Edge School of the Arts: Discovering Performance in Jamaica, Queens

Edge School of the Arts Introduce

For New Yorkers in the vibrant borough of Queens, especially those residing in and around Jamaica, the Edge School of the Arts (ESOTA) has been a presence in the local performing arts scene. Located on Jamaica Avenue, ESOTA aims to offer a space for young individuals to explore various disciplines within the performing arts, including dance, music, and theatre. Understanding the importance of accessible artistic education within our diverse communities, ESOTA strives to provide opportunities for aspiring performers to develop their talents and find their voice on stage.

The journey into performing arts can be a transformative experience, fostering discipline, creativity, and confidence. For parents in Queens seeking an outlet for their children's artistic energies, or for young adults looking to refine their skills, ESOTA presents itself as an option for structured training. While every educational institution has its unique approach and policies, ESOTA’s long-standing presence in the community suggests a commitment to local talent development. It's a place where students can engage with various art forms, potentially building a foundation for future artistic endeavors or simply enjoying the benefits of creative expression.

Edge School of the Arts is situated at 161-04 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. This location places it directly on Jamaica Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Queens, making it a highly visible and generally accessible spot for local residents. The area is well-served by an extensive network of public transportation. Several MTA bus lines run along Jamaica Avenue, with stops conveniently located near the school. Furthermore, the Jamaica Center – Parsons/Archer subway station, serving the E, J, and Z lines, is a significant transportation hub just a short distance away, offering excellent connectivity to other parts of Queens and Manhattan. This makes commuting to ESOTA relatively straightforward for students coming from various neighborhoods within New York City. While street parking can be a challenge in bustling urban areas like Jamaica Avenue, the robust public transit options provide convenient alternatives for families and individuals. The surrounding neighborhood offers various amenities, typical of a busy commercial strip, which can be convenient for those attending classes.

Edge School of the Arts focuses on providing training in various performing arts disciplines. While specific class schedules and offerings may vary by semester or program, the general scope of services aims to cover fundamental aspects of performance.

Services Offered:

Dance Classes: It is understood that ESOTA offers dance instruction, likely covering a range of styles relevant to performance arts. These classes aim to develop technique, rhythm, and stage presence.
Theatre Arts Training: Given its name, the school is expected to provide training in theatrical performance, which may include acting, improvisation, and stagecraft.
Performance Opportunities: A core aspect of performing arts schools, ESOTA likely provides students with opportunities to showcase their skills through recitals, shows, or other staged events. This is crucial for practical experience.
Workshops and Special Programs: The school may offer specialized workshops focusing on specific skills or intensive programs during breaks, designed to enhance particular aspects of performance.
Youth Programs: Based on community feedback and the general focus of such schools in urban areas, ESOTA likely has programs tailored for children and young adults, fostering their artistic development from an early age.

Features / Highlights:

Long-standing Local Presence: ESOTA has been a recognized name in the Jamaica, Queens, performing arts community, indicating a sustained commitment to arts education in the area. This longevity often signifies an established curriculum and experienced staff.
Focus on Performance and Stage Experience: The school's emphasis on preparing students for shows and providing "the costume they actually wore for the show" suggests a strong focus on practical performance opportunities, which is invaluable for aspiring artists.
Community-Oriented Location: Being on Jamaica Avenue, the school is deeply embedded within a vibrant New York community, making it geographically convenient for many local families seeking arts education.
Offers Free Workshops (Historical Mention): While not currently confirmed, the mention of "free workshop" in the past reviews suggests an initiative to engage new students and provide accessible introductory experiences to the performing arts.
Dedicated to Artistic Training: The core mission of ESOTA revolves around nurturing artistic talent and providing structured training in dance and theatre, catering to those serious about developing their performance skills.

Contact Information:

Address: 161-04 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

Phone: (718) 527-2011

For New Yorkers in the Jamaica, Queens, area, Edge School of the Arts presents an option for those interested in pursuing dance and theatre. The school's location on Jamaica Avenue makes it quite accessible via public transportation, which is a significant advantage for families across the borough. For local parents seeking an established institution where their children can learn performance skills, ESOTA offers structured programs aimed at developing artistic talent and providing opportunities to perform. While some feedback indicates areas for improvement regarding customer service and certain internal policies, the core offering of performance arts education remains.

The emphasis on preparing students for shows and the opportunity to perform in actual costumes are notable aspects for aspiring performers. This hands-on experience is vital for students to understand the full scope of stage production and build confidence. For those who prioritize the artistic outcome and the chance for their children to truly engage in performance, ESOTA could be considered a suitable fit. As with any educational or service provider, it often comes down to individual priorities and what one is "willing to put up with for the end result." For families whose primary goal is high-quality stage training and performance opportunities in a convenient Queens location, ESOTA offers a dedicated environment. It encourages local talent to explore their potential and contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of New York. While individual experiences may vary, the school's commitment to delivering performance education in the heart of Jamaica remains a key draw for many in the community.

Edge School of the Arts Photos

Edge School of the Arts Location

Edge School of the Arts

New York Queens County Jamaica Jamaica Avenue

161-04 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

Edge School of the Arts Reviews

1. PICTURE DAY: Random borrowed costumes, stuffed in bags (not hung up) VERY wrinkled. Or you can bring your own costume (if you're new you won't know this & they won't tell you). Also, being photographed with your child, only allowed for alumni. Lots of weird discriminatory rules against new members in favor of alumni, but they still accept your money. You’ll hear “just for alumni” a lot. Why pictures in random costumes? I have no idea. My opinion, save your time/$. Wait until after the show and have your child(ren) professional photographed in the costume they actually wore for the show.2. PICTURE PROOFS: You’ll be scrolling through everybody’s pictures on a website to find your child. They intentionally ask for people to not “screenshot” images of other children/families. I’ll let you form your own opinion on why they're asking that. My opinion, its already been a problem and/or they know it can be a problem. They can give you a private link. If you don’t ask, they won’t tell you though.3. “I don’t know” or “that’s just for alumni” are common answers you’ll receive. Rude/disrespectful person at the front desk. They know full well about the behavior of this person, and they allow it. Apparently, she’s alumni.4. TALK TO YOUR CHILD(REN): My child told me she was yelled at. She said other kids were yelled at too. Another parent told me their child was yelled at.5. BACKSTAGE MOMS: Want to be a backstage mom? No, that’s just for alumni. They treat new members very differently from alumni/legacy but they don’t mind taking the same money6. SHOW VENUE: Too far, 1hr from zip 11432, too late in the day (7p) for young children (babies) who have structured bedtime/ dinnertime.I won’t tell you don’t try Esota. But I will share with you something that someone who represents Esota told me: “Esota is like finding the right hair salon. We’re just not for everyone”. Weird flex if you ask me, but ok. Especially weird because this was said to me after I complained about being spoken to outrageously disrespectfully by another person that represents Esota.But hey, I guess we’ve all been there. You go to a salon, and overall, the experience is pretty sh*tty but man your hair looks awesome. So, you must decide how much sh*t you’re willing to put up with for the end result. In short, that’s the experience at Esota.
Jun 30, 2023 · Nel Reed
The staff is great Happy Holiday Love you all
Nov 26, 2019 · Shirley Corbett
Jan 05, 2021 · Belinda Brown
Sep 16, 2023 · Rhonda
Apr 19, 2022 · Jiji L. W.