An independent co-educational school serving preschool through Grade 8.

Drama and Theatre

The SCS drama and theatre program prepares students to be effective communicators and presenters. Through drama classes, theatre productions and additional performance opportunities, students develop the skills necessary to comfortably and confidently present to an audience.

Theatre Productions

Each year students have the opportunity to participate in the 7th and 8th grade fall play or 5th and 6th grade winter play. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role is vital and student-led. Students gain experience in acting, assistant directing, stage management, set design, props, lighting, sound, costumes, hair and makeup, house management and scenic art.

Students Performing in %22A Christmas Carol%22
Students Performing in %22The Great Cross-Country Race%22
Student Performing %22A Christmas Carol%22

Drama Classes

In 4th grade, students study Creative Dramatics and Movement to learn basic acting tools and gain an appreciation for the collaborative nature of theatre. Beginning in 5th grade, students study various aspects of drama and theatre including movement, puppetry, voice, acting and theatre history until 8th grade, when the curriculum switches to public speaking. Upon completion of each course, students perform in an evening cabaret as a culmination of their work.

4th Grade Theatre Production

4th Grade Theatre Production

Course Descriptions

Meet Our Faculty

Performance Hall

Deborah Girasek-Chudzynski
Drama/Theatre (Grades 4-7) 
Public Speaking (Grade 8)
Fine Arts Department Chair

B.A. in Theatre, Pennsylvania State University
M.A. in Theatre, Purdue University

Ms. Chudzynski is the originator of the ShakeScenes program at Notre Dame and was the Coordinating Director for eight years. She acted and directed at The South Bend Civic Theatre and at the Acting Ensemble Stage Company.

Speech Team

Speech Team Group Photo

Each fall the SCS Speech Team competes in speech meets throughout Indiana in 13 different categories, ranging from discussion and drama to poetry and prose. Nearly 50-60 students in grades 6-8 typically participate in this award-winning (and often undefeated) team each year. 

Facilities & Resources

5th and 6th Grade Play Cast on the Stage of the New Performing Arts Center
  • The construction of the Laura and Jack Boyd Smith, Jr. Performing Arts Center was recently completed in early 2023. This 372 seat venue features a proscenium stage with full lighting and sound to support curriculum and programming for all students.
  • 851 square foot designated theatre classroom
  • More than 1,000 piece costume and prop collection
  • Versatile set-piece collection
  • Puppet theatre
  • Atrium: Shakespearian-inspired acting space for cabaret performances