SINCE 1988, THE WOMEN of Rosary Academy and the men of Servite High School have collaborated on a theater program showcasing the performing arts and student talents. Called the Trinitas Arts Conservatory, the program consistently stages an entire season of award-winning productions.
This year’s season is well underway.
STUDENTS REHEARSE LINES DURING REHEARSAL FOR “ELF THE MUSICAL” WHICH PREMIERES IN APRIL. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
In November, audiences were treated to “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a musical play by Rick Elice based on a novel by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson. The play centers on the backstory of Peter Pan.
Winterfest, which was held in February, was an evening of selected scenes, sonnets and songs from Shakespeare. The students had input on the program, designed by Servite English teacher Josh Edey and former Rosary student Anna DiCrisi. Also in February, the troupe presented Comedy Sportz, part of a national improvisational theater program that includes audience participation.
STAGE MANAGERS CONNOR PELONIS AND ASHLEY HAWLEY TAKE NOTES AT REHEARSAL FOR ELF THE MUSICAL. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL /DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“Elf the Musical” is scheduled for April 10-12 and based on a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. The musical is currently playing on Broadway. It is about a very large elf who embarks on an epic journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his true identity.
According to Trinitas director Michael Betts, “The students direct most of the scenes, and also learn the mechanics of theater from stage management, lighting, sound and costumes.”
The immersive program allows all students to pursue performing arts based on their talents and interests.
Sami DiCrisi, a junior at Rosary, has been involved in acting and the arts for most of her life. Along with her sister, a recent Rosary graduate, Anna DiCrisi, the two and Mr. Betts shaped the evening’s short takes from Hamlet, MacBeth and Cole Porter’s “Red, Hot, and Blue.”
“We put the whole program together over a four-hour dinner,” recalled Sami.
The effervescent junior already has a long list of theatrical credits.
“Sami is what we call a ‘triple threat’ in theater,” said Betts. “She can act, sing and dance.”
Sami began acting around age 6 and hasn’t stopped. Recently, she played Ruth Condomine in Noel Coward’s comedy “Blithe Spirit.”
“I think that was the hardest role I ever had,” she said. “I had to sit with it a long time because her language and the time period was so different. Eventually, I understood her in ways I didn’t expect. The way she handled conflict helped enable my voice my more. I felt empowered to have a stance and stand my ground.”
Betts believes that theatrical training has a positive impact on students for their entire lives — no matter what path they take.
“These kids have to be very connected with themselves and vulnerable,” he shared. “I would have thought this would be difficult for them to do, but they have blown my mind with their talent.”
Connor Pelonis, a junior at Servite, segued from sports to theater and hasn’t looked back.
“I played almost every sport, baseball, football, basketball and volleyball, but I never thought about theater until high school,” he said. “A teacher recommended the Trinitas Arts Conservatory, which launched my interest — I love it more than I ever thought I would.”
For more information on Trinitas Arts Conservatory and to purchase “Elf ” tickets (April 10-12), visit https://www.trinitasarts.org/