Lower School

Building Confidence Through Imagination, Storytelling, and Play

At the Lower School level, theatre is a key component of the creative curriculum. At the Early Childhood Campus, dramatic play is encouraged with puppets, dress-up clothes, and themed play areas, fostering creativity and storytelling. Teachers guide this free play and offer structured activities to enhance learning. Theatre is also integrated into music lessons and classroom activities, with performances often complementing academic units. 

In 4th and 5th grade, students can join the Musical Theatre enrichment program, where they learn the fundamentals of singing, dancing, and acting, and perform in both Fall and Spring showcases. This program provides an introduction to Broadway-style productions and builds essential performance skills.

Middle School

Developing Theatrical Skills Through Creativity, Collaboration, and Expression

In Middle School, students can elect to participate in the theatre program as part of their art elective requirement. All Middle School students have the opportunity to join the Junior Thespian troupe, where they can perform in events such as monologues, acting scenes, musicals, and improvisation, or explore technical roles in costume, makeup, and set design. Junior Thespians compete locally and at the state level. Additionally, students can audition for the fall one-act play and the full-length fall and spring productions, giving them the chance to perform in front of a live audience.

Upper School

Refining Performance and Production Through Interpretation, Technique, and Ensemble Work

In Upper School, students can elect to participate in the theatre program, with the option to take IB DP Theatre SL or HL for those in the IB Diploma Programme. The Upper School also boasts an active Thespian Troupe, chartered through the International Thespian Society, Troupe #7235. This troupe competes in local and state competitions, regularly earning superior ratings and other accolades for their performances.

In addition to coursework and competitions, Upper School students are involved in producing and performing in various theatrical productions throughout the year, including a fall play and a spring musical, providing ample opportunities to showcase their talents for CDS and our surrounding community. 

The Patriot Playhouse is our community theatre program that was opened in 2022 by Middle School Theatre Teacher, Julie Nelson. Open to students from both Carrollwood Day School and the broader Tampa Bay community, the Patriot Playhouse offers the opportunity to perform in two full theatrical productions each school year, as well as a summer production. 

This program provides a platform for aspiring actors and theatre enthusiasts to develop their skills and experience the magic of live theatre in a welcoming, creative environment. In addition, Ms. Nelson brings in Broadway stars to run workshops for the young actors.