New Life Academy’s theater program is designed to develop each student’s God-given gifts and passions. Opportunities include middle school musical theater, fall and spring productions, and participation in the Minnesota State High School League One Act Competition.
Students in our drama program work to create art that resonates with our community. Our goal is to provide a safe space for students to explore their unique talents, understanding that whether they are on stage or behind the scenes, our identity comes not from the roles we portray, but from our Creator. No matter where your interests in the dramatic arts lie, there is a place for you here!
New Life Academy was voted “Best Theater Program” in 2023!
Fall 2025 Production: Mary Poppins
The Banks family can’t seem to keep a nanny employed— that is, until Mary Poppins. Jane and Michael Banks find that their new nanny is practically perfect, but anything other than ordinary. With Mary Poppins and her eccentric friends, the children watch as the world around them reveals itself to be far more than they can see. Mary Poppins is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, so get your tickets and come on a jolly holiday with us!
Previous High School Productions
Spring 2025 – Willy Wonka
Fall 2024 – Beauty and the Beast
Spring 2024 – The Hobbit
Fall 2023 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Spring 2023 – Seussical
Fall 2022 – Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Spring 2022 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Fall 2021 – Hello Dolly
Spring 2021 – Anastasia
Fall 2020 – Fantasticks
Fall 2019 – The Little Mermaid
Spring 2019 – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Fall 2018 – Shrek the Musical
Spring 2018 – Peter Pan
Fall 2017 – Singin’ in the Rain
Spring 2017 – Wizard of Oz
Fall 2016 – Into the Woods
Additional Theatre Opportunities at New Life
New Life Academy partners with different Theatre groups to offer camps for our Lower School students. These camps give students the opportunity to grow in confidence, communication, and creativity. Our Lower School students are given an introduction to acting in a safe, fun environment that ignites a love for creative arts!
Middle School students have the opportunity to take classes that help develop their passion for theatre. Middle School Drama introduces students to theatre, its terminology, and stage presence. Students learn to become more comfortable on stage as well as discover the technical side of theatre through costumes, props, and set design. Middle School Musical Theatre gives a practical introduction to theatre that helps students build confidence, develop new skills, and expand upon their existing knowledge. Students will explore the foundations of theatre through acting, singing, dancing, and the study of the history of musical theatre that culminates in their performance of a full-stage musical!
Upper School students, in addition to the Fall and Spring shows, are given the opportunity to take Drama and Performing Arts. This course offers a comfortable way to learn and develop skills in creative dramatics, acting, and directing. Students develop communication skills and confidence in front of a group all while experiencing the thrill of involvement in theatre.
One Act Competitions
The One Act is a competitive drama activity that is a part of the Minnesota State High School League. Performances are confined to strict rules on cast limit, time, and set/tech allowances. This type of theatre cultivates innovative ideas and creative outlets, allowing students to participate through on-stage acting in addition to technical elements.
2024 – One Night in Hollywood*
–won 2nd at subsections and 2nd at sections
2023 – Writers’ Block*
–won 1st at subsections, 1st at sections, and received an Award of Excellence at the State Festival
2022 – Z and the Teenage Wasteland*
–won 1st at subsections and 3rd at sections
2021 – A Grimm Story*
–won 1st at subsections and 3rd at sections
2020 – Zoom Hamlet
2019 – Alice!
–won 2nd at subsections and 2nd at sections
2018 – Much Ado About Nothing
–won 1st at subsections and 3rd at sections
*original works by Mrs. Kortuem, Head of NLA’s English Department
