A native of California, Scot started dancing at the age of five. After graduating from USIU School of Performing and Visual Arts, BA, MFA, Mr. Davidge went on to perform and work around the world with Zena Bethune TheatreDance Co., Stanley Holden, Bob Fosse, Martha Graham, Tommy Tune, Kristy McNickel, Jane Powell, BalletInternational, Crystal Gayle, Disney International, Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney, Debbie Boone and La Pacifica Ballet.

Moving to New York to pursue his musical theatre career, D. Scot appeared in such Broadway shows as Grease, Pippin, JCSuperStar, Evita, 42nd Street, The Tap Dance Kid, No No Nanette, Twelfth Night, and A Chorus Line. Scot originated the part of Benjamin in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. D. Scot fell in love with the Springfield community while on tour with the Kenley Players, and decided to move to Springfield to raise his son. Discovering a desire for formal theatre education in our community, Mr. Davidge created OPAI, to give back to the community that has adopted him.

As the Artistic Director, it is important to me to emphasize that at OPAI we teach children how to dance, not just how to do one dance all year. This provides them with the skills to apply what they have learned to other

performance opportunities at school, community theater, college, etc. At OPAI, students are encouraged to explore creative possibilities of various dance forms while receiving a solid technique foundation that can be utilized in all phases of their training. This principle is applied in every class, for every student; from the serious, career-minded dancer to the child just beginning to explore dance, to the adult interested in creative expression. At OPAI, we believe in providing a safe, friendly environment for students to learn, create, and express.