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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.

McNicholas students perform The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
McNicholas performers dance during a production.
McNicholas students perform High School Musical.
McNicholas students perform High School Musical.
McNicholas students rehearse The Diary of Anne Frank.
McNicholas students perform The Diary of Anne Frank.
McNicholas students in the dressing room preparing before a show
McNicholas students in the dressing room preparing before a show
McNicholas student performs original poetry during poetry slam competition in theatre class.
McNicholas students work the light and sound boards behind the scenes of a performance.
McNicholas student performs original poetry during poetry slam competition in theatre class.
McNicholas student performs 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

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

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! 

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.

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. 

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.