Theatre at Wheeler

At Wheeler, we believe theatre can change students’ lives and illuminate ideas about the world. Theatre at Wheeler offers opportunities for lower, middle and upper school students to create and perform in a variety of dynamic and exciting ways. A philosophy of play, collaboration, and safe, supported risk-taking allows students to discover their own creative voices and to hone their skills as performers in a wide range of classes and productions throughout the year. Students can develop their passions or try things for the first time, whether working on stage as performers or backstage, taking advantage of the many technical theatre and design opportunities Wheeler offers.

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHEELER THEATRE PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Introducing Lower School students to theatre allows them to explore imaginatively and to discover and develop their own creative voices. Every third grade student brings a historical figure to life in their living “wax museum,” and every fourth grader takes part in a one-act play. Those experiences are followed by a main stage musical that every fifth grader takes part in. Improvisation, ensemble work, and interactive games give students a solid foundation in theater as well as increased confidence in all areas of study as they progress to middle school.

In the Middle School theatre courses, students continue to build their confidence and skills through theatre games, collaborative performance projects and a deepening sense of serious play. Students explore various elements of theatrical design and technology. There are also enrichment opportunities each year for students to dig deeper into their theatre interest by taking part in the play, musical, or after-school theatre club. 

In the Upper School, students can engage in the theatre curriculum through classes in improvisation, acting, ensemble devising, and in an intensive year-long Theatre Company course, as well classes in technical theatre and design. Opportunities outside the curricular day include fall and winter theatre productions, including both musicals and plays.