Drama

Every student steps into the spotlight, gaining the confidence and skills to command a stage from the earliest years. Beginning in Junior Kindergarten, our students captivate audiences of peers, parents, and faculty with performances that bring their learning to life. Whether reenacting historical events, reciting poetry, or singing in chorus, these moments foster self-assurance, creativity, and essential communication skills.

As they grow, so do their opportunities. In Middle School, students refine their stage presence, and by Upper School, they can dive into an expansive theater program featuring 10 specialized courses and the chance to shine in award-winning productions. From first steps on stage to standing ovations, Country Day students don’t just perform—they thrive.

Middle School %22Aladdin%22 — Middle School Musical, *Aladdin, Jr.*

Jenny GoodfellowDirector of Upper School Theater Arts

Success is not achieved without the full synergy of the school. Whether you are sewing on a button for a costume, buying a ticket to a production, cheering on your Lower School child’s stage debut, an administrator considering a new idea, or an alumni returning for performances, it all creates the community of engagement and ultimately, a successful program.”

Theatrical Growth at Every Stage

Lower School: Building Confidence, Creativity, and Theatrical Skills

Lower School drama at Country Day ignites a love for theater, giving students a vibrant and engaging introduction to the stage while teaching them the skills to shine—both as performers and as confident communicators.

From as early as Junior Kindergarten, our students step into the spotlight, captivating audiences of peers, parents, and faculty. Every grade level brings a new opportunity to perform, with productions growing in depth and complexity. By fourth grade, each class takes on its own play, allowing students to explore character development, stage presence, and the exciting interplay of music and dance in storytelling. Through every performance, they gain confidence, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the magic of theater.

Middle School: Stepping into the Spotlight with Creativity and Confidence

Middle School drama is where creativity takes center stage. Through engaging courses, students dive into improvisation, character development, creative scene work, scene-writing techniques, and even film—building a strong foundation in theatrical arts while having fun.

Beyond the classroom, every Middle School student has the opportunity to step into the spotlight. They are encouraged to audition for two full-scale theater productions each year, one in the fall and one in the spring, where they can bring their talents to life on stage and experience the thrill of live performance.

Upper School: Refining Acting, Directing, and Technical Skills for the Stage

In Upper School, students refine their dramatic talents, immersing themselves in both curricular and extracurricular theater opportunities. Whether aspiring actors, directors, or stage technicians, they can explore advanced theatrical courses such as Acting Skills, Movement for Actors, Acting and Production Concepts, Musical Theatre, and more—taught in our state-of-the-art Black Box Theater and dedicated dance space.

Each year, two major productions take the stage, often earning prestigious awards: a fall one-act play that competes at festival and a dazzling winter musical.

Beyond acting, students can dive into the world of technical theater, gaining hands-on experience in set design, lighting, sound, and stage management. At Country Day, every student finds their place in the spotlight—whether on stage or behind the scenes.

In This Section

Notable Achievements

Country Day’s student thespians consistently shine on stage and behind the scenes, earning recognition for excellence in direction, acting, production design, and choreography at state, regional, and international competitions. Their talent and dedication have been celebrated at prestigious events, including:

The Blumey Awards – Honoring excellence in high school musical theater
The Fringe Festival, Scotland – The world’s largest and most renowned arts festival
NC Theater Association – Showcasing top student performances across the state
NC Theatre Conference Regional High School Play Festival – A stage for the best in student theater

Through these experiences, our students not only compete at the highest levels but also grow as artists, storytellers, and leaders in the performing arts.

At a Glance

Across all divisions, the theater arts program involves:

878 cast members and 40 crew members
53 performances per year
275 parent and faculty volunteers
530+ hours of rehearsal