On the Edge (12th – Adults)
On The Edge came to fruition to offer a program older students and adults that explores more risqué, mature topics. There are many musicals and plays that deal with strange, provocative or controversial issues, cautionary tales, inventive dialogue, and provocative topics. These musicals often challenge actors and directors with some aspect that’s way out of the ordinary. Often uncomfortable for some audiences and not appropriate for all audiences. On The Edge should excite students and audiences to be challenged and provoke social conversations. Everyone, including actors, should walk out of an On The Edge production haven grown not only in all aspects of theatre, but also in life.
Sibling discounts and multiple program discounts available. For information on scholarships and payment plans, please contact Academy Director, Danielle at Danielle@faopa.org. She can assist you with financial needs and questions.
No Pending Shows at this time
On The Edge is taking a short hiatus. Please continue to watch our site for updates.
Past Production – Spring 2022: Dogfight
The hauntingly beautiful musical, Dogfight, by Pasek and Paul (Edges, James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Story) and Peter Duchan, was praised by countless critics and nominated for numerous awards, winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.
It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.
Past Production – Spring 2021: Spring Awakening
It is Germany, 1891, a world where the grown-ups hold all the cards. The beautiful young Wendla explores the mysteries of her body and wonders aloud where babies come from… until Mama tells her to shut it and put on a proper dress. Elsewhere, the brilliant and fearless young Melchior interrupts a mind-numbing Latin drill to defend his buddy, Moritz – a boy so traumatized by puberty that he can’t concentrate on anything… not that the Headmaster cares. He strikes them both and tells them to turn in their lesson. One afternoon, in a private place in the woods, Melchior and Wendla meet by accident and soon find within themselves a desire unlike anything they’ve ever felt. As they fumble their way into one another’s arms, Moritz flounders and soon fails out of school. When even his one adult friend, Melchior’s mother, ignores his plea for help, he is left so distraught that he can’t hear the promise of life offered by his outcast friend, Ilse. Naturally, the Headmasters waste no time in pinning the “crime” of Moritz’s suicide on Melchior to expel him. And soon, Mama learns that her little Wendla is pregnant. Now the young lovers must struggle against all odds to build a world together for their child.
This celebration of rebellion provides the perfect opportunity to feature performers of all types, as well as the creative flexibility with the use of costumes, set pieces and lighting. Featuring a pop rock score, this is an ideal show for talented vocalists with strong acting abilities. Join this group of late nineteenth century German students on their passage as the navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in the daring, remarkable Spring Awakening.