Theatre Sets the Stage for 2023-24 School Year

While they’re often called “extra-curriculars”, the variety of activities our students can get involved in outside the classroom are actually more than just add-ons to our students’ academic day–they’re key programs that help our students identify and grow into their God-given potential.

The Fine Arts are a core component of PCA’s educational offerings, and though we typically only see their performances a few times a year, the work our teachers and staff put in each day to teach our students the art of creative expression is pivotal to their success. As the curtains rise on another exciting academic year, PCA’s Fine Arts Department recently concluded auditions for their 2023-24 productions. Whether it’s acting, singing, or dancing these auditions offer students the opportunity to share their talents with our school community and share memorable experiences with their peers.

This year’s show schedule will look different from previous years. Replacing Black Box Theatre will be our Fall Show, titled “Tidings of Joy.” This two-play event will still be hosted in Troiano Hall but will allow our Middle School and Upper School to combine on a single show, rather than segmenting the two grade levels. Our Elementary students will still have their own show to test out the waters of acting on stage.

“The Fall Show is an opportunity for our 4-12 grade students to participate in one of two plays broken up by grades 4-5 and 6-12, whereas the Black Box lineup consisted of three one-act plays with the Lower, Middle, and Upper School students separately,” said Producer, Victoria Bazile.

“The Fall Show will allow the younger students a chance to begin their thespian journeys, while our Middle and Upper School students will begin working earlier in the year together, helping the younger students experience theatre at the high school level should they audition for the Spring Musical.”

PCA’s Upper School theatre students will also be taking a show on the road to the New Hampshire Educational Theatre Guild Festival in the spring.

Joy Eisner and Melissa Weisberg are two key roles in the successful operation and production of our shows every year. Weisberg, the Director of the shows, explained what the audition process looks like for students.

“Students choose a monologue or read sides (short scenes) from the show for straight plays. If they’re auditioning for the musical, they also sing a short excerpt of a song from a musical theatre show of their choosing. We look for preparedness in the audition, sometimes height (depending on the role), vocal range, pitch accuracy, dedication to the role, emotional range, diction and pronunciation of speech.”

While Audition Week doesn’t always pan out the way some students hope, Eisner says the commitment of students to break outside their comfort zone and audition with their best effort is what helps make our shows successful every year.

“Thank you, students, for your hard work and dedication to PCA Theatre! We have a thriving theatre program because of actors and actresses like YOU! To the community: we can’t wait for you to see our fall plays. Come on out and support the students’ hard work!”

“Theatre teaches empathy,” said Director of Fine Arts, Tiffany Schifano. “Students – literally and figuratively – step into the shoes of another person, learn their worldview and seek to understand that character’s thoughts and feelings. It teaches kindness and understanding toward others. These are character traits that impact any school community for good.”

Although it feels like school just started, our first shows aren’t far away! Our Fall Show will be hosted in Troiano Hall on November 16th and 17th. Be on the lookout for communications from our Theatre Department and our All-School Peek of the Week for more information!