Theater

The Totino-Grace Theater Program is dedicated to stimulating and inspiring the artistic abilities of students by the development of artistic excellence and personal growth.  We strive for excellence in theater performance, arts appreciation, and diverse theater programming that promotes artistic quality, ensemble, self-determination, and leadership. Totino-Grace Theater participants are given the freedom to grow by stressing responsible behavior, discipline, academic achievement, and a commitment to artistic risk. 

There are three full productions per year, each one highlighting a different genre of theater - 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 variety 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). 

Through the Fine Arts Academy, 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.

ACTING AND PERFORMANCE 1
This class provides hands-on experiences in the theatre arts with a focus primarily on performance skills.  From the business-minded student, who wants to develop poise and self-confidence in presentation skills, to the performer looking to improve their acting skills, this class will provide opportunities for creativity and expression for all.  Students will engage in a variety of learning activities including theatre games, skits, improv, comedic and dramatic character study, and plays.   The course will culminate with a final performance project.  

ACTING AND PERFORMANCE 2
A more advanced version of Acting and Performance 1, this class helps the more serious performer develop and advance their performance skills. Students will engage in a variety of learning activities including theatre games, skits, improv, comedic and dramatic character study, plays and musicals.   The course will culminate with a final performance project of the student’s choice.