Theater vocabulary, character development, acting, singing, backstage crew demands, choreography, set design, costuming, props, lighting, sound, program, and publicity are covered while preparing for performance.

A dramatic performance occurs in October and the middle school musical is performed in February. In addition, Middle School students are welcome to audition for the chorus roles in the High School’s annual musical production. Middle School Drama is part of a continuing theater curriculum, preparing students for the high school drama program.

Theater education at the Ipswich High School includes our drama club, The Company, which performs fall and spring productions (with a musical at least annually), plus a one-act play for the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild festival competition. Festival entries, under Mrs. Faust’s direction, have won 270 individual acting and 
technical awards, and have progressed to the semi-final level of competition eight times and to the state finals once. Any student can join The Company as an actor, technician, crew member, or usher, and does not need to “do” every show to remain a member. New members are always welcome. At the annual music, art, and drama awards banquet, a panel of faculty judges announces “Academy Awards” for the two best leading performances, two best supporting performances, and two best technical accomplishments of the year.

The Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof was one of the top ten shows chosen in the 2006 inaugural year of the North Shore Music Theatre Spotlight Awards, with nominations for Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Musical Direction, Best Ensemble Chorus, Best Show, and a win for Best Featured Actor. In 2007, The Wizard of Oz received nominations for Best Leading Actor, Best Orchestra and Best Costume Design. In August of 2007 The Company performed Euripides’ THE TROJAN WOMEN at the American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, part of the prestigious annual Fringe Festival. In 2008, CAROUSEL earned North Shore Music Theatre Spotlight Award nominations for Best Musical Director and Best Featured Actor.

Students of all high school grade levels can elect Introduction to Drama, followed by Advanced Drama. Both courses involve script study, monologue and scene work, and some technical theater training. They can also elect Technical Theater; a blend of script study, dramaturgy, design, and technical skills complemented by hands-on work in set construction, lighting, sound, and costuming.

Graduates of Ipswich High School have been accepted to drama programs at such diverse and prestigious fine art schools as Emerson College, Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, New York University, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Help support the Company of IHS fund their drama productions.

January - February 14
Heart-Shaped Winfrey's Fudge
Support The Company of IHS, our high school drama club, by purchasing your Winfrey's Heart-Shaped Fudge from them! This delicious fudge is perfect for your valentine and is sold at 20% less than in retail outlets. Contact Debra Dion Faust to reserve yours now at $8 for one box, $15 for two!

View the Slide Show of our trip to the 2011 Fringe Festival in Edinburgh on the PARENT PAGE