Theater - Trinity-Pawling School

Director of Theater Arts Kent Burnham directs Trinity-Pawling students in rehearsal

In the Theater Department at Trinity-Pawling, there’s a place for everyone! Through an array of theater courses and extracurriculars, the Theater Department ignites passion in our students, in all aspects of the theater arts — whether acting, improvisation, directing, playwriting, producing, or lighting and set design. With his innovative and student-centered approach, Director of Theater Arts Kent Burnham creates a 360-degree view of the theater for his students, fostering creativity and self-discovery at every turn.

On the Stage

Trinity-Pawling students present A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

On the Stage

Trinity-Pawling’s theater program offers a range of courses in the performing arts, from public speaking and playwriting to devised theater, directing, and stage combat. The only prerequisites are open-mindedness and a willingness to try. The program mounts three main-stage theatrical productions each school year, ranging from one-act plays to full-scale musicals. In both coursework and productions, students are able to hone their performing technique as they engage, collaborate, and enhance their imaginations, characterization skills, and empathy.

Be Inspired by New York City!

The hub of art and culture — New York City — is our neighbor! Throughout the year, students can catch a train from Pawling to NYC to experience some of the most dynamic theater performances in the world, from highly-acclaimed Broadway shows to smaller, edgier productions. The trips increase our students’ exposure to all types of live theater, and perhaps spark an interest that they may not have discovered otherwise.

Behind the Stage

Prefect Richard Bolding posing on Gardiner Theater stage

Behind the Stage

In the world of live theater, a crucial part of any performance happens behind the scenes. In our Theater Department, students on the Tech Crew take part in building the set, designing the lighting, planning the sound cues, creating the special effects, and more. With an emphasis on safety and collaboration, they learn fundamental construction and building methods, lighting and sound system engineering, and stage management skills. During our three main-stage productions each year, the tech crew works together to keep each performance running smoothly and safely, from the moment the curtain rises to the very last cue.

Be Inspired by New York City!

The hub of art and culture — New York City — is our neighbor! Throughout the year, students can catch a train from Pawling to NYC to experience some of the most dynamic theater performances in the world, from highly-acclaimed Broadway shows to smaller, edgier productions. The trips increase our students’ exposure to all types of live theater, and perhaps spark an interest that they may not have discovered otherwise.

Theater in NYC

A group of students and faculty at School of Rock, The Musical on Broadway

Theater Trips to NYC

The hub of art and culture — New York City — is our neighbor! Throughout the year, students can catch a train from Pawling to NYC to experience some of the most dynamic theater performances in the world, from highly-acclaimed Broadway shows to smaller, edgier productions.

Past theater trips include:

Sing Street!
West Side Story
Oklahoma!
Pride and Prejudice
Sing Street
To Kill a Mockingbird
Merrily We Roll Along
True West
School of Rock
The Play That Goes Wrong
The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare & Co.

The Improv Jam

Students participate in The Improv Space at Trinity-Pawling

The Improv Jam

The Improv Jam introduces students and faculty to the world of improvisation, developing the core principles of listening, accepting and celebrating mistakes, working as an ensemble, and trusting one’s ideas. Better yet — it's a fun time to come together as a community and try something new! The Improv Jam allows students to break out of their comfort zones, build confidence, and learn to express creative ideas clearly and joyfully.

Be Inspired by New York City!

The hub of art and culture — New York City — is our neighbor! Throughout the year, students can catch a train from Pawling to NYC to experience some of the most dynamic theater performances in the world, from highly-acclaimed Broadway shows to smaller, edgier productions. The trips increase our students’ exposure to all types of live theater, and perhaps spark an interest that they may not have discovered otherwise.

For me, teaching theater is all about discovering and building a student’s sense of empathy. My goal is for them to understand another person, culture, or way a person behaves. That’s all acting is, really. It’s a sense of understanding and the ability to recognize ourselves in someone else and create something with it.
Kent Burnham, Director of Theater Arts

Theater Courses

Viral Monologues

24 Hour Virtual Play Festival

Trinity-Pawling Theater and the entire school community proudly present...the 24 Hour Play Festival: Viral Monologues! Beginning on Saturday, April 11 at 8:00 PM, a group of students, faculty, and alumni virtually joined forces to write, produce, perform, and film 8 different original pieces. Over the course of 24 hours, these talented writers and performers have brought the pieces to life and we are so excited to share the stories with you. Enjoy!

Watch Now

Director of Theater Arts Kent Burnham presents the 24 Hour Plays in Gardiner Theater

24 Hour Play Festival

In January 2020, the Trinity-Pawling Theater Department partnered with Westover School to put on a 24 Hour Play Festival! In just 24 short hours, students wrote, designed, staged, directed, and performed 6 plays and 1 monologue in Gardiner Theater. It was an amazing undertaking and the students fully embraced the challenge, producing a great night of theater.

We are thrilled to continue to partner with Westover School and can't wait to see what's next!

Trinity-Pawling Theater: In the News

Living History: Theater in the Time of Coronavirus
Featuring a virtual theater production with Westover School

Drama Programs Take on a 24-hour Theater Marathon
24-Hour Plays produced in Gardiner Theater

Past Productions at Trinity-Pawling

The cast of Monty Python's Edukational Show takes a bow in Gardiner Theater

Monty Python's Edukational Show • Spring 2021

A scene from the Fall 2020 One Acts on the campus quad

Fall One Acts • Fall 2020

Student actors perform a scene during Urinetown the Musical at Trinity-Pawling

Urinetown the Musical • Winter 2020

Cast members on stage performing a scene from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time • Fall 2019

Characters in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare duel in a scene on stage

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare • Spring 2019

A scene from the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee • Winter 2019

Harvey • Fall 2018

Cast members of A Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream • Spring 2018

Cast members of Peter and the Starcatcher

Peter and the Starcatcher • Winter 2018

Almost, Maine • Fall 2017

Members of the cast for Spring 2017 One Acts

One Acts • Spring 2017

The Producers • Winter 2017

Spamalot • Winter 2016

One Man, Two Guvnors • Fall 2016

Drop Dead • Fall 2015

I started my acting career at Trinity-Pawling as Juror #4 in Twelve Angry Men. That's where I caught the bug that set the course for my life. I felt comfortable on stage and in front of the camera. I learned that if you find something you're good at, latch on to it.

Andrew Massett ’67