Playing a Different Kind of Lead

THEATER NEWS

Leadership opportunities within the Theater Department give Upper School students the chance to experience theater from the other side of the curtain.

PLAYING A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEAD

Students at Mary Poppins play

 

From assistant directing and choreographing to dramaturgy and production management, students gain hands-on experience in the many disciplines required to bring a theatrical show to life.

“Theater offers one of the best opportunities to practice leadership,” says Theater Producer Chelsea Clark. “You have to be creative, you work under the tightest timeline possible, and there are no extensions with performances.” Whether mentoring Lower School students through Mary Poppins Jr. or helping shape the Upper School’s production of RENT, these students are discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a performance, and the power behind it.

Photo of Reese '26

 

Reese ’26
Co-Director, RENT 
 

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Reese worked alongside director Phillip Brown to block scenes, collaborate on creative decisions, and lead rehearsals—including staging the complex Act I finale. “Working with Mr. Brown has strengthened my own approach to leadership within storytelling. His advice, guidance, and expertise have made me feel so much more comfortable in taking up my own creative space and delivering art that has true meaning.”
Photo of Sylvia '28

 

Sylvia ’28
Dramaturg, RENT 
 

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As dramaturg, Sylvia researched the historical and cultural context behind RENT—from the AIDS crisis to the bohemian artist community of 1990s New York City—and shared her findings with the cast through presentations, images, and glossaries. “Through this process I’ve learned so much more than I ever would have if I had only taken the play at face value. I feel like my work is truly impacting the show.”
Photo of Will '26

 

Will ’26
Assistant Choreographer, Mary Poppins Jr.

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Will choreographed two numbers for the Lower School musical and helped guide younger students through the rehearsal process from auditions to final performance. “Being the assistant choreographer meant so much to me because it reminded me of why I love theater in the first place. I was able to witness each kid’s growth from audition day to the final performance, which was incredibly rewarding.”
Photo of Ava '26

 

Ava ’26
Production Assistant, Mary Poppins Jr. 
 

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Ava supported rehearsals, tracked progress, and helped manage the many moving pieces of a 41-student production—serving as a mentor and role model for the Lower School cast. “It meant a lot to be in a role where I can support the kids because it reminds me that not every meaningful contribution has to be visible. Mrs. Clark did a great job keeping us Upper Schoolers in the loop and making us feel like we were her collaborators rather than her students.”
Photo of Ella '27

 

Ella ’27
Production Assistant, Mary Poppins Jr.
 

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A Lower School musical veteran herself, Ella returned to the rehearsal room as a mentor—helping run rehearsals and building relationships with the younger performers. “I really loved watching them grow to love theater and shine onstage, just like I did when I did the Lower School musical at their age. It would mean a lot if they have been inspired to do what I did once they get up to Upper School.”
Photo of Sydney '28

 

Sydney ’28
Production Assistant, Mary Poppins Jr.
 

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Sydney helped manage props, organize ensemble tracking, and keep the production running smoothly behind the scenes. “As I worked, I got to see the positive impact of my hard work, either seeing the show run smoother and smoother, or watching the kids have more and more fun.”