Drama

The Curtain Rises

Lower School students can gain performance experience through the After School Program, which produces a short musical and talent show each year.

Take the Stage

Middle school students can choose Drama for their performance elective. These classes are intentionally small and an audition helps determine placement. Additionally, middle school students may participate in the annual show, which is a full-scale production each winter (alternating between play and musical).

Artistic Exploration and Experimentation

FSS Theater presents two mainstage productions each year (fall play and spring musical). Students can get involved in a variety of ways: performing onstage, building/painting scenery and props, designing costumes, playing in the pit band, assisting with directing/choreography, or running light and sound. We also participate in the Greater Philadelphia Cappies, a national theater journalism program which recognizes excellence in high school theater.

Upper school Drama courses include instruction in a broad range of skills, including the acting craft, direction, production, theatrical design, playwriting, and developing a critical approach to theater. Students start in Drama I as ninth graders and can advance to Drama II or Technically Theater if they wish to further pursue their craft. We enjoy a vibrant partnership with Philly Young Playwrights, hosting teaching artists to mentor our students in writing monologues and plays. The Mary Margaret Longaker ’27 Playwriting Competition recognizes a winning student play each year, chosen by a panel of faculty, alumni, and theater professionals.