Theater

MDHS offers students a variety of performance opportunities.

Fine Tradition and Excellent Reputation

Monsignor Donovan High School has always recognized the benefits of the performing arts and continues to support all activities, events, competitions, performances and course offerings related to training students in theater.

Currently, there is a theater arts elective offered to any student in grades 9-12. The course introduces students to the basic skills and elements common to all types of performance. The course also explores aspects of the history and development of the theater and students are introduced to some technical aspects of production at school.

MDHS takes pride in the fine reputation it has established for itself through the excellent productions it generates. Many of the students who attend MDHS, do so because of the success of the fine and performing arts department. The success of the program has resulted more from the level of commitment, support, and cooperation shown by the faculty, school, administration and church community, the talent and dedication of the individuals involved, and the results from the theater arts class.

To keep pace and create a competitive edge, MDHS continues to participate in various performing arts competitions available throughout the state such as the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival and the prestigious Rising Star Awards sponsored by the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. This kind of participation has helped in recent years to generate an increased level of excellence in the performing arts program.

Corpus Christi Players

This liturgical group invites all interested in dramatic presentation of the “Good News.” Students may participate as actors, mimes, readers, Christian clowns, or in support roles.

Drama Club

The Drama Club, SYZGY, welcomes all interested in theater production including acting, directing, set construction, and publicity. Members actively assist with two major productions each year and serve on related committees.

Fall Production

In the fall of each school year, students present a non-musical production. Auditions are held in September. Recent productions have included: “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” “Nights of Comedy,” “Our Town,” “All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” and “You The Jury.” The 2008 fall production, “Twelve Angry Jurors” an adaptation by Sherman Sergel of Reginald Rose’s suspenseful courtroom drama (“Twelve Angry Men”) confronting issues of life and death, will be presented on November 14-16, 2008.

International Thespian Society – Troupe 1435

This worldwide organization consists of students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the theater. Students may join this prestigious society after accumulating 10 points through their participation on stage or backstage. A lifetime membership includes a subscription to Dramatics magazine.

Spring Musical

In the early spring of each school year, students present a major musical production. Auditions for the spring musical coincide with auditions for the fall production. Students may be in both shows. Recent productions have included: “Fidder on the Roof,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Children of Eden,” “Godspell,” “The King and I,” “Footloose,” “The Wiz,” and “Into the Woods.”The 2009 Spring Musical, "Camelot" will be presented on

March 26 – 29, 2009.