About the Founders

"I always feel that until you take your last breath, you're always growing." -Oprah Winfrey

Monique Midgette (Artistic Director) is a Maryland native, a produced playwright, and a professional singer/actor/dancer for over 25 years. In addition to being a onstage, she was an agent, a casting director and a producer. Her performing credits include the original Broadway productions of THE CIVIL WAR, MARIE CHRISTINE and SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL. She toured the U.S. with the Broadway production of THE LION KING, and was a principal in the original cast of Disney Cruise Line and Hong Kong Disneyland’s Festival of the Lion King. Other regional and touring credits include, DREAMGIRLS, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. Locally, Ms. Midgette’s favorite credits include THE WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE at Arena Stage (HELEN HAYES Nominee), CHILDREN OF EDEN at Ford’s Theatre, the world premiere of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at the Kennedy Center, BEEHIVE at Toby’s Theatre (HELEN HAYES Nominee) and the upcoming production of the WIZ at Ford’s Theatre.

"Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion." . -Martha Graham

Denise Renee' Rose (Co-Artistic Director) is a Detroit native and graduate of Howard University, located in Washington DC. Her background encompasses over 20 years of training in the areas of: Modern (Horton), Hip Hop, and Commercial Choreography. Ms. Rose has had the pleasure of working with an array of notable choreographers including: Ray Mercer, Gina Ellis, Zane Booker, Edward Franklin, Christopher Huggins, and Anthony Burrell. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to choreograph and/or perform alongside notable artists, including: Lil Jon, Ray J, Chaz Sheperd (Set it Off/Dreamgirls), Leon, Sean Blakemore (General Hospital), Demetria McKinney (House of Pain), Dwele, Robert Curry of Day 26, Brave Williams (RnB Divas), Andrea "Drea" Kelly's Dance Theatre (Hollywood Exes), Multi-Platinum Recording R&B artist Music Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, and the legendary Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

Prior to her departure overseas, Ms. Rose showcased her talents in musical theatre, appearing in Busch Gardens' "KATONGA" Musical in Tampa, Florida. Her seemingly limitless talents forged her path to performing in various cities in China; choreographing and performing for Chinese Artists and companies. As a multifaceted performing artist, Ms Rose is well-versed in sound and projection design, as well as, stage management. Her skills and talents have provided a vehicle to travel extensively throughout the US, Europe and Asia. Denise Rose continues to dedicate her skills and knowledge of the performing arts to youth, adults and the surrounding communities of the DMV area.

At Maryland Performing Arts Academy, we hope to provide a platform where you can begin to hone your ideas and realize how the arts can work in your life. We will provide a safe and engaging environment for you to create and develop your skills and artistic talents. Our experienced instructors are here to teach, enhance and motivate your chosen interests and life paths. At MDPAA, your dreams and aspirations can become a reality. We can't wait for you to join us! Your future career awaits you.