“Theater skills are skills for life.” These words of wisdom hang over the blackboard of a classroom converted by St. Joe’s into a rehearsal space for its nationally-recognized, critically-acclaimed, and ever-growing Performing Arts program.
The musicals at St. Joe’s are widely-known as the best in northern New Jersey, with parts for singers, actors, dancers and stage crew. Talented girls from surrounding high schools join the young men on the stage each year, making theater one of the best ways to make new friends.
Past SJR productions have included Les Misérables, the high school debut of Miss Saigon, Urinetown, West Side Story, The Who’s Tommy, and Curtains. In recent years, the program has expanded to include the spring dramas The Crucible, Lend Me a Tenor, A Few Good Men, and Mark Twain’s comedy Is He Dead?
In recent years, SJR’s musicals havereceived numerous awards and broken state records by capturing the prestigious Educational Impact Award from Paper Mill Playhouse four consecutive times, in addition to receiving a host of nominations from Paper Mill, the Metropolitan High School Theatre Awards, and the Cappie Awards programs. The newly revitalized spring drama has won best-in-show twice from Montclair State University’s Theatre Night Awards Program. The culminating win for the drama came in the spring of 2011, when A Few Good Men was named Outstanding Overall Production in the State of New Jersey. And the casts of SJR’s shows have been an annual fixture on Fox 5′s Good Day New York, ushering in new seasons ofAmerican Idol with a cappella performances.
Whether it’s Summer Theater Camps, private instruction from Broadway performers, or show time for the winter musical and the spring drama, the Inserra Theatre at St. Joe’s is always getting ready for its next opening night.
All aspects of a St. Joe’s production – acting, vocal instruction, musical direction, technical and set design, stage management, choreography, costuming, hair and makeup, and stage combat are all led by a staff of professionals with years of experience in their respective fields, many with Broadway and regional credits.
The young men and women who’ve graced our stage are always welcome to return to the Inserra Theater at St. Joe’s. Once you’ve been a member of a “Joe’s Show”, you are always a member of the SJR Theater family.
ABOUT OUR AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM
MUSICALS
Storytelling through songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. Whether you strive to be center stage or back state, join us!
DRAMAS
Our characters captivate as they come alive through acting in our comedies & tragedies. Everyone is important to our succes!
SJR JAZZ BAND
Students who play instruments grow through mastering improvisation techniques...jam with us! Directed by Mr. Michael Torres.
SJR CHORUS
Talented young men and women join their voices to produce glorious & moving pieces. Get chills with us. Directed by Mr. Edward Ginter.
NOBS
Night of Broadway Stars
Neil Berg & Broadway Stars dazzle the audience with songs from classic to contemporary musicals.
