Arts

ARTS

At Shipley, the arts aren’t an add-on—they’re central to who we are. We believe creativity fuels confidence, expression builds empathy, and joyful performance has the power to connect people and build community.

Students playing instruments
Students playing instruments
Students in choir
Students participating in play
Students participating in play
Students playing instruments
Students playing instruments
Students participating in play
Lower school students playing with paint

THE ART OF FINDING YOUR VOICE

Our Arts program combines exceptional, professional-level instruction with a deep respect for each student’s voice and perspective. Here, students don’t have to choose between exploring their artistic talents and pursuing other passions. From day one, they have opportunities to create, perform, and lead—on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes. 

Whether your child has professional aspirations or just wants to try something new, Shipley is where they will experience art as a powerful form of learning as they grow into their own creative potential.

ARTISTS & MENTORS AT WORK

Shipley’s Arts faculty are more than dedicated educators—they’re talented working artists, musicians, and performers who are deeply connected to the professional world. Our faculty exhibit in galleries, perform on regional stages, and teach at top universities, bringing authenticity and insights from that real-world experience into every lesson. This high-level mentorship supports each Shipley student in finding and following their own creative paths.

Photo of Harley Givler
HARLEY GIVLER

MUSIC DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Photo of Philip Brown
PHILLIP BROWN

UPPER SCHOOL THEATER DIRECTOR
Photo of Carol Royer
CAROL ROYER

ART DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Photo of Jhonnatan Mata
JHONNATAN MATA

DIRECTOR OF STRING ENSEMBLES
Photo of Chelsea Clark
CHELSEA CLARK

THEATER PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
Photo of Julia Staples
JULIA STAPLES

UPPER SCHOOL ART
Photo of Danielle Molan
DANIELLE MOLAN

DIRECTOR OF CHOIRS
Photo of Ozzie Jones
OZZIE JONES

MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATER DIRECTOR
Photo of Adam Lovitz
ADAM LOVITZ

UPPER SCHOOL ART
Photo of Chris Oatts
CHRIS OATTS

DIRECTOR OF JAZZ BAND
Photo of Avery McGuigan
AVERY MCGUIGAN

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL ART
Photo of Alyssa Clinkscales
ALYSSA CLINKSCALES

LOWER SCHOOL ART
Photo of Delia Raab-Snyder
DELIA RAAB-SNYDER

LOWER SCHOOL MUSIC
Photo of Jeff Hanna
JEFF HANNA ’91

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART
Photo of Austin Wagner
AUSTIN WAGNER

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR
Student in front of artwork
Theater

Musicals have been the highlight of my time at Shipley. Playing dream roles alongside my best friends has been unforgettable. I feel that through theater at Shipley I’ve grown not only as an actress, but also as a person.

- Charlotte, Theater Student
Music

Shipley provided the foundation for me to pursue music, starting as an amateur musician, to competing (and winning) at the National Jazz Festival, to being able to study music performance in college.

- Nick, Music Student
Arts

Shipley’s Studio Art classes are my favorite—the incredible teachers and mentors shaped who I am today.

- Sara, Visual Arts Student

VISUAL ARTS
AT SHIPLEY

In Shipley’s visual arts program, students learn to see, think, and express themselves as artists. Beginning in Pre-K and continuing through Upper School, the Visual Arts curriculum supports each stage of their development, offering increasing independence and depth. The program emphasizes artistic agency and creative voice, with students learning to create, curate, present, and reflect on their art—skills that set them apart in any creative field.

Explore Visual Arts

Student in art class smiling
Students in art class
Student throwing pottery
Students in art class
Student painting in art class
Students in art class
Student in art class smiling
Students playing saxophones

MUSIC AT SHIPLEY

Across all divisions, music fosters creativity, discipline, and connection. Younger students learn to listen, move, and make music together, discovering the joy and confidence that come from shared performance. In Middle School, students expand their skills through ensemble work, vocal and instrumental electives, and opportunities to perform for the broader community. In Upper School, a wide range of courses—spanning music theory, composition, and technology—allow students to explore both classical and contemporary traditions. 

Public performances, community concerts, and special collaborations with professional musicians further extend learning beyond the classroom. Whether preparing for a conservatory or simply playing for the joy, Shipley musicians grow in skill, artistry, and confidence—and experience the powerful ways that music builds community and brings people together.

Explore Music

THEATER AT SHIPLEY

Explore Theater

Shipley’s Theater program is immersive, inclusive, and electric. Starting in Lower School, students get hands-on experience in public speaking and performance. By Middle School, they’re staging full productions. And in Upper School, they take on a bold season of plays, musicals, and Shakespeare—three major performances a year, plus electives in acting, directing, and technical theater. In our no-cut Theater Arts, there’s a spot for every student. 

Beyond the stage, students gain technical expertise in stage management, lighting, and sound in our theatre and flexible “grey box” space. With an emphasis on creative exploration and collaborative growth, Shipley’s theater program prepares students for both performance and leadership.

Students performing in play
Student playing violin

STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT SHIPLEY 

Across art, music, and theater, students find their voices, lift one another up, and contribute something beautiful to the world. Schedule a tour to learn more.