Sage Theater Program
The Sage School has a robust theater program for students in the upper school. Programs include an after school mainstage production, opportunities to attend professional theater workshops, and semester long elective course. Some past courses have included:
- Playwriting and Directing
- Acting Production
- Musical Theater History and Performance
- Dance Styles Through the Decades
- Improvisation
- Technical Theater
After School Mainstage
The theater program provides an annual mainstage production as an after school opportunity for students in grades 5 through 8. The program meets weekly from September through March with two performances at The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center in Foxboro, MA. Students have the opportunity to audition for lead roles, participate as members of the ensemble, or work as the backstage crew. Students also serve as backstage leaders, representing the crew boss and stage manager. This year will be Sage's 16th mainstage production, and we are looking forward to working with the MRPAC again!
Electives and Festivals
As a member of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, Sage participates in workshops and festival competitions throughout the year.
In the fall, 7th and 8th grade students can enroll in the Playwriting and Directing elective. In this elective, students participate in playwriting activities, where they create and direct original works, learning tips and tricks of the craft along the way. Students also have the opportunity to enter their work in the METG monologue and technical design competitions. In the past, our students have placed first in the state middle school monologue competition.
In November, Sage students in grades 5 through 8 can attend the METG middle school workshop day. Students have the opportunity to meet fellow theater enthusiasts from around the state and participate in amazing workshops that help them become better and more well-rounded theater artists. Each year also includes a master class with a star from Broadway!
In the spring, 7th and 8th grade students who enroll in the Acting Production elective have the opportunity to participate in the METG acting festival. Through this elective, students perform a play based on historic events. Class activities include historic and character research, acting workshops on character physicality, voice, and expression. As a culmination of the course, students perform for the community on campus and at the METG middle school acting festival.
The cast of the 2022 class performed a play called "The Petition," based on historical events that occurred in Boston during the late 1700's. The play was written as a reenactment for tours of the old Boston Courthouse by Boston playwright Cliff Odle. Mr. Odle granted Sage permission to produce his original production, and even added in additional characters so every member of the class would have a part. The cast gave a captivating performance at the METG acting festival, earning a silver medal and recognition for best acting and costume design.