Theatre
Lawrence Academy offers students opportunities in theatre that allow them to discover their own creative voice, to be a member of an ensemble, to explore important ideas about the world, and to have fun while engaged in the serious learning of a craft. Participating in theatre beyond the classroom at LA can be as a performer on stage, a member of the technical team working behind the scenes, or as a director.
The newly renovated Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art performance venue, offers young actors, directors, designers, and technicians a professional environment in which to practice their craft. A new teaching classroom space adjacent to the venue serves as a black box studio theatre space for small-scale productions, workshops, and rehearsals; right next door is an expansive scene shop used to construct elements of the sets.
| Main Stage Productions
During the school year, the Lawrence Academy theatre department
produces two major productions in the fall and winter, and a festival
of student-directed one-act plays in the spring. Auditions for the
productions are open to all students. Selection of material for theatre
production ranges from classic plays and musical theatre to challenging
contemporary works and ensemble-created adaptations. The goal is to
make students the focus of the creative process. Students are involved
in all aspects of production, including design, stage management, and
technical crew, as well as performance. To view production history and
photos, click here.
|
| Student-Directed One-Act PlaysThe Honors Theatre Ensemble course, a yearlong study in performance
and directing, culminates in the production of an evening of one-act
plays directed, designed, and produced by students under the guidance
of the director of theatre. The material for these performances is
chosen, adapted, or written by students
|
| Technical TheatreStage
Crew, which fulfills the requirement for a varsity-level sport, meets
after school every day and on some Saturdays. Under the guidance of the
technical director, students build sets, hang and run lights, and work
on costume, sound, and props, helping to bring LA theatre productions
to life. The stage crew is as important a part of the creative process
as the actors on stage. LA’s newly renovated theatre in the
Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center includes a large scene shop
facility where set construction takes place. Students may stage manage
productions as well. Advanced students also have the opportunity to
become involved in design for theatre and dance productions.
|
For more information regarding theatre at LA, please contact Director of Theatre Joel Sugerman at jsugerman@lacademy.edu |
Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT)
Through the Ron Ansin Foundation, Lawrence Academy offers a unique educational opportunity in a collaborative partnership with Merrimack Repertory Theatre, a nationally acclaimed regional theatre in Lowell, Massachusetts. LA students and faculty are invited to attend regularly scheduled performances at MRT free of charge. Internships with MRT have also been arranged for interested students.
