Shoestring Theater
Places, lights, action! The best expression of the contribution of the Shoestring Theater to personal growth comes from the students themselves who, when asked at the end of their final year to speak to first-year, second-year and third-year students said, “Number one, get involved in any aspect of drama. Whatever you do—on the stage or behind the stage, bit part or starring role—you will feel welcomed and valued.” Students who step out onto the MSJ stage develop a sense of collaboration and an understanding that any role, not just a starring one, brings value to the whole enterprise. In addition, student-actors become more self-confident and poised by submitting their performances to their toughest audience—their peers.
The goals of the drama program are to give those students who do not participate an opportunity to experience live theater (many for the first time) and for the student actors of the Shoestring Theater to have an active role in educating their fellow students to the joy of live performance. 18 plays over the last 25 years have been fortunate enough to advance to the state drama festival and, in 2006, MSJ’s production of Jerry Finnegan’s Sister advanced to the New England Drama Festival—which showcases the twelve best one-act plays from the six New England states.
