Theater
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 an innovative and student-centered approach, our dynamic program and curriculum creates a 360-degree view of the theater for students, fostering creativity and self-discovery at every turn.
On the Stage
The Theater Department mounts 2-3 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.
Courses include: Improvisational Comedy, Public Speaking, Theater Practices, and more!
Behind the Stage
In the world of live theater, a crucial part of any performance happens behind the scenes. 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 — from the moment the curtain rises to the very last cue.
Be Inspired by New York City!
Our close proximity to New York City theaters provides students with impressive experiential learning opportunities. 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 off-Broadway 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.
Guest Artists on Campus
Visiting artists also play an integral role in our Theater Arts Program and provide students with exposure to a variety of seasoned professionals through theater workshops and guest performances.
Past Productions at Trinity-Pawling
A Few Good Men
Winter 2024
Sadness 101, An Original Production
Spring 2023
All in the Timing
Fall 2022
Avenue Q: School Edition
Spring 2022
The Odd Couple
Fall 2021
Monty Python's Edukational Show
Spring 2021
24-Hour Plays: Virtual Monologues
Winter 2021
Fall One Acts
Fall 2020
Urinetown the Musical
Spring 2020
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Fall 2019
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Spring 2019
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Winter 2019
Harvey
Fall 2018
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Spring 2018
Peter and the Starcatcher
Winter 2018
Almost, Maine
Fall 2017
The Producers
Spring 2017
One Man, Two Guvnors
Fall 2016
Spring One Acts
Spring 2016
Spamalot
Winter 2016
Drop Dead
Fall 2015
Trinity-Pawling Theater: In the News
Theater During Quarantine: Virtual Monologues, 24-Hour Virtual Play Festival
Featuring Trinity-Pawling students, faculty, and alumni
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
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