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Arts

At McNicholas, aspiring musicians, artists, and thespians have opportunities to pursue their visual and performing arts passions in flexible and supportive environment.

Our students discover and develop their God-given artistic talents through our highly-regarded architecture program, award-winning music ensembles, highly-recognized theatre program, and exceptional creative arts program.

Students work with experienced and recognized faulty artists who offer guidance and technical skills and empower students to discover and expand their creative gifts.

Three photos of students working with faculty artists
McNicholas Theatre Presents Into the Woods Jr.

Students in our Acting Styles and Technical Theatre courses are eager to present an enchanting show you won't want to miss, Into the Woods Jr. The musical will have two performances on October 12 at McNicholas High School in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre. 

13 students commit to pursuing degrees in art

Congratulations to the following students who participated in our art signing day on Thursday, April 11 to celebrate their intent to continue their academic and artistic careers. We can't wait to see what you will achieve!

Students’ brilliance on display at Taft Museum of Art

The work of five McNicholas visual communications students is on display at the annual Artists Reaching Classrooms (ARC) Exhibition. You can see the artwork of seniors Amanda Braig and Grace Elpers and juniors Noel Shelly, Devon Coleman, and Kennedy Dehner at The Taft Museum of Art through March 30.

Promo graphic for spring musical

The McNicholas Theatre Department proudly announces its upcoming performance of the hit Broadway musical, MEAN GIRLS: High School Version. While the musical humorously depicts the pitfalls of gossip, bullying, and exclusion, it also serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.

McNicholas Theatre Dracula poster

The McNicholas Theatre Department is eager to present a show you are sure to sink your teeth into, Dracula. The play will run October 26-28 at McNicholas High School in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre. Tickets are now on sale! 

Junior places third in state poetry competition

Junior Amanda Braig placed third in the Ohio state finals of the Poetry Out Loud competition. “Amanda was a clear standout at the State competition; her poise, confidence, and clear articulation were outstanding!” Poetry Out Loud coach and English teacher Mrs. Laura Rupp said.

McNicholas Theatre Xanadu poster

The McNicholas Theatre Department is excited to present their production of Xanadu, the hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you. This groovy musical will run March 2-5 at the Anderson Center with a special appearance at McNick at Night.

McNicholas Band Members Playing Instruments

Congratulations to the Rocket band members who earned superior and excellent ratings in the Ohio Music Education Solo & Ensemble Competition as well as those who represented McNicholas in the Catholic Honor Band during Catholic Schools Week.

Show poster for the McNicholas production of Guys and Dolls

The McNicholas Theatre Department is excited to announce its production of Hail Mary!, a combination of laughter, deep thought, and more laughter! The show runs April 28-30 at the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre at McNicholas High School. This comedy, written by Tom Dudzick and directed by English teacher and classroom comedian Mr. Jeff Mulvey '86, will have you laughing in the (church) aisles. 

McNicholas student testing the strength of her bridge made of pasta.

At McNicholas, we build bridges...but sometimes we break them too! Ms. Gaskins’s Architectural Drafting students designed, constructed, and then tested the strength of their spaghetti bridges. Junior Caroline Mohahan’s brilliant design was the strongest, holding 14.1 pounds!

Candle lighting at the McNicholas NAHS induction ceremony

Twenty-six Rockets were inducted to the National Art Honor Society this April. NAHS inspires and recognizes students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art and supports members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service.

McNicholas students hold their egg drop contraptions

Architecture students tested the design of their egg drop contraptions during the 2022 Architecture Egg Drop Competition. Even with the added challenge of a windy day, 18 of 25 eggs made it safely from the window of the convent to the blacktop three stories down.

Show poster for the McNicholas production of Guys and Dolls

The McNicholas Theatre Department is excited to announce the high-rolling fun of our spring musical production of Guys and Dolls. The show will run March 10-12 at the Anderson Center Theatre. With Broadway veteran Ms. Teresa De Zarn directing the show and a talented cast of McNicholas students, Guys and Dolls is a sure bet.

McNicholas students rehearse for OMEA competition

Congratulations to the Rocket band members who earned superior and excellent ratings in the Ohio Music Education Solo & Ensemble Competition. Band Director Keith Nance said, “These musicians have worked hard and it shows. They are a dedicated bunch who know how to focus on what’s important.”

Scholastic Gold Key Winners from McNicholas

Conner Dute ’22 and Conner Gibson ’22 were both awarded Gold Keys for their architecture work. Connor Dute was recognized for his pizza oven rendering, Rock-In Park, and Conner Gibson received his Gold Key for The Cozy Comb, a plan for sustainable living for displaced persons. Both Conners will move on the National Scholastic competition.

McNicholas band wins five first place trophies and Reserve Grand Champion

The Rocket Marching Band started their competition season off with two strong performances at the Lebanon High School Band Invitational and the Goshen Band Invitational, bringing home trophies as Lebanon’s Fan Favorite and Goshen’s Reserve Grand Champion.