Theatre at Lawrence Academy
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 involve performing on stage, being a member of the technical team working behind the scenes, or directing.
The 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 (view the theatre in a virtual tour).
A teaching classroom space adjacent to the venue serves as a black box studio theatre space for small-scale, experimental or class productions, workshops, and rehearsals; right next door is an expansive scene shop.
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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.
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Student-Directed One-Act Plays
The 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 adapted, or written by students. As this is not an after-school commitment, it gives a chance for many students who haven't done theatre at LA to try it for the first time.
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Technical Theatre
Stage Crew, which fulfills the requirement for a 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.
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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.
