New Life Academy’s theatre program exists to develop each student’s God-given gifts and passions. With opportunities including middle school musical theatre, upper school drama class, fall and spring productions, and the Minnesota State High School League One Act Competition, students in our drama program work to cultivate art that will speak to our community. Our goal is to provide a safe space for students to explore the uniqueness of how they were created, understanding that whether that is on stage or behind the scenes, our identity isn’t in who we portray, but in our Creator. Regardless of where your passions in the dramatic arts lie, there is a home for you here!
New Life Academy was voted “Best Theater Program” in 2023!
Our Next Production: The Hobbit
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit named Bilbo. This hobbit has a quiet, cozy, and altogether ordinary life. That is until a wizard and a troop of boisterous dwarves burst into his home and employ him to join them on an adventure! This adventure will take him far from the comforts of his home in the Shire and thrust him deep into caves, up mountains, and face to face with dangers and troubles far beyond where he will be getting his next cup of tea. It is only in stepping into the adventure of the unknown that Bilbo is able to discover all that truly lies inside of him and help the friends he makes along the way. An upbeat adventure with an equal dose of action and fun, The Hobbit is a production for all ages, so grab the family and come join us on the adventure!
Performances April 12th, 13th, 19th, & 20th at 7:00 PM and April 14th & 21st at 2:00 PM
Previous High School Productions
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