Knightly News

“I believe that every person is born with talent.” This quote from author and poet Maya Angelou features prominently on the Episcopal Arts Krewe webpage. The new parent-run booster organization is on a mission “to elevate arts engagement, reputation, and support throughout the Episcopal community and the Baton Rouge area.” They achieve this “through the strategic, coordinated efforts of Episcopal leadership and parents.”

Supporting Student Artists

“There is a tremendous level of energy around supporting the arts,” says Arts Krewe founding member Deborah Sternberg ’90. As an example, Sternberg points to the 100+ families who volunteered to help last school year, the first year the group existed. With an active and artistic student body, arts volunteer opportunities are plentiful. Families help with everything from working the concession booth on performance night to distributing artist gifts and assisting with arts signing day.

Arts Krewe members support student artists and arts faculty in dance, visual arts, theater and music. “Teachers appreciate the support,” says Sternberg. All families with children involved in the arts are automatically a member of the Arts Krewe. In addition, there are supporting memberships available, which include a range of member perks.

Sternberg, who was a well-rounded academic, athlete and thespian apprentice during her time at Episcopal, sees real value in supporting the arts. “I’m in a household full of people who are singers, dancers and actors and I know how important it is to them,” she says. She has watched her artistic sons, Charlie Roth ’21 and Joey Roth ’24, flourish in the arts and says performing has helped boost their confidence and public speaking abilities. Sternberg says the Roths have also made tremendous friends in the arts. Supporting her sons and watching them grow made creating the new Arts Krewe a fun endeavor for Sternberg. Meanwhile, Joey has truly enjoyed the experience. “The arts at Episcopal have been a constant creative outlet for me and a means to express myself,” he says. “It’s had a significant influence on me since pre-K, all the way through Upper School.” 

The arts have been a creative outlet for Joey Roth '24.

Celebrating a Culture that Draws People Together

This year, as we celebrate a UKNIGHTED Episcopal community, we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC). The facility itself is much more than brick and mortar. Sternberg says the Arts Krewe wants to celebrate the culture within the Visual & Performing Arts Center, “a culture that draws people together.” She says Episcopal is known for a UKNIGHTED arts department, and the Arts Krewe wants to bring that to the forefront.

To celebrate National Arts in Education Week, September 11th – 17th, Arts Krewe members are planning a special event. On September 15th, the Episcopal community is invited to the Arts Fête, a catered event with live music and performances by the Captain Green Band and the Episcopal select and children’s choirs, dance ensemble, drum corps and visual artists. Tickets to this celebration of 20 years of creativity can be purchased here.

Get Involved

Whether you have a budding actor, an aspiring singer or dancer or you just want to support the arts, there are many ways to get involved.

Arts Krewe At-A-Glance:

• Every family with a student artist is automatically a member of the Krewe
• The Arts Krewe publishes a monthly e-newsletter highlighting the latest in Episcopal arts news
• Supporting memberships are available at four different commitment levels with a variety of member perks
• Arts Krewe is on social media. Follow them @EpiscopalArts
• Get involved today at: https://www.episcopalbr.org/parent-support/arts-krewe

Mark your calendars now!
Arts Fete
September 15th
6:30 pm
Visual & Performing Arts Center
Buy Arts Fête tickets now.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.