Alumni returned to St. Stephen’s during Reunion Weekend excited to celebrate more than two decades of its Theatre Focus fine arts academy.

Students in today’s Theatre Focus academy were barely a twinkle in their parents’ eye when the St. Stephen’s fine arts academy came into existence in 2000. It started with a bright idea from Clay Nichols who is now a leadership giving officer in the school’s Advancement office. Back then, Nichols taught Upper School English. He thought the academy would be worthwhile in strengthening the school’s boarding program and theatre on The Hill. Afterall, Nichols had a background in theatre and film.

“I was working in the dorms, and I thought, ‘Well, wouldn't it be cool if for every tennis kid we had a theater kid or an orchestra kid or a dance kid?’ So it got me thinking that an arts academy would be a cool thing,” says Nichols.

He presented the idea to then Head of School Fred Weissbach who eventially tapped Nichols to build the academy from the ground up — meeting with donors to secure funding, develop curriculum, hire faculty and recruit students. Nichols created an intensive training program for students interested in pursuing theatre in college, with the goal of helping them gain acceptance in world-renowned performing arts schools like Julliard and Ithaca College.

The program quickly elevated campus productions and became a draw for prospective day and boarding students. Current students were initially attracted to the program, and once the word spread, Theatre Focus became an enrollment draw for prospective day and boarding students.

After Nichols left in 2007 to pursue a filmmaking venture, the program continued growing. Lindsay Brustein took the helm in 2015, with the passion and dedication to lead Theatre Focus into the next decade and beyond. She evaluated the needs of students, families and administrators, and refined the curriculum while preserving its core mission.

The program has thrived, producing top Broadway talent over the last 25 years.

Hundreds of alums returned to The Hill for Reunion Weekend 2026, celebrating the milestone in tandem with St. Stephen’s 75th anniversary. Alumni from varied generations gathered in Bowen Arts Studio for the one-hour class called Classes Without Quizzes, a class style format but thankfully, no quizzes or tests. Participants joined acting exercises led by Mike Dolan, associate director of Theatre Focus and film instructor — some as former members, others curious about the program.

Today, the program has experienced continued strength and growth. Theatre Focus annual enrollment is at an all-time high with about 30 students participating.. Director Lindsay Brustein says its mission–to support students seeking deeper engagement in theater arts–remains the same. She focuses on four areas: theatre training, college preparation, production, and student support and community. 

“It has been so much fun to see Theatre Focus evolve into the program it is today, and I feel honored to be a part of its history,” said Brustein. “It is really special to work with a community of students who love theatre and exploring the art of storytelling on stage. Whether they go on to pursue theatre or other fields, our students become compassionate, kindhearted adults who are amazing problem-solvers, collaborators and communicators — which is exactly what the world needs more of.”

For new students, the academy provides an immediate sense of belonging in a community that shares their passions. 

“I love theatre. My best friends are in Theatre Focus — and it’s amazing to have a group of people specifically dedicated to the same thing as I am,” says Leila Ross ’27.

The students who take theatre classes, which are offered to all students at St. Stephen's, also 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 performances, and collaborate on productions.

Seniors have the option to take a half-credit course to prepare college portfolios or auditions, while others simply pursue a lifelong interest in the arts.

“It’s a delight to see how the program has thrived,” said Nichols. “It's been an incredibly rewarding and satisfying thing to see and I’m so proud of it.”

That united impact was clear during Reunion Weekend, as alumni gathered in a circle. They shared an appreciation for theatre and each other.

“It reminded me of the power of theatre and why you take the time to preserve this old art form that seems like any day it's going to be replaced with all of our technology, with something that's more exciting,” said Nichols. “But there's just something about people in a room — they can't be replaced.”

Learn more about Theatre Focus at St. Stephen's