South Hunterdon Regional School District and Hunterdon County Vocational School District Ribbon Cutting for the new School of performing arts
The Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD), in partnership with the South Hunterdon Regional School District, is proud to announce the launch of the School of Performing Arts (SoPA). This innovative program provides students across Hunterdon County with a rigorous, four-year, full-time education in the performing arts, preparing them for both higher education and professional careers. Out-of-county students are welcome to apply and may be considered if seats are available.
Beginning Fall 2026, the School of Performing Arts will offer intensive training in Dance, Theatre, and Technical Theatre, with a Choral & Instrumental Music discipline planned for Fall 2027. Students will graduate with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificate and NJ State Certified Diploma recognizing their advanced training and experience.
Program Highlights
Dance (South Hunterdon Regional HS | Full-Time, 4 Years)
The Dance Program equips students with the skills to succeed in performance, education, and commercial or collegiate dance. Students train in a wide range of dance genres, take master classes with industry professionals, and attend live Broadway productions. Coursework includes anatomy and kinesiology for injury prevention and enhanced performance. Upon completion, students earn a CTE Certificate in Technique, Choreography, Production, and Teaching Methods, and may join the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA). Participation also fulfills the high school Physical Education requirement each year.
Theatre (Full-Time, 4 Years)
The Theatre Program immerses students in acting for both stage and screen, with training in dramatic foundations, voice and movement, character development, and scene study. Students collaborate across disciplines in full-scale productions, showcases, and workshops, while learning from professional guest artists. The program fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence, preparing students for college or careers in the performing arts.
Technical Theatre (Full-Time, 4 Years)
The Technical Theatre Program provides hands-on training in set design, lighting, sound, costuming, stage management, and technical direction. Students gain practical experience working on productions throughout high school. Graduates leave with the skills and knowledge for college-level study or direct entry into the theatre, film, and live entertainment industries.
Admissions and Opportunities
- Open to all 8th and 9th-grade students in Hunterdon County; out-of-county students may be considered if seats are available. Students are encouraged to apply online at www.hcvsd.org. Application Deadline: December 15, 2025.
- Admissions are based on an audition, academic transcripts, attendance, and discipline records.
- Students attend South Hunterdon Regional High School full-time for all four years, with transportation provided by their home districts.
- Tuition to attend this program of study is covered by your resident district.
- Students remain eligible to participate in sports, clubs, and extra-curriculars at South Hunterdon Regional HS.
- Advanced opportunities include AP/Honors courses, work-based learning experiences such as internships and job shadowing, and dual enrollment courses (earning college credit) through The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Here is a complete list of Dual Enrollment Courses students can take at South Hunterdon Regional High School.
“We are proud to strengthen the role of the arts in Hunterdon County by launching the School of Performing Arts in partnership with South Hunterdon Regional School District. For the first time, students will have the opportunity to pursue a rigorous, high-level education in the arts without having to leave the county. This program will also welcome students from surrounding areas where similar opportunities may not exist. Our goal is to nurture talent, creativity, and passion — and to inspire the next generation of performers and artists,” said Dr. Todd Bonsall, Superintendent of HCVSD.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Hunterdon County Vocational School District to launch the School of Performing Arts,” said Anthony Suozzo, Superintendent of South Hunterdon Regional School District. “Our community has always valued the arts as an essential part of education and personal growth, and this program builds on that tradition. By bringing world-class training opportunities to South Hunterdon, we are providing students with the tools, inspiration, and pathways to pursue their passions in college, careers, and beyond.”
There will be information sessions about the new program on the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 1, 2025 6:00-7:00pm @ South Hunterdon HS
- Tuesday, November 4, 2025 6:00-7:00pm @ South Hunterdon HS
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6:00-7:00pm @ South Hunterdon HS
For more information about admissions and program details, visit School of the Performing Arts
This article originally appeared Sept. 17, 2025 in TAPinto Hamilton/Robbinsville
