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A Culture of Creation

At Stuart Hall, the arts aren’t just electives — they’re essential.

Whether you're an aspiring RISD designer, a first-time actor, a passionate musician, or simply curious to try something new, our arts program is a place where your creativity will be nurtured, your voice will be heard, and your talents will be taken seriously.

Our visual and performing arts programs are led by professional artists, musicians, and performers who don’t just teach technique — they mentor and inspire. From foundational skills in drawing, painting, ceramics, and dance to advanced coursework in AP Art and Design and AP Music Theory, students at Stuart Hall build strong portfolios, hone their artistic identities, and prepare for the next level — whether that’s a national art competition or admission to world-class institutions like RISD, Parsons, SCAD, and Pratt.

But artistry here isn’t limited to the classroom.Thanks to our location in the heart of downtown Staunton — a community alive with galleries, independent theaters, and creative entrepreneurs — students have access to partnerships with the American Shakespeare Center, Silver Line Theatre Exchange, and other cultural organizations. This proximity transforms Stuart Hall into a living campus of artistic expression, where students rehearse at professional theaters, exhibit work in public spaces, and learn in studios that blur the boundary between school and world.

In everything we do, we champion creativity as a discipline of bold thinking, collaboration, and reflection. Whether you're performing on stage, shaping clay, composing music, or experimenting with digital media, you'll find that the arts at Stuart Hall are more than an activity — they’re a journey of expression, purpose, and joy.

At Stuart Hall, your art matters — and your creativity can take you anywhere.

The arts at Stu have had a monumental impact on my life- from occupying my weekends to sending me to college. The program here has taken a simple interest in art to a full fledged career that takes up all of my love and attention. My time at Stu in the arts program has truly sent me on my way towards the future from after school projects with Natural Arts to a prosperous arts portfolio in AP Art. I would not be where I am without the support of the arts teachers here at Stu especially Ms. Smiley, she has been behind me every step of the way and continues to be there on my next step forward on my arts journey.

Theo '25 - SCAD '29

Course offerings include:

  • 2D & 3D Studio Art

  • Drawing & Painting

  • Ceramics

  • Theatre (in partnership with Silver Line Theatre Exchange)

  • Musical Ensembles & AP Music Theory

  • Dance

  • Portfolio Development for College Admission

Co-Curricular Opportunities:

  • Paper Modeling

  • Rock Band

  • Woodworking

  • Playwriting

  • Technical Theatre

  • Open Mic Nights and Gallery Showcases