Theatre Program

Coming Soon...

Cole Porter's
Anything Goes!

March 31 - April 2, 2023

Auditions
Nov. 30 - Dec. 5

IN THE NEWS

May 24, 2022 - Congratulations to the cast and crew of Bishop O’Connell’s spring musical, “Little Women,” who staged a beautiful production of this classic tale. The hard work of those behind the scenes as well as those under the lights was resoundingly appreciated by audiences of all ages. And the critics loved it too! The show was honored to be selected as a finalist for Best Musical in the National Theatre’s inaugural Brandon Victor Dixon Award for excellence in high school musical theatre. Eileen Parks '23, who played the challenging role of Jo March, was named 2022 Best Actress, and was awarded an all-expense paid trip to New York City in June for the National High School Musical Theater Awards. Luke Sullivan '22, who played the role of “Laurie” also received recognition, being named a finalist in the regional Best Actor category.

The vibrant theatre program at Bishop O’Connell High School offers students the opportunity to dive deep into a variety of theatrical disciplines, whether onstage or off. There are two mainstage productions a year, a play and a musical, as well as smaller productions throughout the year such as the student-directed Short Play Festival.

In theatre classes, students study theatre from its roots in Ancient Greece through Shakespeare, Chekhov and Ibsen, and all the way to modern American drama and musical theatre. They will gain a variety of techniques for building character and physicality such as Viewpoints and Meisner technique.

Students interested in technical theatre have the opportunity to learn lighting, sound, stage management, costuming, prop design, set building, and more. Technical theatre students support the O’Connell community for a variety of assemblies, Masses, and events throughout the year. No experience is required to get involved!

Students who demonstrate commitment to and excellence in the theatre program are eligible to join our chapter of the International Thespian Society, an honors society for high school thespians.

Students interested in auditioning for productions or getting involved in theatre tech should email Miss Gretchen Midgley at gmidgley@bishopoconnell.org.