Theatre
Headed by Broadway veteran Mrs. Leslie Goddard Baum our award-winning McNicholas Theatre Department boasts 4 levels of theatre class education for academic credit - a full complement of theatrical training and education during the regular school day.
Students are trained in all disciplines of the theatrical arts, including acting, theatre history, basic technical theatre, stage management, directing, producing, theatre criticism, playwriting, and audition and interviewing techniques.
In addition to classroom experiences and showcases, students can participate each year in our three mainstage performances, as well as our active Improv Troupe and all-school Talent Show.
Professional workshops from various industry professionals, including Master Classes in Theatrical Design through Northern Kentucky University and visiting performers from Broadway Across America tours. Theatre classes also take trips to professional theatres including Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Playhouse in The Park, and The Aronoff Center to complement their classroom training. Additionally, senior students have the opportunity to participate in the locally sponsored or Thespian-sponsored college auditions known as the Unifieds.
Theatre Course Offerings
Theatre Boosters
The Theatre Boosters is an active group of parents and friends of McNicholas who help our students reach their artistic potential by supporting productions and fundraising opportunities. They boost our theatre program’s efforts in a number of ways:
- Set construction and painting
- Costume design
- Distributing promotional materials
- Participating in fundraising activities
- Soliciting local businesses for program ads
- Preparing food for the cast and to sell at fundraisers and concessions
- Staffing concessions during productions
- Arranging transportation to regional and state competitions
McNicholas theatre has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and develop confidence...One of the things I really enjoy about McNick theatre—students of all grades connecting and working together for the same goal.
Gavin, Class of '21
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.
The McNicholas Theatre Department is eager to present a heart-felt snapshot of love and nostalgia in their fall production of Kodachrome. The play will run November 3-6 at McNicholas High School in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre. Tickets are now on sale!
Art teacher Mr. Willy Corbett will clean his last paintbrush and theatre director Ms. Teresa De Zarn will take her last bow as the 2022-23 school year comes to a close.
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.
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.
The McNicholas Theatre Department performed Music Theatre International’s All Together Now! to sold-out audiences on November 12-14. This brand new musical revue was part of a world-wide event celebrating theatre.
McNicholas theatre presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to sold out audiences.
Freshmen Amanda Braig and Taylor Ferenc and junior Shannon Whitely win Poetry Slam contest.