Performing Arts
The Performing Arts ‘scene’ at D-E is punctuated throughout the year by concerts from instrumental and vocal ensemble and soloists, drama productions, recitals, and more. The stages and spaces of D-E and elsewhere literally overflow with exceptional performances. Bravo!
By: Valerie Berrios •
September 18, 2025
Swartley Art Gallery Series Presents the Work of Tyson Etienne
The first Swartley Gallery Series of the year features work of former […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
September 3, 2025
D-E 360° Summer Presents The Lightning Thief
Every summer D-E 360° offers programming that includes musical theatre, an opportunity […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
July 15, 2025
Engaging in the Arts to“Make it Better”
The Art & Design Department regularly collaborates with Upper School clubs during […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
July 15, 2025
A Vision of Art: A Conversation With Marisol Diaz
D-E’s Art & Design Department is a program that encompasses all three […] Read More
By: Elizabeth Tausner •
July 2, 2025
String Society 2025 Grand Finale Concert Highlights
WOW & BRAVO!!! Our String Society 2025 program, presented by D-E 360° Summer, […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 27, 2025
“How to Get Away With a Murder Mystery”: Spring Theatre 2025 One Act Play Highlights
Senior Hannah Carroll ’25 recently presented her comedic one-act play, “How to […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 22, 2025
Art in Action Aims to Inspire and Have an Impact
In an example of cross-divisional collaboration that beautifully illustrates imagination, the Art […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 21, 2025
Cabaret Night & All-School Chorus/Drumming Concerts an Inspiring Performance Double-Header!
This week, D-E Performing Arts hosted an inspiring double-header of live musical […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 20, 2025
All-School Chorus & Drumming Concert Tomorrow, May 20
Our chorus students from all divisions have been working hard preparing for […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 16, 2025
Cabaret Night 2025 Performance on Monday, May 19!
Get ready for one of the final concerts of the school year! […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 12, 2025
Congrats to the High School Musical Jr. Cast & Crew!
Bravo! Congrats to our Middle School cast and crew, who put on […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 7, 2025
Middle School Musical Cast and Crew Get Ready for High School!
This year’s Middle School Musical is High School Musical JR., based on the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie in which Troy, the captain of East High School’s basketball team, and Gabriella, who’s at the top of her class, try out for the lead roles in the spring musical. The students end up drawn to each other, despite encountering some obstacles along the way.
The leads for D-E’s production include Ella Gorcie ’30, Owen Lee ’29, Brooke Cohen ’29, and Austin Tiemann ’30. According to Eileen Lynch, MS Theater Director and Drama Teacher, the idea to put on this show came about after a casual conversation with MS Principal Jonathan Davis. “We were commenting on the themes of togetherness and community woven through the show and thought it would be a good fit for the Middle School production here at D-E.”
Lower School Music Teacher Lisa Dove is the Music Director, and John John Tarrayo and Bella Savas will choreograph this dance-centric show, assisted by student Dance Captain Arianna Chan ’30. “I honestly think [this show has] helped some of us discover sides of ourselves we didn’t even know were there,” remarks Arianna. “It’s been a fun ride!”
To read more about the making of the MS Musical, click the link in our bio.
By: Valerie Berrios •
May 5, 2025
The Fifth Grade Opera Opens a Door to Theatre
As part of a longstanding tradition, D-E Performing Arts presented the Fifth […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 30, 2025
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Celebrate Creativity
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and older. “Scholastic is an institution that has supported students’ artistic expression in writing and visual arts nationally,” says Ms. Marisol Diaz, Chair of the Art & Design Department. “It can open up other opportunities, such as residencies and scholarships.” You also become part of a community of Scholastic winners, adds Ms. Diaz. This year, D-E’s national award winners were Sydney Adekanbi ’25 and Blake Glasser ’27.
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 30, 2025
Swartley Gallery Senior Spotlight 2025 Exhibit Reception Highlights
This afternoon, the Swartley Gallery hosted a reception of “The Senior Spotlight”—the […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 24, 2025
Reminder: Annual Orchestra Extravaganza Concert is Friday April 25!
Don’t miss tomorrow’s Annual Orchestra Extravaganza Concert! The D-E community is invited […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 23, 2025
LS Students Prepare for Fifth Grade Opera
D-E Lower School (LS) students are working hard preparing for the Fifth […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 23, 2025
Chamber Music Society Hosts Afternoon Concert in Hulst House
D-E’s Chamber Music Society (DCMS) hosted a small concert in Hulst House […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 17, 2025
Jazz Rock Spring Show on April 17
Jazz Rock, directed by our legendary Mr. Rob DeBellis and with vocal […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 17, 2025
Swartley Gallery LS ‘High Five’ Closing Reception
Art-tastic! The Swartley Gallery displayed multimedia work from our Lower School art […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 17, 2025
HOPE Fashion Show 2025 a Whimsical, Wonderful Success!
The annual HOPE Fashion Show, with its whimsical fairy tale theme, was […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 16, 2025
The Play’s the Thing: 8th Grade Shakespeare Workshop Highlights
What’s in a name? This week D-E 8th graders got a closer […] Read More
By: Elizabeth Tausner •
April 14, 2025
Orchestra Extravaganza Concert is Friday, April 25
Save the date! On Friday, April 25, D-E Performing Arts Department’s annual […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 11, 2025
DEIB Cultural Showcase 2025 Highlights
Bravo! D-E’s Affinity groups shined bright during our Second Annual Cultural Showcase! […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 10, 2025
Lower School Sing-Along Assembly Highlights
Our Lower School sings out loud! This week Lower School (LS) students […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 7, 2025
Art & Design Assembly Showcases How the Magic Happens
The arts scene at D-E is blooming! Last week, the Upper School Assembly featured the Biannual Art & Design Showcase, which highlights the hard work of our AP Studio Art students and the many steps that go into creating the art. “Process is so important, sometimes more important than the final product,” said Marisol Diaz, Chair of the Art & Design Department. “The magic happens in the process!”
The assembly included slideshows and a series of videos capturing students working on their 2D and 3D art—drawings, paintings, printmaking, ceramics, digital and film photography, and more. Meanwhile, backstage, US Art & Design Teacher Paul Edwards facilitated a Live Art Battle for which student artists were asked to paint, draw, or sculpt what they think the soul of D-E looks like. The winner, by anonymous vote, was Lilah Carroll ’27 and second place went to Maleah Liao ’27.
Throughout the assembly, several of our young artists made brief presentations on the inspiration behind their lines of inquiry (LOI), which they use as the basis of their final portfolios. We congratulate all our talented artists who’ve made an incredible mark at D-E and continue to do so!
To read more about the showcase, please click the link in the bio.
By: Valerie Berrios •
April 3, 2025
HOPE ‘Whimsical Fairytale’ Fashion Show on Saturday, April 5
Final preparations for D-E’s “Whimsical Fairytale” HOPE Fashion Show & Fundraiser are […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
March 28, 2025
Odyssey of the Mind Tournament Highlights
D-E’s Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) teams recently competed at the Skylands […] Read More
By: Elizabeth Tausner •
March 17, 2025
LS Music Concert Showcases Grades 2-4
D-E’s Schenck Auditorium was packed with an appreciative audience for the recent […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
March 12, 2025
D-E 360° ACE Preps for HOPE Fashion Show on Saturday, April 5!
Future fashion designers are hard at work and having a ball getting […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
March 11, 2025
Award-Winning Interior Designer/Architect, Alumna Krista Ninivaggi ‘97 Visits D-E
D-E’s AXIS student organization was excited to welcome back alumna Krista Ninivaggi […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
March 6, 2025
Grades 2-4 Music Concert Next Thursday, March 13
D-E’s Lower School students are hitting the right notes as they practice […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 28, 2025
Amplifying the Power of the Arts: A Conversation with Adam Slee, Dean of the Performing Arts
Adam Slee, D-E’s new Dean of the Performing Arts, joined the School […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 26, 2025
Mean Girls – The US Musical; Reserve Tickets Today!
It's almost here! D-E Performing Arts' premiere of the Upper School production […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 21, 2025
BackStage with Mean Girls US Winter Musical!
D-E Performing Arts is excited to present the Upper School production of […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 19, 2025
MS African Drumming Classes Drum Away Stress, Discover Creativity
Drum roll, please! In his first year at D-E, Jean-Marie Collatin is […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 19, 2025
MADE/Drama Club Visit by Voice Actor Erica Schroeder
MADE (Manga and Anime at D-E) and the Drama Club recently hosted […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 12, 2025
Mean Girls: High School Version (Upper School Musical): Reserve Your Tickets Now!
On Wednesdays we wear pink… Rehearsals are well under way for D-E […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 6, 2025
Making Beautiful Music Together: Chelsea Knox, Met Opera Principal Flutist Visits D-E
D-E music students recently had the unique privilege of a visit and […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
February 4, 2025
Latest Swartley Gallery Series Features AP Studio Art + D-E Writers
Now through Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Swartley Gallery Series features 2D and 3D artwork from AP Studio Art students Sydney Adekanbi ’25, Daniela Delyusto ’25, Niki Donath ’25, Ben Gmyrek ’25, Olivia Kachikian ’25, Casey Law ’25, Elilee Ram ’25, Isabella Moon ’26, and Nisha Rajan ’26. Earlier today this work was celebrated in an official reception welcoming students, faculty/staff and family friends.
By: Valerie Berrios •
January 27, 2025
BRAVO! A D-Elightful “Shaking It Up With Shakespeare”Concert
A full house was on hand for “Shaking It Up with Shakespeare”, […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
January 17, 2025
Lower/Middle School Chorus Concert on 1/23 To “Shake It Up With Shakespeare”!
Save the Date to “Shake It Up With Shakespeare”! Our youngest vocalists […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
December 20, 2024
Jazz Rocks @ D-E!
The beloved D-E annual holiday performance of Jazz Rock, a live concert […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
December 17, 2024
Swartley Gallery Presents: Alumna Artist Sophia Seriale ’22
D-E welcomed back Sophia Seriale ’22, a “D-E lifer,” as the Swartley […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
December 16, 2024
Highlights from MS/US Orchestra and Choral & Handbell Concerts
BRAVO to our Middle/Upper School Orchestra and Choral & Handbell ensembles for […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
December 11, 2024
Reminder: MS/US Orchestra Concert on Wed., Dec. 11 & Choral & Handbells Concert on Thurs., Dec. 12
OH the weather outside is frightful, but the music inside will be […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
December 6, 2024
D-E 360°’s Private Music Lessons Prep Students for Concert Performances
Music ensembles—such as jazz, classical, handbells, and choir—have long been an integral […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
December 5, 2024
D-E Performing Arts Presents Orchestra, Choral & Handbells Winter Concerts on Dec. 11 & Dec. 12!
Rehearsals have been intense, but our performers are ready! Get ready for […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
November 20, 2024
Recapping D-E 360’s Discovery Day at Newark Museum
On Friday, Nov. 15, our lifelong learners in the Lower School had […] Read More
By: Valerie Berrios •
November 18, 2024
Jazz Brunch D-Elivers Great Live Jazz Performance
CHEERS to our Stage Band and Jazz Workshop, and of course Director […] Read More