2024 Faces of Greater Baton Rouge

2024 The Face of Dance

Center Stage Performing Arts Academy

Throughout the years, Linda and Larry Schexnaydre have dedicated their lives to nurturing talent and fostering their love for dance and performing arts. In 2000, they founded Center Stage Performing Arts Academy, and it has evolved into a cherished haven for aspiring dancers, singers, and actors in the surrounding area.

Offering comprehensive training in all genres of dance, acting, voice, musical theatre, and instrumentation, the Academy provides a diverse array of opportunities for individuals of all ages and skill levels to discover and nurture their passion for performing arts.

What sets Center Stage apart is a commitment to excellence through professional training, attention to technique, and a knack for creativity and inspiration. The Academy provides more than just classes; it offers an immersive experience that combines artistic rigor in a nurturing environment. This approach ensures that students not only master the technical aspects of their craft but also cultivate a deep understanding of the creative process.

Center Stage is home to the Stars Company, directed by Linda Schexnaydre and Meghann King. Competing in multiple genres of dance and musical theatre, this performance group has earned many regional and national accolades, solidifying the Academy’s reputation for excellence.

The Academy has flourished, becoming a springboard for exceptional performers who have graced renowned stages across the nation and around the world. From Broadway to touring companies, television, movies, regional theaters, and cruise lines, Center Stage students continue to leave their mark on the global stage of dance and musical theatre.

As Linda and Larry reflect on their journey, they take pride in the thriving artistic community they’ve cultivated. The legacy of Center Stage is not just seen in the exceptional performers it produces but in the joy it brings to audiences, the skills it imparts to aspiring artists, and the positive impact it has on the community it serves.

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