Baldwin’s 2025-2026 theater programming will provide some new opportunities along with well loved traditions.
The fall play, The Neverland Project, is currently in the rehearsal phase. Director Cassidy Cooper chose this show for its large cast and differences from recent plays the school has put on.
“In the past, we’ve done a lot of comedies. Little Women was a more realistic, serious piece. This show is a lot more whimsical and imaginative, so it’s a bit more artsy than some of our other shows,” Cooper said.
Junior Jeffrey Knox said preparations for the play have been going well.
“We are getting through the script quite nicely,” Knox said.
The Neverland Project will be showing from Nov. 13 to 15 at 7 p.m.
The spring musical was recently revealed to be 9 to 5, a high-energy, ’80s-inspired show. It focuses on three women in a corporate workspace who, fed up with their ill-treatment, decide to enact revenge on their boss in a comical way.
STEM teacher and musical director Gavin Calgaro is excited to prepare such a fun and intricate show with BHS performers.
“Seeing how much effort our group puts in, I wanted to challenge our program with a larger-scale show,” Calgaro said.
The info meeting for 9 to 5 will be on Nov. 10 at 7:15 a.m. in the think tank, and the performance dates will be March 22 and 25-28.
In addition to the play and musical, Baldwin is introducing two new theater programs this year to bring more student opportunities in a variety of places.
“After talking to many students involved in our shows, there was a desire for more chances to grow their skills and attempt other aspects of creating theatre – aside from acting,” Calgaro said.
The newly introduced “Play in a Day” is a low-commitment program that offers students the opportunity to gain experience writing, directing, and performing single-act plays – all in only 24 hours.
“One student will be the playwright in that group, so they will write a short script. Then we will have actors, we’ll have a director – all in that group,” Cooper said.
Knox feels “Play in a Day” will be a very fun addition to the theater season.
“It’s great that we’re exploring new ideas,” he said.
In the “Night of One Acts” program, students will select three one-act plays, and upperclassmen will have full control of the directorial and technical aspects of the performance.
“It celebrates our seniors by giving them a chance to direct a show. Every piece of our program needs students to run tech elements, from sound and lights to stage crew,” Calgaro said
“Both (of the new programs) provide students opportunities to explore other areas that aren’t necessarily just on-stage or traditional tech things,” Cooper said
The “Play in a Day” info meeting will be on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m., with the event taking place between Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. to Nov. 22 at 10 p.m.
This year also will bring Baldwin’s third annual Theater Showcase, a cabaret-style performance featuring songs, monologues, and short scenes to highlight student talent. The Theater Showcase will take place on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
Calgaro and Cooper believe this year’s new opportunities will bring renewed enthusiasm to the theater department.
“Our already impressive theater program is being given the chance to flourish and showcase our talents in more ways, and I hope it excites everyone as much as it thrills me,” Calgaro said.
