![Early Childhood Holiday Concert and The Nutcracker Performance (Photo Gallery)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702651563/gsbschoolorg/mxhegmidg7kppzwbs0iq/news-2023-12-15-early-childhood-holiday-concert-nutcracker.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702651563/gsbschoolorg/mxhegmidg7kppzwbs0iq/news-2023-12-15-early-childhood-holiday-concert-nutcracker.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1702651563/gsbschoolorg/mxhegmidg7kppzwbs0iq/news-2023-12-15-early-childhood-holiday-concert-nutcracker.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1702651563/gsbschoolorg/mxhegmidg7kppzwbs0iq/news-2023-12-15-early-childhood-holiday-concert-nutcracker.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1702651563/gsbschoolorg/mxhegmidg7kppzwbs0iq/news-2023-12-15-early-childhood-holiday-concert-nutcracker.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1702651563/gsbschoolorg/mxhegmidg7kppzwbs0iq/news-2023-12-15-early-childhood-holiday-concert-nutcracker.jpg","width":2200}])
Theater
The GSB Theater program helps students to find courage, build character, and create immersive worlds.
Beyond the pure joy of taking part in a production or drama class, students who engage in the theater program learn first hand how to push beyond their comfort zone to develop talents they may not have known they possessed as actors, stagehands, technicians, and directors.
Under the backdrop of GSB's pristine Matthews Theater, our annual musical and theatrical productions have been recognized for state-wide awards, cementing GSB as one of the top programs in New Jersey.
Program Highlights
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker
Preschool - Kindergarten
One of GSB's most beloved school traditions is the Early Childhood's annual winter performance of The Nutcracker. Combining music, dance, and theater skills, Preschool, PreK, and Kindergarten students prepare for the production by reading and listening to different versions of The Nutcracker in class, traveling to see the ballet, and leading the performance for family in Evans Hall.
LS Musical
Lower School Musical
Grades 1-4
Lower School students have the opportunity to participate in GSB's After School theater program with productions taking place in the fall and spring. After auditioning for roles, students rehearse weekly after school before performing their hard work for friends and family in the PACC. Recent LS Theater productions have included A Year with Frog and Toad, Winnie The Pooh Kids!, Aladdin Kids!, and Pure Imagination.
MS Drama Class
Middle School Drama Class
Grades 7-8
Drama class meets weekly and offers students the opportunity to study all facets of theater, from theater games and acting, to history and stagecraft. The class meets in the Performing Arts and Community Center (PACC), where students are given a firsthand look at the actual production of the Upper School play and musical. Each spring during the Middle School Spring Unit, the seventh- and eighth-grade students mount a production. Interested students may participate on stage or behind-the-scenes.
MS Spring Musical
Middle School Spring Musical
6th - 8th Grade
Each year, Middle School students partner with GSB Performing Arts faculty to unveil the Middle School Spring Musical. Students meet after school for play practice multiple times a week to prepare for their roles before proudly hosting family and friends for multiple performances in the PACC. Past shows have included High School Musical Jr., Aladdin Jr., and Grease.
Advanced Acting
Advanced Acting
Upper School
Building on the concepts of Acting I and Acting II, this semester-long course offers more in-depth training in the areas of emotion, character development, and motivation. Through the study of some of the great acting teachers, including Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler, and Meisner, the Advanced Acting class develops more thoughtful actors who can portray multidimensional characters. Students explore such techniques as the “independent activity,” the “moment before,” and the “character backstory.” Part of the final grade for this course includes the presentation of scene work at the One-Act Festival in late May.
Upper School Theater Performances
Upper School Theater Performances
Grades 9-12
The GSB Players, our Upper School theater troupe, hosts two annual shows — the Fall Play and the Spring Musical. After auditioning for roles, cast and crew practice with GSB theater faculty after school to prepare for the performances in our Performing Arts & Community Center. Recent shows have included Moon Over Buffalo, Chicago, Clue, Camelot, and Romeo & Juliet.
Technical Theater
Technical Theater
Grades 9-12
Technical Theatre I: Technology & Design is a semester-long course that provides students knowledge of and experience in the technical (nonperformance) aspects of theatrical production. Special emphasis is placed on the elements of theatrical design (scenery, lighting), design analysis, stage management, and production management. Over the semester, students sketch, draft, and build models to develop a deep understanding of a set designer’s process. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience in the construction of the fall play and/or spring musical.
![Lower Schoolers Marvel in Winnie The Pooh Musical]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700515942/gsbschoolorg/pdcubl0m9u377uplvmsj/news-2023-11-20-lower-school-musical-winnie-the-pooh.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700515942/gsbschoolorg/pdcubl0m9u377uplvmsj/news-2023-11-20-lower-school-musical-winnie-the-pooh.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1700515942/gsbschoolorg/pdcubl0m9u377uplvmsj/news-2023-11-20-lower-school-musical-winnie-the-pooh.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1700515942/gsbschoolorg/pdcubl0m9u377uplvmsj/news-2023-11-20-lower-school-musical-winnie-the-pooh.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1700515942/gsbschoolorg/pdcubl0m9u377uplvmsj/news-2023-11-20-lower-school-musical-winnie-the-pooh.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1700515942/gsbschoolorg/pdcubl0m9u377uplvmsj/news-2023-11-20-lower-school-musical-winnie-the-pooh.jpg","width":2200}])
![The GSB Players Present Moon Over Buffalo in Their Annual Fall Play (Photo Gallery)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699467832/gsbschoolorg/n5seygkfz3j9gtu2pxy4/2023-11-02MoonOverBuffalonewsrotation.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699467832/gsbschoolorg/n5seygkfz3j9gtu2pxy4/2023-11-02MoonOverBuffalonewsrotation.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699467832/gsbschoolorg/n5seygkfz3j9gtu2pxy4/2023-11-02MoonOverBuffalonewsrotation.jpg","width":800}])
![Middle Schoolers Showcase Their Talents in High School Musical Jr.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683036591/gsbschoolorg/wxhmsakf0bniaa9oupkx/news-2023-05-02-01.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683036591/gsbschoolorg/wxhmsakf0bniaa9oupkx/news-2023-05-02-01.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683036591/gsbschoolorg/wxhmsakf0bniaa9oupkx/news-2023-05-02-01.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1683036591/gsbschoolorg/wxhmsakf0bniaa9oupkx/news-2023-05-02-01.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1683036591/gsbschoolorg/wxhmsakf0bniaa9oupkx/news-2023-05-02-01.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1683036591/gsbschoolorg/wxhmsakf0bniaa9oupkx/news-2023-05-02-01.jpg","width":2200}])
Alumni Spotlight: Jana Bernard '13
Jana took time away from her role at Saturday Night Live to return to campus to lead a lively, interactive assembly with Middle School students and share her career as a TV, film, theater, and improv actor.
Drama and its appreciation are important parts of the enrichment program at Gill. Participation in drama encourages cooperation and teamwork and helps to develop confidence and poise. Theater is creative storytelling at its best, serving to inspire, uplift, challenge, and engage everyone – artists and audience alike.
GSB Theater Awards
2019 - Meet Me in St. Louis
Nomination
Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role
Allyson Stevens '20 as "Katie"
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Hair and Make-Up Achievement
Alicia Amoroso '19, Lee Amoroso P '11, '13, '19, Valerie Collins, Venus Nedd P '06, '09, Allyson Stevens '20
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement by a
Teacher or Outside Director
Paul H. Canada and Todd Ross
2017 - Cinderella
Nomination
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada
2016 - The Boy Friend
Nomination
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul Canada, H. Beth Holland P '12
2015 - Once Upon a Mattress
Nomination
Outstanding Musical Direction
David & Amy Southerland
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada, Shannon Ludlum '03
Winner
Outstanding Costume Achievement
Paul H. Canada, Beth Holland P '12
Nomination
Outstanding Hair and Make-up Achievement
Venus Nedd P '06, '09 &
Lee Amoroso P '11, '13, '19
2014 - Godspell
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada, Kevin Kotch, Laura Ludlum P '01, '03, '05 & Shannon Ludlum '03
Winner
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada & Beth Holland P '12
Winner
Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement
Lee Amoroso P '11, '13, '19 &
Venus Romero-Nedd P '06, '09
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Performance by a Chorus
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
2013 - Little Women
Nomination
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Winner
Outstanding Performance by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Jana Bernard '13 as Margaret "Marmee" March
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction
Amy & David Southerland
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Winner
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement
Lee Amoroso P '11, '13, '19 &
Venus Romero-Nedd P '06, '09
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Jessica Kundla '13 as Jo March
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement by an Actor
in a Featured Role
Nicholas Bilynsky '13 as Professor Fritz Bhaer
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Lighting Achievement
Joseph Skowronski
2012 - The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Winner
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Savannah Schechter '12 as Alice Nutting/Edwin Drood
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Jessica Kundla '13 as Deirdre Peregrine/Rosa Bud
Winner
Outstanding Performance by an Actress
in a Supporting Role
Jana Bernard '13 as Angela Prysock/Princess Puffer
Winner
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
Winner
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction
Amy & David Southerland
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
Margery Schiesswohl P '17
Nomination
Outstanding Lighting Achievement
Joseph Skowronski
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Winner
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada & Beth Holland P '12
Nomination
Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement
Lee Amoroso P '11, '13, '19 &
Venus Romero-Nedd P '06, '09
2011 - A Little Night Music
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actor
in a Leading Role
Christian Bormann Paris '11 as Fredrik Egerman
Winner
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada & Beth Holland P '12
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design
Sharon Bittman P '17, '23, Vision Creative Group
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actress
in a Featured Role
Jana Bernard '13 as Petra
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction Amy & David Southerland
2010 - Kiss Me, Kate
Nomination
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Winner
Outstanding Performance by an Actor
in a Leading Role
Christian Bormann Paris '11 as Fred Graham/Petruchio
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by a Chorus
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction
Amy & David Southerland
Winner
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement
Venus Romero-Nedd P '06, '09 &
Darlene Shellhouse
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
Margery Schiesswohl P '17
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Lighting Achievement
Joseph Skowronski
2009 - Into the Woods
Nomination
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actor
in a Supporting Role
Christian Bormann Paris '11 as
Cinderella's Prince/The Wolf
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actor
in a Supporting Role
William Ullrich '11 as Jack
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction Amy & David Southerland
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada & Laura Ludlum P '01, '03, '05
Nomination
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement
Venus Romero-Nedd P '06, '09
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design
Margie & Rich Palatini P '06
Nomination
Student Achievement Award
Conor Sjogren '09, Stage Manager
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Savannah Schechter '12 as The Witch
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Lighting Achievement
Donald P. Schlachter P '91, '97
2008 - The Secret Garden
Winner
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Lauren Ullrich '08 as Lily Craven
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actor
in a Leading Role
Steven Helferich '08 as Archibald Craven
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
Winner
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction
Amy & David Southerland
Winner
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Winner
Outstanding Costuming Achievement
Paul H. Canada & Lynn Helferich P '06, '08
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design
Margie and Rich Palatini P '06
2007 - She Loves Me
Nomination
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
Winner
Outstanding Achievement by an Actress
in a Leading Role
Lauren Ullrich '08 as Amalia Balash
Nomination
Outstanding Performance by an Actor
in a Leading Role
Steven Helferich '08 as George Nowack
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction Amy & David Southerland
Nomination
Outstanding Scenic Achievement
Paul H. Canada
Winner
Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design
Paul H. Canada
Nomination
Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement
Venus Romero-Nedd P '06, '09 &
Darlene Shellhouse
Honorable Mention
Outstanding Achievement by an Actress
in a Supporting Role
Alexis Nedd '09 as Ilona Ritter