Dear Laker Families,

Welcome to an exciting new year in Windermere Preparatory School Fine Arts!

As we begin another year of creativity, discovery, and artistic excellence, we are thrilled to share the incredible opportunities our students will experience through our Fine Arts offerings. Our students continue to demonstrate that artistic excellence and academic achievement go hand in hand. We are proud to celebrate our highest IB score among all IB subject areas in Theatre, as well as our IB Dance students performing above the global average. This year, students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Juilliard Creative Classroom, bringing world-class arts education and creative learning experiences directly into our Fine Arts community.

We are proud to officially open our 2026-2027 Theatre Season with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, running October 1, 2, and 3 at the Cypress Center for the Arts. Each performance will feature special WPS faculty and student guest spellers, joining our talented cast and crew for a unique and entertaining experience.

Our Fine Arts students will also have the opportunity to take their talents beyond the walls of WPS. Our Dance students will return to New York City for their acquisition experience trip, continuing to train, learn, and be inspired by some of the industry's leading artists and educators. In February, our Theatre students will travel to London, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of theatre while experiencing productions and theatrical landmarks firsthand. In April, our Wind Ensemble will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, providing our musicians with an unforgettable experience on one of the world's most celebrated stages. 

Our students are also preparing for an exciting year of performances and exhibitions here at home. Our Visual Arts students are preparing for a full-department art show, showcasing the creativity and artistic growth of our students across the program. Our dancers will present the Anthology Dance Show in May, celebrating their artistry, technical development, and creative expression.

Competition and festival opportunities will also be an important part of the year. In November, our Middle School and High School Theatre students will participate in their District Festivals sponsored by the International Thespian Society, putting their skills to the test alongside other student performers. Additionally, Lost Girl, our competitive High School One-Act, will travel to the Florida Theatre Conference in early November to represent Windermere Preparatory School and perform on our campus on November 4.

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that Lakers are inclusive and committed to making the arts accessible and welcoming to every member of our community. We are proud to announce that the Cypress Center for the Arts is a KultureCity-certified venue, and all 19 members of our Fine Arts faculty and staff have completed KultureCity certification. This training strengthens our ability to create an inclusive environment for individuals with sensory needs and their families, helping ensure that everyone can experience the arts in a way that feels comfortable and supportive.

None of these opportunities would be possible without the tremendous support of our Families of the Arts. Through their generosity and commitment, funds raised directly support and elevate the Fine Arts programs at WPS, helping provide our students with exceptional educational experiences, professional opportunities, specialized training, travel, productions, and resources. To join the family, please explore the program and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. We are still accepting members for the 26-27 school year until October 1, 2026.

From the classroom to the stage, and from WPS to opportunities around the world, our students are developing their skills, discovering their passions, and embracing the many ways the Fine Arts can shape their educational journey. The arts is a place where students learn to take risks, collaborate, persevere, discover their passions, and become the best versions of themselves.

We invite our entire Laker Community to play your part in what promises to be an extraordinary year in Fine Arts. Come see a performance, visit an exhibition, support our traveling ensembles, or become a member of Families of the Arts.

We hope to perform three sold-out shows of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Thursday, October 1 at 7 PM, Friday, October 2 at 7 PM, and Saturday, October 3 at 2 PM. These talented students bring energy, passion, and joy to the stage, and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you, our Windermere Prep community! 

There is so much to celebrate—and we cannot wait to share it with you!

Tickets are available at www.teachtix.com/wps.

With gratitude and excitement,

Mrs. Rosemarie Redman

Director of Fine Arts