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Artists

Samantha R., Class of 2019, on how the arts at Ranney help to foster students' individual passions.

Samantha R.

Class of 2019

Samantha R., Class of 2019

I came to Ranney School in the first grade, and now as a freshman, I can say that I have truly enjoyed every year. In first grade, my personality could best be described as shy, but throughout my years at Ranney, each teacher I’ve had has given me what I needed to become the person I am today.

To me, Ranney is like my second home. I have participated in many clubs and activities, such as chorus, yoga, the Lower School Internship Program, and performing in the annual school musicals. These productions have given me the opportunity to make new friends, gain confidence and, above all, create wonderful memories. It has been so much fun to put on a costume and take the Ranney stage in front of a packed audience, night after night. These experiences have also taught me to face challenges, such as auditions, meeting deadlines for opening night, and getting past the anxious feelings that come with putting on a live production. In the end, it is all worth it and these musicals have become a great component of my Ranney life.

I have performed in every musical since the fifth grade. Each time I finish a performance, I feel a sense of achievement and success. Not only does the audience feel as though they are seeing a Broadway-style play in their own backyard, but they get a sense of how hard our students work. From the set designers and stage crew to the choreographers and orchestra, Ranney students, mentors and volunteers help to make each show a success.

Through it all, we form unique bonds and special relationships that I hope will last a lifetime. We all have the same goal—to have the audience walk away thinking the show was fantastic. We support and encourage each other through every after-school rehearsal, and although we may not realize it, we become a family among ourselves. Any student who loves performing arts will find that Ranney’s theater program provides a wonderful experience for all ages. We all share the same goals and help one another—because the show must go on!

Samantha has been accepted into New York City’s iTheatrics Summer Broadway Academy for two years in a row, 2015 & 2016. She played the lead role in Ranney Middle School’s 2015 production of A Little Princess and also recently appeared in the Upper School’s 2016 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel.
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Below are additional testimonials from students who have participated in Ranney School's performing arts programs, including dramatic productions and courses, forensics, band, chorus and orchestra.

 
“(Ranney Performing Arts Director) Mr. Doyle constantly encourages his actors to be original, nuanced and interesting in their roles and to create a newness with each character. Each of my roles at Ranney has helped me to want to continue to develop my acting. In theatre, it’s the roles that actors play and the plays that directors select that allow everyone involved to shape their toolbox for any part, and it is this versatility that has helped me to gain more depth and become more intense in my own craft. I plan to study drama and pursue my love of acting at NYU Tisch School of the Arts in the fall.”(Performing Arts Director)
–Karl Brand, Class of 2016, Recipient of the Basie Award for Leading Role in a Drama (2016)
 
“Performing Arts at Ranney have taught me that music and public speaking are very important. The program has helped me to pursue my own interests and passions because I have always wanted to play the saxophone—and to be able to play it for an audience.”
-Ankush Govil, Class of 2023. Ankush is a member of the Ranney Band.
 
“I have been at Ranney since Pre-K and my first major experience here was watching my older sister Ava (Class of 2019) perform in choir and in shows. I could not wait until I was old enough to be part of these activities. Now a member of the Ranney choir, I have learned difficult rhythms and harmonies and had the opportunity to perform in the Coffee House and even sing the National Anthem for the school. Ranney has helped encourage my true passion—musical theater. The plays take hours of practice and I love seeing the cooperation between students and teachers to put together the best production possible!”
-Maya Jacoby, Class of 2022. Maya is a member of Chorus and most recently played “Wendy” in the 2015 Lower School Production of Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.

“If it wasn’t for the Ranney’s Performing Arts Program, I wouldn’t be a singer, actor or musician. Above all, Mrs. Torrente (Ranney’s forensics, musical and choral teacher) is one of the main reasons I’m as accomplished as I am today.”
-Carmine Mastrokostas, Class of 2018. Carmine began attending Ranney in Pre-K. He is a member of the Chorus, Forensics Team, Jr. Tri-M Music Honor Society and a choreographer for Ranney’s Lower and Middle School productions. He most recently played the role of “Morris Cohen” in the 2014 Upper School Production of Fiorello and “Jimmy” in the 2014 Middle School Production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. He also participated in the iTheatrics Broadway Junior team and has performed in Carnegie Hall.
 
“When I first started accompanying the Ranney chorus on a regular basis—just one year after enrolling in the school, I wasn’t sure quite what to expect. What I found was a department full of amazing teachers and supportive student performers, as well as incredible opportunities to grow and develop as both a person and a performer.”
-Sarah Killian, Class of 2018. Sarah can often be found on the piano, accompanying Ranney’s choral groups. She is a member of Chorus and the Jr. Tri-M Music Honor Society
 
“Throughout high school, the faculty and my fellow classmates in the Ranney Performing Arts Department have been so encouraging and allowed me to grow tremendously as a musician and mentor. In an environment where I always felt safe, I was never afraid to go beyond my comfort zone around such a genuinely caring group of people. It has given me the confidence to be a leader, the humility to constantly improve and the encouragement to never stop doing what I love."
-Sabrina Park, Class of 2015. Sabrina played first violin in the Ranney Advanced Orchestra and earned a spot in the New Jersey Central Regional and All State High School Orchestras. She is attending Northwestern University.
 
“Ranney has given me an opportunity to pursue my dream of performing. I started here in Kindergarten and always wanted to perform on the stage. As soon as Ranney offered the chance for me to perform, I gladly participated.  I have definitely grown as a person throughout Lower and Middle School as a result.”
-Mikayla DeSaye, Class of 2019. Mikayla is a member of Chorus, Forensics and the Jr. Tri-M Music Honor Society. She most recently played “Miss Amelia” in the 2015 Middle School Production of A Little Princess.
 
“From the first time I stepped on the Panther Hall stage, I knew I was home. I have found my passion in life through the support of the theater community here at Ranney and I have nothing but positive memories of the Performing Arts Department. I have gained immense confidence not only in public speaking but in everyday life. As I enter my senior year, I will be looking at colleges specifically for theater arts.”
-Peri Rohl, Class of 2016. Peri is a member of Honors Chorus, Forensics (Competition Finalist), Stage Crew and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is also the Thespian Society President and played, among others, the role of “Aldonza/Dulcinea” in the 2013 Upper School Production of Man of La Mancha.
 
 “Without Ranney Performing Arts in my life, it would be, quite frankly, boring. I don’t know what I would do without play practices until 8 p.m., chorus trips to Dorney Park, early Saturday morning wake-ups to get to Forensics competitions, and the teachers who have taught me so much during my years here.”
-Tessa Payer, Class of 2016. Tessa started at Ranney as an Age-3 Beginner and is a member of Chorus, Forensics, Team, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Thespian Society. A stager regular, she has won soloist awards and participated in the iTheatrics Broadway Junior team.
 
“Performing Arts at Ranney taught me how to play my music with other people and play in the band. It makes me want to play more and more instruments.”
-Anthony Sallustio, Class of 2022. Anthony is a member of the Ranney Band.
 
“I love Ranney Performing Arts! I’ve been going to this school since Beginners (Age 3) and Ranney Performing Arts makes me want to try even harder with my instruments and actions. From the rehearsals to the concerts and plays, it’s always such a fun and inspiring experience.”
-Lily Egol, Class of 2022. Lily plays violin in the Ranney Orchestra and most recently played the role of “Tiger Lilly/Mrs. Darling” in the 2015 Lower School Production of Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.

“The feeling of being in the play is an amazing one. Knowing you are able to influence your audience’s minds with the way you walk, the way you talk, and the direction you take the story…. I love making the character your own, adding unplanned quirks and making on-the-spot choices. And Ranney’s plays let me do that. The Ranney Performing Arts Department is not only my creative outlet—it is where I belong. And I thank you, Ranney, for giving that to me!”
-Kayla Shah, Class of 2022. Kayla is a member of Chorus and most recently played the role of “Peter Pan” in the 2015 Lower School Production of Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.


Read a perspective by the Class of 2019's Jacob Egol on Ranney Performing Arts and becoming a principal cellist.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.