EHSA News
High School Theater program
At English High School of Boston, the curtain is rising on something special—an energized and expanding theatre program where students are not just performers, but creators, collaborators, and leaders both onstage and behind the scenes.
A Student-Driven Stage Experience
Today’s theater program at English High is defined by the energy and commitment of its students. Across grades 7–12, young performers, designers, and technicians are working together to bring stories to life while building skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Students can explore a range of courses that support every aspect of theatrical production:
- Intro to Theater, where students discover acting, storytelling, and ensemble work
- Advanced Acting, offering opportunities to refine performance skills and take on leadership roles
- Theater Design, a hands-on course where students build and shape the visual world of each production
What makes the program stand out is how deeply students are involved in the full creative process. From acting and directing to lighting, set construction, and stage management, students take ownership of the work—learning collaboration, problem-solving, and artistic expression in real time.
Partnerships That Open Doors
A growing network of arts partnerships is helping to expand what’s possible for EHS students.
Through funding from the Boston Arts Expansion Fund, students in Theater Design collaborate with professional scenic designers who guide them in creating and building sets for productions.
The program also partners with Brighter Boston, where four EHS students are currently enrolled in a Lighting and Sound Design Career Pathways program—gaining real-world technical skills and exposure to careers in the arts.
Another key collaborator, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, provides fully funded field trips for both middle and high school students to attend professional productions. These experiences go beyond the audience: students also participate in design workshops and have welcomed Lyric Stage professionals into their classrooms for sessions on stage management and properties design.
A Full-Scale Production Each Spring
The theater program culminates each year in a full-scale spring production that showcases the depth of student talent—both onstage and backstage. Performances are held during the school day for students and staff, along with evening shows for families, alumni, and the community.
This year’s production of Mean Girls promises to be a highlight, with a special Community Night performance on Thursday, April 2, offering alumni a wonderful opportunity to return to English High and support the next generation of performers and creators.
A Stage for Boston Public Schools
Looking ahead, English High will further elevate student voices by hosting the Boston Public Schools High School Theater Festival that began in March 2026—bringing together student artists from across the city and reinforcing EHS as a vibrant cultural hub.
Service to Mankind—Through the Arts
English High School’s motto, “Service to Mankind,” comes alive through the theater program. Students learn empathy by telling diverse stories, build confidence through performance, and develop leadership by working together toward a shared goal.
Behind the scenes, dedicated educators like Emily Rudra help coordinate these opportunities—but the true story is the students themselves: their creativity, their growth, and the community they are building together.
For alumni who remember the stage—or those seeing it anew—the future of theater at English High School is bright, bold, and unmistakably student-powered.
Go Blue & Blue!
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