Booker High VPA

If you ever wondered where the Booker PVA program might lead some of our graduates take a look at this....
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To transform Jaafar Jackson into Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller zombie, Oscar-winning makeup designer Bill Corso led a meticulous five-hour process. The team used custom foam latex appliances, specialized grease paints, and hand-painted details to perfectly recreate the legendary 1982 look originally designed by Rick Baker. Every step ensured the makeup remained historically accurate and visually stunning on screen.

Corso consulted directly with Baker to match the original aqua shade, mixing it with castor oil for the rubber mask foundation. The team executed the detailed prosthetic and paint application in one continuous session, balancing high-stakes precision with artistry. This complex process brought Thriller’s iconic zombie to life, capturing every nuance of Michael Jackson’s legendary performance for the biopic.

What a wonderful weekend! Our seniors are off and running in their young adult lives and they kicked it off Booker style! VPA Music and Theatre students knocked it out of the park with their immense talent, showcasing that Booker truly is One School with Unlimited Futures!

Next up, Visual Art Senior Showcase - Wednesday May 13 from 5:30-7:30. These insanely talented artists have been invited to showcase their work at Ringling College in the Selby Gallery. A true honor, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

“In Sight” is VPA Film & Animation’s 2026 spring showcase. It brings into focus the work of the students this school year, the technical prowess of their movie making, and the stories this generation sees a need for today.​​ Experience the magic of cinema Tuesday 5/12 at 7pm in the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. Tickets at www.BookerVPA.com/events

Time to attend the service, remembering the times that have passed. Our theatre and production & design seniors hope you’ll make it to In Memoriam - their final chapter in their life at Booker High School. Tonight, May 7th, at 7pm in the Booker VPA Center. The service is free to all.

Weekend Wonder-Full! The next two weeks are FULL of celebrating our students. From senior showcases to Silver Cord ceremonies to graduation day, we are ready to experience their shine and witness their talent. Join us in joy, and yes some tears too, as we lift these young adults up and into the world as creative problem solvers and talented artists. Dance - 5/6 7pm at BHS, Theatre/Production - 5/7 7pm at BHS, Music - 5/8 7pm at BHS, 5/12 Film/Animation - 7pm at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, and Visual Art - 5/13 5:30-7:30 at Ringling College.

Teacher Tuesday. Meet Ms. Michelle McCord - a brilliant triple threat and beyond. With plenty of professional experience from dancing to singing, acting to directing, teaching and running her own business, this woman doesn’t all! She meets people where they are with positivity and potential, with her goal to bring excellence to everything she does. Lucky for you, there’s four chances this weekend to experience this during the production of Anything Goes. Friday through Sunday at Booker’s VPA Center. Tickets at www.BookerVPA.com/events