All the world is a stage

Whether you enter the Auditorium with years of experience or are setting foot on the stage for the very first time, John Carroll’s thriving Theatre Arts Program is for students with a passion for performing.

Many well-prepared John Carroll students go on to study musical theatre, vocal performance, acting and film at prestigious colleges and universities including University of the Arts in Philadelphia, NYU – Tisch, Pace University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and pursue professional opportunities with Broadway productions and regional theatre companies.

Department Chair
Julie Parrish
Director of Performing Arts & Music Department Chair

"Guys & Dolls"

Friday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. • Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. • Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, "Guys and Dolls" ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, "Guys and Dolls" is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for 14 years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. "Guys and Dolls" takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. Music and Lyrics by: Frank Loesser Book by: Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows

Course Offerings

Co-Curricular Experiences

The John Carroll School Theatre Department produces two main stage musicals every year (fall and spring). We nurture and sustain a high quality Performing Arts Department as students develop a passion that will stimulate them to achieve their full potential in theatre arts. All students, experienced and inexperienced, are encouraged to participate. Students have the opportunity to audition for acting, singing and dancing roles, while band and orchestra students may audition to participate in the pit orchestra. For students interested in the technical aspects of theatre, there are opportunities to participate in tech crew (light and/or sound), set crew, costuming, props and stage management positions.

Opportunities to perform for all ages

In addition to the curricular dance offerings, John Carroll offers extracurricular theatre for ages five through adult through the on-campus Academy of Performing Arts and Dance.

Musical Theatre Academy

Under the direction of Julie Parrish, Director of Performing Arts at The John Carroll School, the Musical Theatre Academy continues to meet the need in our community for year-round instruction in theatre arts. There is something for thespians of all ages and interest levels!