Theater Arts
Theater arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education. Through drama, students build confidence, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that serve them in the classroom and far beyond. From their earliest years to graduation, our students learn to express themselves, think critically, and connect with others, preparing them to thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world.
One Act at a Time
Lower School: Setting the Stage
The introduction to theater arts begins in Lower School, where students are introduced to the fundamentals of drama through rhythm, movement, singing, and poetry. By fifth grade, the students are ready and excited to take full responsibility for a special project—a fully student-created production performed for their kindergarten buddies. From learning the script to designing sets, costumes, and staging, they take ownership of every element, developing collaboration, storytelling, and project management skills in the process. It’s a joyful and empowering way to bring their Lower School journey to a creative close. These early experiences nurture self-expression and set the stage for deeper exploration.
Divider Logo
Middle School: Exploring Every Angle
In Middle School, drama becomes a dynamic and hands-on experience. Students who choose to pursue drama continue to build their acting skills while also diving into the technical side of theater. Twice a year, Middle School drama classes visit the Upper School for private performances of the fall play and spring musical. These performances are followed by thoughtful, hour-long conversations with members of Stage One, the Upper School drama troupe, offering younger students a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and technical process. In the winter, Middle School drama students select a specialty—lighting, sound, props, costumes, makeup, choreography, or directing—and conduct research, explore tools and techniques, and develop original designs for the spring musical.
Performing as frequently as possible is strongly encouraged to help build technique, confidence, critical-thinking skills, and a sense of self-discipline and cooperation within a group. Opportunities to step in to the spotlight include acting in plays at the Middle School Arts Day Drama Festival, and bringing spooky fun to the Jack-o'-Lantern Jubilee with an immersive Halloween-themed experience for Lower School students and families. For students eager to take the stage or help with a production, the Middle School Spring Musical is an extracurricular production open to all, offering an exciting opportunity to collaborate, perform, and shine.
Divider Logo
Upper School: A Home for Every Talent
In the Upper School, Saints can choose to take courses in acting and theater design to further develop their love of drama or discover new interests, but that isn't required to get involved! Stage One, the Saints thespian troupe, mounts three productions each year: a play and a musical on the mainstage in our Chapel/Performing Arts Center, and a student-helmed show in the Black Box Theater. Productions are open to all Upper School Saints and offer a wide variety of opportunities—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes—to become part of our theatrical community. You can find your place as an actor or singer, or work on lights, sound, costumes, make-up, choreography, and so much more. No experience is necessary—there's a home for every talent and passion!
