From Opera to the Classroom

From singing opera in college to teaching young actors how to glorify God on stage, Mrs. Sarah Forbes is bringing passion, faith, and creativity to Cornerstone’s elementary fine arts program, and you won’t believe her favorite performance memory!

Introducing Our Elementary Fine Arts Teacher: Mrs. Sarah Forbes

We are thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Sarah Forbes as part of the Cornerstone faculty this school year in her role as elementary fine arts teacher. She is guiding students in 3rd/4th Grade Musical Theatre, 3rd/4th Grade Acting, and 5th/6th Grade Acting. Though Mrs. Forbes and her family have been a part of the Cornerstone community since 2022, this year begins an exciting new chapter as she shares both her love for the arts and her faith with our students.

A Lifelong Love of the Arts

For Mrs. Forbes, her journey in the performing arts began at a young age. Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, she was always surrounded by music and ministry. Her brother’s piano lessons inspired her to begin lessons of her own, and by second grade, she was already taking piano and voice. She loved singing so much that her father would often call her up during church services to share a song at a moment’s notice.

That experience instilled in her a lifelong habit of always being ready. “I remember him saying in his sermons to be ready and God will use you,” she recalls. The truth of 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth”, shaped her understanding of how the arts could glorify God. 

For her, the stage has always been a platform for ministry, and that conviction now carries into her classroom.

Building Confidence, Creativity, and Faith

Mrs. Forbes is passionate about the way the performing arts help children grow, not just in creativity, but in confidence, teamwork, and even faith. 

“On the surface, the games we play in class might seem like we’re just having fun (which we are!), but these games work to increase focus and listening skills in the students,” she explains. “They’re also using creativity to make specific choices about their character’s motivations and movements.”

From problem-solving exercises to public speaking, her students gain lifelong skills that stretch far beyond the stage. And just as importantly, they learn that the gifts God has given them can be used to point others to Him.

A Christ-Centered Stage

After years of teaching in the public school system, Mrs. Forbes is especially grateful for the opportunity to combine her love for the arts with her faith. “While teaching in the public school system, there were many times that I wished I could share Christ with my students or infuse a biblical worldview in class. Here at Cornerstone, I get to do both!”

Her classroom emphasizes process over product, reminding students that theatre is not simply about applause at the end of a show but about the teamwork, discipline, and dedication that happen along the way. Together, her classes have already committed to a central goal: to work as a team and to give the glory to God.

An Opera Singer in Our Midst

In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Forbes brings an impressive background as a performer. As an undergraduate at Kennesaw State University, she performed in numerous musicals and operas, ranging from The Marriage of Figaro to modern works. One of her favorite memories is performing the comic piece “Duetto buffo di due gatti”, or “The Cat Duet”, where the only lyrics are the word “Meow.” “It was such fun!” she recalls with a smile. 

Her love of opera and musical theatre gives her a rich foundation to draw from as she guides her students.

Looking Ahead

As she begins this new season, Mrs. Forbes is excited about the future of the fine arts program at Cornerstone. She is eager to see how God will use theatre and music to shape students’ lives and deepen their faith. 

“I am looking forward to what God has for the performing arts program and how we can use this program to grow in our faith and point others to Christ,” she says.

Mrs. Forbes also believes that fine arts are a vital part of a well-rounded Christian education. Whether watching high school theatre productions, attending the spring art show, or participating in their own performances, she encourages students to see and celebrate the creativity of God reflected in each other.

We are grateful for the unique gifts Mrs. Forbes brings to Cornerstone and cannot wait to see how our elementary students grow under her guidance this year. 

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Join Us at Chalk Fest during The Fall Festival! 

As Mrs. Forbes helps inspire our students to use their God-given gifts on stage, Chalk Fest is the perfect way for our whole Cornerstone community to celebrate the arts together. On Friday, October 24, from 3:45–6:30 p.m., gather your family or friends, and create your very own masterpiece! Whether you’re sketching for fun, competing for prizes, or cheering on others, Chalk Fest is a beautiful reminder that the arts bring us together and point us back to the ultimate Creator.

Click here to register your team by Monday, October 20.  

Let’s fill the fall festival with color, creativity, and community. See you there!