South County School of Performing Arts Nurtures Talent from Cradle to Captivating Crowds

Amidst the quaint picturesque streets of Wickford stands the South County School of Performing Arts (SCSPA), a gateway into a world of high-quality music education and self-discovery for aspiring performers of all ages. Marissa Maroni, the passionate owner and director, established SCSPA and its subsidiary, The Minis Stage (for babies and toddlers), to offer top-tier
education in the performing arts.

Starting with private voice lessons as Maroni Music Studio in 2022, interest led Maroni to quickly expand to group classes and hire additional teachers to meet demand. A milestone was the launch of the Music for Minis program, confirming the community’s appetite for quality arts education. From Music for Minis classes to advanced workshops for teenagers and adults, the school offers a comprehensive range of programs. “Our philosophy is that the arts have transformative power and can bring joy, self-confidence, and personal growth to individuals of all ages,” Maroni emphasizes. Today, SCSPA is a thriving institution with over 150 students, a testament to Maroni’s dedication and enthusiastic support from the community.

SCSPA’s success is not just about its programs but also its people. Maroni highlights key team members like Olivia Rich, lead voice teacher and early childhood educator, and Ashley Catherine, administrative manager. “Olivia’s proactive approach to professional growth and Ashley’s organizational skills have been crucial to our success,” Maroni notes. Award-winning professional actor, director, and teacher Fred Sullivan, Jr., a resident artist at Trinity Rep, is among the high-caliber faculty. Maroni’s own background in musical theater, voice pedagogy, and elementary music education has shaped SCSPA’s curriculum. Her journey began with a love for teaching voice to musical theater performers, inspiring her to emphasize becoming a “triple threat” – excelling in singing, dancing, and acting.

Looking ahead, Maroni envisions expanding the facilities to include a black box theater and offering more performance opportunities. “By enhancing our curriculum and investing in our faculty’s professional development, we aim to create a vibrant hub for performing arts education and creativity in our area,” she shares. For aspiring arts educators or entrepreneurs, Maroni’s advice is simple: follow your passion and believe in yourself. “Despite the skepticism I faced about pursuing a career in the performing arts,” Maroni begins, “I hope others see that with hard work and self-belief, a rewarding career in this field is achievable.”