LAFAYETTE, LA – Reading a story or a play, or listening to music digitally is one thing, but seeing it performed live is another. This week kicks off a series of In-School Performances for students in 24 St. Landry Parish public schools. With 54 shows scheduled, about 6,000 students will experience a live performance over the next 2 weeks.

These performances feature local professional artists in music, dance and literary arts who have developed shows for young audiences. More than just entertainment, these performances also incorporate an educational component. This year’s artists include the Kabuki Dancers, vocalist Audrey Broussard, author Theresa Singleton and Zydeco musician Corey Ledet, and The Angelle Aces, a group out of the Traditional Music program of UL Lafayette.

“St. Landry Parish School System is very fortunate to have a partnership with AcA,” says Patrick Jenkins, Superintendent. “I believe the arts in education are critical components to the whole child. The arts provide increased self-confidence and self-understanding, enhanced communications skills, and improves cognition. We in the St. Landry Parish School System want to give every child experiences across a broad spectrum such as the arts, athletics and enhanced academics through multiple educational platforms. By providing these experiences, all children in St. Landry Parish will grow beyond our wildest dreams. Exciting things are happening every day for every child in the St. Landry Parish School System!”