Theatre

Spelling Bee pandemonium

Students who participate in The Frederick Gunn School Theatre Program engage in the Performing Arts with creative and open processes to put together a final production that demonstrates their collective work.

The Frederick Gunn School has a long and established theatrical history. Students staged the first play in 1850, and at least one play has been performed annually ever since. The theatre program, which marked its 150th anniversary in 2019, currently presents three productions a year: a play in the fall, a musical in the winter, and a Shakespeare project in the spring. Students act, sing, dance, build sets, serve as costumers, choreographers, musicians, lighting and sound technicians, and help manage the production. Auditions are open to all students. Rehearsals are held in the afternoons and students participate as part of the co-curricular program in the fall and winter terms.

Recent productions include: the Connecticut Premiere of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, adapted by Dwayne Hartford based on the book by Kate DiCamillo; Men On Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, book by Rachel Sheinkin and score by William Finn; Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare; and Head Over Heels: the Musical, conceived by Jeff Whitty, who wrote the original book adapted by James Magruder, and based upon "The Arcadia,” by Sir Philip Sidney. 

Performing Arts course listings and descriptions

Art News

A Midsummer Night's Dream promo 4x6
Jennifer Clement

Students in Kent Burnham’s Advanced Acting class will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare on May 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the Tisch Family Auditorium of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. As of May 29, the May 9 performance is SOLD OUT. A limited number of seats remain for May 8. Advance registration is required.
 

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Head Over Heels poster horizontal
Jennifer Clement

The Frederick Gunn School Theatre Program will present Head Over Heels: The Musical on February 23, 24, and 25 at 7 p.m. in the Tisch Family Auditorium of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. Family, friends, and the community are welcome to attend. No registration is required. Admission is free.
 

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Halo Award Winner Alder Curry 2022
Jennifer Clement

Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, who won 3 Halo High School Theater Awards on June 2! The Frederick Gunn School Theatre Program received a total of 14 Halo nominations for the fall play and the winter musical. Congratulations to our 2022 Halo Award winners:
 

Head Over Heels

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee leads

Men On Boats