In Middle School, 6th and 7th graders explore theatre for one term as part of a fine arts rotation of courses. These students are introduced to the basic fundamentals of theatre, including vocabulary, acting technique, spontaneity, stage presence, and collaboration. The yearlong 8th grade theatre class explores more deeply the concepts, practices, and functions of theatre arts, preparing students to enter the Upper School theatre program.

In Upper School, students may sign up for courses in Theatre 1, Intermediate Theatre, Advanced Theatre, Technical Theatre and Public Speaking. Our curriculum is designed to establish foundational techniques for performance and build upon these into specialized topics as students advance through the program.

Theatre Focus is a community of students and faculty dedicated to the study, practic,e and production of theatre. This special program, integrated within the vibrant academic atmosphere and the larger theatre department of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, provides extra programming opportunities for students who wish to deepen their understanding of and experience in theatre arts.

For new students, Theatre Focus provides an immediate sense of belonging in a community that shares their passions. The students take theatre classes offered to all students at St. Stephen's, take private lessons, meet for a colloquium once per class rotation, participate in workshops and Master Classes taught by world-class professional theatre artists, travel to theatres locally and to nearby cities to view plays, and work on productions in various capacities throughout the year.

For students interested in pursuing theatre in college, Theatre Focus provides experienced guidance in all areas of the college application and audition process, culminating in coaching the students through the Unified Auditions in Chicago.

Students not interested in majoring in theatre at college still acquire valuable skills and experience applicable to all endeavors, including emotional intelligence, examination of the human condition, study of literature from a theatrical perspective, critical analysis, project management, improvisation, comfort with risk-taking, and collaborative problem-solving on creative projects.

For more information, please email the Director of Theatre Focus, Lindsay Hearn Brustein.

The Middle School theatre program produces three performances each year, including a musical and two plays, often including a Shakespeare piece. All Middle School students who want to participate in the productions are allowed to do so. Sample past productions include Metamorphoses, Elf Jr., The Diary of Anne Frank, Twelfth Night, and The Infinite Wrench —A Series of Short Original Plays.

The Upper School theatre program produces two mainstage performances each year, including a play and a musical; all Upper School students may audition or apply to work on crew. Students in the Theatre Focus program also produce a spring production. Sample past productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Lightning Thief, She Kills Monsters, Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, and Antigone.