The BB&N Upper School theater program is dedicated to growth through collaboration, creative development, innovation, and improvisation. Through the world of theater, we create stories that reflect all of humanity and empower our students to create entertaining, inspiring, and enlightening performances.

Our theater productions and electives, a freshman theater course, and drama club encourage a myriad of ways to grow within a safe and creative environment.

Our Program is open to every student in the Upper School, where they will have the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines within the theater world. Through performance, design, stage crew, and production management, students develop core skills applicable within or outside the performance arts industry.

From dynamic and engaging contemporary theater to favorite, age-old classics, students find new and innovative ways to present classical plays or to challenge ideas with new adaptations or self-devised pieces. Whatever the challenge, our students find that daring to fail and taking risks leads to life-affirming discoveries.

Stagecraft/Scenery & Lighting Design

The Stage Crew is an integral part of our productions at the Upper School. This team builds and paints the scenery and props; installs lighting and then works backstage and in the control booth running the show in tandem with the cast.

Costume Design & Production

Students with all levels of sewing experience are introduced to life in a theatrical costume shop! While working on the design and production of costumes for the play or musical currently in production, students learn about costume history, millinery, costume props and accessories, hair and makeup design, practical machine and hand-sewing skills, pattern reading, pattern drafting and draping and all other aspects of costume building. Whether it is creating authentic 18th century underpinnings for 'Our Country's Good', sculpting animal ears and facial features for 'Animal Farm' or making 16th century ruffs for 'The Taming of the Shrew', we use many different techniques, procedures and tricks to achieve our design concept. During production week students see their creations come alive on stage while acting as dressers and hair and make up artists for the cast. No previous theatrical or sewing experience is necessary.