Discipline, Self-confidence, Creativity and Life Lessons
Forty years ago, Mary Jo Scanio envisioned creating an environment that would allow students of all ages to learn and celebrate the arts. Today, under her tutelage, her dancers and Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy are recognized among the top in the nation. The Academy (MJPAA) is a leader in the Tampa bay area specializing in Dance, Acting, Voice and Music education.
Mary Jo Scanio is the owner and Director of Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy, Artistic Director of Universal Movement Performing Arts Company, and Artistic Director of Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre. Her background includes a Fine Arts Degree from the University of South Florida with concentrations in Dance Performance and Choreography.
Her performing credits include local, regional and national company productions, performing with artists such as Ben Vereen and Ann Reinking. She performed with the Florida Ballet Theater, Tampa Jazz Company and Florida Jazz Dance Ensemble. She was an NCAA dancer for USF as well as an NFL Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a choreographer, she has received many honors and her work has been invited into festivals and congresses throughout the country. She has choreographed and taught for the Super Bowl, NFL teams, NCAA dance teams, Industrials, National Commercials, Television and Fashion Shows.
“The Academy was founded on the belief that arts education is character education – instilling the discipline, self-confidence, creativity and life lessons necessary for students to succeed in any path they choose,” Mary Jo explained. “The Academy has been home to thousands of aspiring artists, many who are currently enjoying careers in the performing arts as entertainers, choreographers and educators. However you will also find many more of our former students who, through the discipline of arts education, are soaring in science, technology liberal arts, and most importantly in Life!” Mary Jo added.
The Academy is the home of The Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre, The Universal Movement Performing Arts Company and the Classical Ballet of Tampa. There are a variety of disciplines and levels provided for all ages from recreational to those wanting to pursue the arts as a career. Opportunities for students to showcase their talents throughout the year is abundant and ranges from Ballet and Musical Theater Productions, to community outreach presentations and events.
One of our major priorities for Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre is to implement community outreach programs,” Mary Jo explained. “We seek to provide scholarships, education, and training to groups and individuals to study and grow through participation in the performing arts. Research proves that participation and exposure to the arts contributes to the overall success of our youth. It is TBTTT’s goal to provide the vehicle for the arts to enhance our youth’s development.”
Many of Mary Jo’s students have gone on to pursue professions in dance and the performing arts, including dancing on Broadway, at theme parks, on cruise ships, with Cirque, as Rockettes, on television and commercials. Several are professional choreographers, teachers and directors in the industry.
The Academy offers classes year round, including many camps during the summer months. In late August, Mary Jo’s will be accepting auditions for their productions of Beauty & the Beast and The Nutcracker. For more information, please call (813) 969-0240 or visit www.mjpaa.com.
Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy is located at 15906 Mapledale Drive in Tampa.
