The Westbury-based academic non-profit organization The Josephine Foundation announced Monday that it would be partnering with St. Mary’s High School starting this fall to help build the school’s new performing arts program.
According to a Josephine Foundation press release, the program will teach students “professional standards” in the areas of theater, music and dance, and students will work with professional singers, actors, directors and choreographers in preparation for careers in the performing arts world.
“The St. Mary’s High School opportunity is unique in that its student body features teens from all areas of Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island,” said Andrew Koslosky, the foundation’s founder and chairman.
Koslosky, who has performed in and directed theater productions for more than 30 years, said he expects the diversity of the St. Mary’s student body to contribute to the variety of skills the program’s participants will learn, “making them better prepared to handle all kinds of situations in the arts world during their continued studies and auditions.”
Grace Cavallo, the president of the Schools of St. Mary, said in a statement that she is excited for the program to enter the high school this fall, as the Josephine Foundation’s work with St. Mary’s Elementary School this past year culminated in the March production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“I have long believed that the arts are an integral component to the overall comprehensive educational experience for students,” Cavallo said. “Whether creating an appreciation of the arts, either as a performer or as a supporter of the arts, St. Mary’s High School’s relationship with The Josephine Foundation promises to offer our students a unique opportunity in learning the art and science of performing and connecting with professionals in the field.”
Founded in 2002, the Josephine Foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in grants and services toward athletics and arts programs that give young people the tools to follow their dreams, according to the release.
Koslosky said in the release that young people who are involved in performing arts programs tend to do better in their math, English, reading and science classes.
“This is no accident,” said Koslosky. “In a world bursting with massive streams of information, coming from all directions…students are not being taught how to process and use this information.”
