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Student Life
Arts
Theater at Saint John's
Every year, Saint John's Theater puts on several shows for the community. Many talented students have the opportunity to audition and perform at three major productions throughout the school year or become involved with set construction or stage crew.
Improv Society is a group run by students and geared towards the improvisational side of storytelling. The Audio Production Club provides technical support for Masses and other events on campus. The Studio Art Club meets weekly to practice and share their talents. And many musicians find a place in small group ensembles after school in addition to the daily curriculum.
While always known for academic rigor and athletic excellence, attention to the performing arts grew with the inception of the Spring Show in the 1970s. There was a renewed interest in theatre and music owing to the pioneering work of several faculty and alumni. Things were looking up for the arts even more as the school community moved into the Ryken Center which included the first true theatre space on the Shrewsbury campus in 1999. At that time a semester requirement of Fine Arts study was added to the curriculum to help fulfill the school’s mission to educate the whole person, including his aesthetic awareness and growth.
As the school now moves into Founders Hall with a state-of-the-art theatre and performing space, band and chorus rooms, and a light-filled art studio, it is exciting to witness how the program is continuing to grow for the future.
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Opportunities for Students
AUDITIONS/ Show Specific Stage Crew (Grades 9-12)Contact Mr. Colby for information regarding upcoming auditions and stage crew - ncolby@stjohnshigh.org
AUDIO PRODUCTION (Grades 9-12)The Audio Production Club runs sound for many events on campus. Most notably, Audio Production is responsible for the setup and operation of all sound for Saint John's Masses and Prayer Services. Contact Mr. Bill White (English Teacher) for more information at bwhite@stjohnshigh.org.
IMPROV SOCIETY (Grades 9-12)The Improv Society is a student-run organization that meets most Fridays after school in the black box theater. Stop in anytime to get involved or just enjoy a few laughs. 2:30-4 PM. Contact Mr. Borchelt for more information at fborchelt@stjohnshigh.org.
Saint John's Network (Grades 9-12)The Saint John's Network (SJN) is a student-organized video journalism club dedicated to showcasing the unique life at Saint John's. Student journalists and videographers meet weekly to collaborate, plan, script, film, and produce video news clips which are then published on SJ's YouTube Channel (Saint John's Live). SJN gives its members the opportunity to explore exciting topics and have fun sharing those stories with the Saint John's community. See Mr. Woodmansee (jwoodmansee@stjohnshigh.org) for more information about how your vision can be shared through the SJN.
SET CONSTRUCTION (Grades 9-12)Stage Crew typically meets Tuesdays and Fridays in the Lauring Scene Shop on the lower level of Founders Hall from 2:30-5. Any Saint John's student in grades 9-12 can help with set construction at any time. There is no need to commit to every day or fill out an application form for construction. If you have additional questions, contact Mr. Colby at ncolby@stjohnshigh.org. -
Recent Drama Productions
- Spring 2024 - 4AM/The Magic Hour
- Winter 2024 - The 39 Steps
- Fall 2023 - Bye Bye Birdie
- Spring 2023 - Clue
- Winter 2023 - The Sound of Music
- Fall 2022 - Winter Break
- Winter 2022 - Twentieth Century
- Winter 2021 - A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Fall 2021 - 7 @ 7
- Winter/Spring 2021 - SJ Man Project
- Fall 2020 - War of the Worlds
- Spring 2020 - Smokescreen
- Winter 2020 - Eurydice
- Fall 2019 - Anything Goes
- Spring 2019 - Harvey
- Winter 2019 - Almost, Maine
- Fall 2018 - A Funny Thing happened on the way to the Forum
- Spring 2018 - An Evening of One Acts
- Winter 2018 - Is He Dead?
- Fall 2017 - Damn Yankees
- Spring 2017 - Playboy of the Western World
- Winter 2017 - Twelve Angry Men
- Fall 2016 - Little Shop of Horrors
- Spring 2016 - The Tempest
- Winter 2016 - Private Lives
- Fall 2015 - White Christmas
- Spring 2015 - A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Winter 2015 - A Doll's House
- Fall 2014 - Nice Work if You Can Get It
- Spring 2014 - The Comedy of Errors
- Winter 2014 - The Importance of Being Earnest
- Fall 2013 - Babes in Arms
- Summer 2013 - Summer Music and Theater on the Green
- Spring 2013 - Godspell
- Winter 2013 - Pygmalion
- Fall 2012 - Guys & Dolls
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What's Coming Up
Saint John's High School is excited to announce auditions forMonty Python's Spamalot School EditionLovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy of characters, cows, killer rabbits, and French people! The School Edition maintains the integrity of the original script while providing some sensible edits to the text. This outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”Save these Dates:- Audition Workshop - Friday, August 30th, 2:30-4:30 pm (not required, but open to anyone interested in auditioning)
- Auditions - Wednesday, September 4th, 2:30-5 pm (required for anyone wanting to be in the show if you are interested in auditioning but are unavailable this day please contact Mr. Colby - ncolby@stjohnshigh.org)
- Callbacks - Thursday, September 5th, 2:30-5 pm (students required to attend callbacks will be notified by email on the evening of 9/5)
The Who, What, Where and When:- Who: The Audition Workshop and Auditions are open to ALL Saint John's Students in grades 7-12 and Girls in grades 9-12 from the surrounding communities.
- What: All roles are open. Opportunities are available to expand the female cast from its original casting if appropriate.
- Where: All audition activities will take place in The Black Box, located in the Ryken Center at Saint John's High School, 378 Main Street - Shrewsbury, MA 01545
- When: Saint John's High School students should attempt to arrive at the black box as close to 2:30 as possible. Saint John’s Middle School students should come to the black box at the conclusion of their school day. Students traveling from other schools should arrive when it is safe for you to do so at the conclusion of your school day. We do not advocate leaving school early or unsafe driving in an attempt to get to the auditions earlier. If you think you may arrive later than 3:30 please contact Mr. Colby - ncolby@stjohnshigh.org
- Students traveling from other schools can park wherever they find an open space. Look for the audition signs directing you to The Ryken Center. When you drive in the main entrance of campus The Ryken Center is the middle of the three main buildings surrounding the Campus Green and is labeled above the main entrance doors.
More Information:- Audition Packets - Are available here and at the Auditions. Auditions will consist of singing from the show, reading from the show, and some simple movement.
- Rehearsals - Will primarily meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:30-5. A specific rehearsal schedule will be provided at the first rehearsal on Monday, September 9th.
- Performances - Thursday through Saturday, November 14-16th at 7 PM. Sunday, November 17th should be reserved as a snow date and/or strike. All performances will be held in:
Robert R. Jay Performing Arts CenterFounders HallSaint John’s High School378 Main StreetShrewsbury, MA 01545Directors - Mr. Nathan Colby, Director - Mr. Richard Monroe, Music DirectorMrs. Brie Marshall, ChoreographerStage Crew:Stage Crew - is open to Saint John’s Students in grades 9-12. The stage crew works backstage during the performance on things like scenery, lighting, and sound to ensure the technical elements of the production are executed correctly and safely. Some stage crew positions will be present throughout the entire rehearsal process. Other stage crew positions will not be needed until November and will then be needed through the end of the production. You can find more information about the specific jobs here. Initial Stage Crew Applications are due by Thursday, September 5th at 3 pm.Questions:SaintJohnsArtsfollow on X and Instagram
Visual Arts Program
The Fine Arts Department at Saint John's High School offers several courses for students interested in exploring their creativity. From drawing to painting to art history, students can now utilize brand new, state-of-the-art studio facilities in Founders Hall.
Two new large art studios are among some of the highlights of the new arts and academics building, which also includes a cutting edge Graphic Arts and World Language computer lab, a 350-seat Performing Arts Center, music practice spaces, a two-story band room, and 14 classrooms.
Studio Art 1, Studio Art 2, Studio Art 3, and Ap. Art History is offered annually for any student interested in taking an art course.
Students interested in Studio Art Club can get more info from Mr. McMenemy, mmcmenemy@stjohnshigh.org
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Opportunities for Students
STUDIO ART CLUB (Grades 9-12)Art Club typically meets one day a week after school in the Art Studio from 2:30-3:30. Art Club provides extra time for students to continue work started in class or just hang out with other artists, even if they are not enrolled in art.See Mr. McMenemy for information about the Studio Art Club and other opportunities! mmcmenemy@stjohnshigh.org -
What's Coming Up
THURSDAY, APRIL 25Spring Arts FestFounders Hall5-7 PMSaint John's Fine Arts is once again excited to present the Spring Arts Festival! Arts Fest is an opportunity for Saint John's visual artists to share their work with the larger community. This event features a variety of students and artistic mediums. Food and music provided by Saint John's musicians will help to round out this wonderful community event!Questions:
SaintJohnsArts
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art
Music Program
Recently, members of the Saint John's Fine Arts Department were particularly struck by archival photos of a large orchestra and drama society from the early part of the last century at Saint John's High School.
While always known for academic rigor, the school gained its deserved reputation for excellence in arts as well. Eventually, interest in music and theater began to grow at Saint John's with activities like the wildly popular Spring Shows under the leadership of Mr. Joe Hayes, Mr. Bob Brady and Bro. Stephen Comeau. There was a renewed interest in theatre and music owing to the pioneering work of several faculty and alumni.
Things were looking up for the arts even more as the school community moved into the Ryken Center in 1999. At that time a semester requirement of Fine Arts study was added the curriculum to help fulfill the school’s mission to educate the whole person, including his aesthetic awareness and growth.
A fledgling instrumental program grew to three instrumental ensembles and a chorus under the direction of Mr. James McCluskey and Mr. Richard Monroe. As the school now moves into Founders Hall with a state-of-the-art theatre and performing space, band and chorus rooms, and a light-filled art studio, it is exciting to witness how the program is continuing to grow for the future. Mr. Nathan Colby now teaches theatre production along with an introductory course in theatre arts.
With all of these developments we can all look forward to the day a hundred years hence from now when students will be looking at photographs of our visual arts displays in the theatre lobby, large-scale musical ensembles and Broadway-quality theatre productions.
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Opportunities for Students
AUDIO PRODUCTION (Grades 9-12)The Audio Production club runs sound for many events on campus. Most notably Audio Production is responsible for the setup and operation of all sound for Saint John's Masses and Prayer Services Contact Mr. Bill White for more information, bwhite@stjohnshigh.org.
LITURGY MUSICIANS (Grades 9-12)Students interested in performing vocally or instrumentally at school masses and prayer services should contact Mrs. Breeze. ebreeze@stjohnshigh.org. Or Mr. Monroe. rmonroe@stjohnshigh.org
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES (Grades 9-12)Many after-school opportunities are available for students interested in a variety of musical styles. Please see Mr. McCluskey, Mr. Monroe, or Mr. Colby if you're interested in getting involved with the music program.
Tri-M Honor Society (Grades 9-12)
Tri-M is a nationally recognized honor society for music students who excel and are dedicated to their art. Membership is open to students in the performance ensembles. Please see Mr. McCluskey with questions. jmccluskey@stjohnshigh.org -
What's Coming Up
THURSDAY, APRIL 25Spring Arts FestFounders Hall5-7 PMSaint John's Fine Arts is once again excited to present the Spring Arts Festival! Arts Fest is an opportunity for Saint John's visual artists to share their work with the larger community. This event features a variety of students and artistic mediums. Food and music provided by Saint John's musicians will help to round out this wonderful community event!Questions:
SJ Arts News
Events & Extracurricular Offerings
Saint John's High School is excited to announce auditions for Monty Python's Spamalot School Edition.
Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy of characters, cows, killer rabbits, and French people! The School Edition maintains the integrity of the original script while providing some sensible edits to the text. This outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”
Questions:
SaintJohnsArts
follow on X and Instagram
follow on X and Instagram
Theatre & Arts Space Rental
Theatre & Arts Space Rentals
Interested in renting Saint John's facilities or indoor spaces for your event or show? Learn more!
Interested in renting Saint John's facilities or indoor spaces for your event or show? Learn more!
No matter the size, type or timing of your event, Saint John’s has a place for you. In our continuing effort to keep Saint John’s tuition affordable for all students and serve the community in which we all live, Saint John’s opens its doors to many spaces that may suit your needs. From a small luncheon to a lecture for 1,000, A film festival, board meeting or full scale athletic or theatrical event Saint John’s can accommodate your every need!
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Photographs courtesy of the SJHS Photography Club: Moderator: Mrs. Michelle Michel, and members: Kefan Wu, Zhiyan Jiang, Patrick Crossland and Calvin Corrigan.
Saint John's High School
Saint John’s High School has educated young men under the sponsorship of the Xaverian Brothers since 1898. Through the Saint John’s strong college preparatory curriculum, over 900 students in grades seven through twelve pursue personal and intellectual growth in an environment that is committed to the development of the whole person and recognizes a moral dimension of life through service to God and to others.