Course Offerings
VAPA Course Offerings
Dance
Drama
Music
Visual Arts
Introduction to Dance
Dance I and II
Dance III and IV
Advanced Dance Honors
Drama I/II
Drama III/IV
Drama V/VI
Technical Theatre I/II
Concert Choir I/II
Advanced Choral Ensemble
Instrumental Ensemble
Advanced Instrumental Ensemble
Music Theory
AP Music Theory
Video Production I/II
Video Production III/IV
Advanced Video Production
Digital Storytelling
Digital Photography I/II
Multimedia Design
Journalism
Art I/II
Painting I/II
Handbuilding Ceramics I/II
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
AP Studio Art: Drawing
VAPA Practicum Honors
Visual & Performing Arts practicum is offered as an honors independent study course to provide individual students with the opportunity to further explore special talents or interests in the arts. Students will work with the classroom teacher to set personal learning goals and to determine the type of project or learning experience they would like to pursue. Students may have the option of taking VAPA Practicum in tandem with a regularly scheduled class, but will have leadership opportunities, special projects and coaching in the class to be determined based on the individual's interests and abilities. This course is designed to supplement a student’s educational pathway and passion in the arts. Department Chair and Instructor approval is required in order to enroll in VAPA Practicum Honors.
Areas of study available:
Dance, Music (Instrumental, Choir, Music Theory), Drama, Art, Video Production)
Profiles
Kelly Culver
Dance Teacher, Head Dance Team Coach
Heather Tiegs
Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair, Art Teacher
Gilberto Moreno Sánchez
World Languages Teacher, Video Productions Teacher
Scott Higby
English Teacher, VAPA Teacher
Related Stories
All Stories
All Stories
Related Stories
All Stories
All Stories
Get ready
To take flight
Apply
Contact
Visit
Address
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
4860 Oregon Street
San Diego, CA 92116
USA
Get directions
Tel:
+1 619-297-2266
Share your Story
@AcademyOfOurLadyOfPeace
Key Links
Inquire
Visit
Apply
Arts
Athletics
STEM
ALL IN FOR OLP!
Alumnae
Parent Portal
Livestream
Events
Pilot Voices Podcast
School Calendar
Pilots Spirit Wear
Submit an Anonymous Tip
Summer School
Pilot Summer Academy
Terms & Privacy
Sitemap
#SchoolWebsite design
by
Interactive Schools
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace admits students of any color, race, ethnic origin or faith to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, ethnic origin or faith in the administration of its educational policies, scholarships, financial aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.