The Winthrop School of Performing Arts (WSPA) is celebrating its 35th year of instructing students ages 3- 18, and beyond, in dance, acting, vocal coaching and instruments. Owner and Director of WSPA, Trudy Macero, began the school with the idea that students could learn a variety of performing arts under one roof. As a former professional performer herself, Macero saw a need for a business that would provide students with the opportunity to try out the various forms of performance, all in one location. And now, 35 years later, Macero gets to witness her former students, enrolling their own children in the same program that they loved as a child.
“It’s so rewarding to see some of my first students come through the studio doors with their own children and relive the great memories that they had from so many years ago,†said Macero.
Last weekend, the Winthrop School of Performing Arts presented, “A Children’s Holiday Spectacular,†which was a brainstorm of Trudy’s 25 years ago when she decided that she wanted to showcase her dance, acting and voice students all together in one venue during the holiday season. Over the years, the show has become a tradition in the community and is performed every other year in Winthrop with a singing and dancing Santa who happens to be a former Playmaker Star. In addition to providing acts that showcase a holiday theme, several children in the audience have their names and what they want for Christmas announced from the stage. The show has evolved through the years and new songs are added but there are a few songs that continue to be favorites, like “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth†always performed by a six-year-old first grader with missing front teeth. Another favorite is “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch†performed at every Christmas show since the beginning by Trudy’s husband John Macero ( former Superintendent of Winthrop Public Schools).
WSPA offers classes starting at three years of age and many stay all the way through their senior year of high school at which time they are honored on stage with a video of them growing up through their years.