Theater Classes

In the Middle School, all students enroll in theater classes that include improvisation techniques, research, scriptwriting and creation, and text analysis of pre-scripted works. Grade 6 focuses on improvisation skills, Grade 7 focuses on historical traditions of theater, and Grade 8 creates their own play.

 In the Upper School, we offer basic and advanced acting classes. In Acting class, students research, explore, and perform both contemporary and classical works as well as improvisation. This course provides students with an opportunity to gain confidence while performing in a supportive atmosphere.

The Acting Ensemble Honors class studies defined acting methods including Stanislavski, Meisner, Rasaboxes and Moment Work. Each student writes and produces their own original one-act play in the annual Acting Ensemble Showcase, which is held at the end of April. They also develop a one-act group play for the Arts Department Mini-Tour which performs at area schools and senior living facilities

Plays and Musicals

The Theater Program produces three productions a year: the Fall Play, the Winter Musical, and the Spring Play. Auditions are open to all students, and rehearsals are scheduled after-school and on weekends. MacDuffie’s theatrical productions, which are often sold-out, provide students with an excellent extracurricular activity that looks attractive on college applications. Students also gain a sense of comradery and build self-confidence while working on these memorable productions.

Theater Alumni

Our alumni have gone on to study playwriting, acting,  theater arts, design, and operatic vocal performance at Syracuse University, Fordham University, Emerson College, Hofstra University, Pratt Institute, University of Texas-Austin, and Ithaca College, among others.

 MacDuffie theater alumni have appeared in movies, television reality shows, USO tours, and Broadway musicals.  Others have worked as models, vocal recording artists, and television news reporters.

Gallery of Past Productions

Click this link to view our photo galleries that offer a peek into the visual splendor of our theater productions.

International Thespian Society (ITS)

The International Thespian Society is the only theatre honor society for middle and high school students in the country. Affiliation brings credibility and distinction to students, theatre programs, and schools. It is a visible, positive symbol of the quality of our theatre program.

ITS recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school.

The MacDuffie Thespians chapter, which was re-established in 2021, is run by the student officers and meets once a month. Each year we hold a formal induction ceremony, students can apply for induction after participating in one mainstage show.