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New Bedford Public Schools

Theatre

New Bedford Public Schools proudly offers theatre instruction during the school day for students in grades PK–12. Instruction balances creative movement and play-based exploration in the early grades with more traditional performance and production training at the secondary level. Across all grades, students work as practicing theatre artists both in the classroom and through out-of-school opportunities. Through a wide range of theatrical experiences, students develop essential skills such as pantomime, gesture, voice, characterization, improvisation, and technical theatre. These experiences foster creative expression while building clear communication, confidence, and collaboration.

  • In the Elementary theatre classes, children learn through creative movement, imaginative play, and fun drama activities. Students pretend, act out stories, use their voices and bodies, and work together to create characters and scenes.  Through games, storytelling, and simple performances, students build confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Theatre lessons help children learn how to express their ideas, listen to others, and work as a team, while having fun and exploring their imaginations.

  • Middle school theatre classes engage students as theatre artists who create, perform, respond to, and connect with dramatic works. Instruction builds on imaginative play from the elementary level and introduces more structured exploration of acting, movement, voice, improvisation, and technical theatre.  Students collaborate to develop characters, scenes, and short performances while learning how theatre communicates ideas, emotions, and stories. Through rehearsal, performance, reflection, and discussion, students strengthen communication skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Theatre education at the middle school level supports confidence, collaboration, and an understanding of how theatre connects to history, culture, and students’ own lives.

  • The New Bedford Public Schools high school theatre program offers hands-on training in performance and production. Students study acting, movement, voice, directing, and technical theatre while participating in rehearsals and live productions.  Courses include: Theatre Performance, Introduction to Theatre History, Intro & Advanced Technical Theatre, and Advanced Acting & Directing.  With an emphasis on collaboration and leadership, students take increasing responsibility onstage and behind the scenes. The program prepares students for theatre after high school, including college study, community and professional theatre, and related creative careers, while building confidence, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.

  • The NBHS Drama Club has a long tradition of excellence in theatre.  Students have the opportunity to perform in 3 mainstage shows per year (1 full length play, 1 one-act play, and a Broadway-style musical) as well as student directed works and other projects as they arise.  Students are invited to participate in all aspects of each production, including tech in our recently renovated facility.  The NBHS Drama Club empowers student stage managers and technicians to fully operate each production with minimal faculty involvement. Local theatre leaders consistently share that NBHS Drama Club students enter professional theatre spaces with a clear understanding of industry standards and practices because of the high level of responsibility they are given.

  • Elementary Theatre Staff

    Lindsay Ashworth – Carney ES, Gomes ES

    Anna Baker – Ashley ES, Campbell ES, Swift ES
    Emma Crosby – Congdon ES, DeValles ES
    Emily Goyette – Pacheco ES, Taylor ES, Winslow ES

    Sage Pires – Brooks ES, Hathaway ES, Rodman ES
    Marissa Stanley – Pulaski ES
    Elizabeth Williams – Jacobs ES
    Diana Young – Hayden-McFadden ES, Lincoln ES

     

    Middle School Theatre Staff

    Tal Kaplan – Roosevelt MS

    Olivia Marques – Normandin MS

    Madison Parker – Keith MS

     

    High School Theatre Staff

    Stephanie Donnelly

    Joshua Quackenbush

  • Theatre students from across the school district have the opportunity to participate in the New Bedford Public Schools’ Annual Theatre Festival.  Incorporating both student performances and displays of exemplary work from their theatre classes and after-school ensembles, the festival celebrates the work of all NBPS theatre students and teachers.