Performing Arts

The Theater Program at Totino-Grace has been strong and active since the early years of the school.

There are three full productions per year, each one highlighting a different genre of theatre - offering a complete education in theatrical forms. In addition to acting roles, students have the opportunity to work hands on with the technical aspects of theater, including set construction, lighting and sound.

The fall production is a full length musical, incorporating extensive vocal, dance, instrumental and technical aspects. Past musicals include 'Les Miserables,' 'Godspell,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and many more. The fall musical has been part of the Hennepin Theater Trust SpotLight Musical Theater Program since 2009. Our productions have received a vareity of awards ranging from individual outstanding honors to overall performance and production honors.

The winter production is a play, alternating between a drama and a comedy, showcasing works from some of the biggest playrights past and present. Productions have included 'The Glass Menagerie,' 'Twelfth Night,' 'The Crucible,' and 'Arsenic and Old Lace.'

The spring production features a children's musical, tailored to a younger audience yet entertaining for all ages. Past children's productions include 'Peter Pan,' 'Winnie-the-Pooh,' 'Cinderella,' and 'James and the Giant Peach.'

The Drama Club offers a workshop every 4-6 weeks covering a variety of theatrical topics including set design, stage make-up, stage combat, monologues, movement, and dance, among others. Participants also attend field trips twice each year to see local professional theater productions.

The Theater Department offers two curricular classes: Theater Experiences (a freshman and sophomore elective) and Acting & Performance (a junior and senior elective). 

Totino-Grace also produces musicals for area parochial schools that desire a theater program for their students. Past Fine Arts Academy productions have included 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Seussical.'

Totino-Grace Theater staff work frequently in the professional artistic and theatrical community as directors, designers and performers.

Each student in the Totino-Grace instrumental music program receives individual lessons on their specific instrument from instructors who specialize in the instrument. This ensures individualized instruction for the specific needs of the student, a key reason to the success of the program.

There are four band concerts throughout the year which feature a variety of music from classical pop. The jazz program has their own concert series, including public performances. Jazz Ensemble I has also been selected as a top ensemble in the state of Minnesota to perform at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

Company of Singers Combo (the select band that accompanies the varsity show choir) has had national acclaim on their own; with the Company of Singers they won the national title in 2010.

Students have been placed in the MN All-State Bands and Orchestra, an auditioned and highly select ensemble from vocal students throughout the state.

Totino-Grace's competitive winter drumline is one of the longest continually running winter drumlines in the state.

Individual performers (in solos and small ensembles) have received numerous Excellent and Superior ratings, including many "Best-At-Site" awards.

The bands have performed across the country and globe, including Hawaii, Norway, Canada, Ireland, Germany and Austria.

Instructors, in addition to their teaching responsibilities, are also professional performers, guest clinicians and adjudicators locally and nationally.

Every student in the Totino-Grace choir program receives small group lessons throughout the school year, allowing instructors to ensure musical progress while providing a personal connection. This is a key asset to the strength of the program.

The Vocal Music Department hosts four concerts throughout the year which feature a vareity of music from classical to pop. There is something for everyone!

Each year, the choirs perform a major choral masterpiece accompanied by professional instrumentalists. 

Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Company of Singers Show Choir have been featured ensembles at state, regional and national levels. Company of Singers have been nationally ranked for over a decade, winning the title in 2010. 

For over 25 years Totino-Grace students have participated in MN All-State Choirs, an auditioned and highly select ensemble from vocal students throughout the state. 

At the State Solo and Ensemble Contest, Chamber Singers have received a Superior Rating for 25 consecutive years. Individual performers have received numerous Excellent and Superior ratings including many "Best-At-Site" awards.

The choirs have performed in such esteemed venues as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and locations internationally in Poland, Costa Rica, Italy, Puerto Rico and the Carribean.

Vocal directors are frequent adjudicators, clinicians, and working professionals in the field at locations nationally. Our vocal staff has over 60 years combined teaching experience.