Mission   SRTC is committed to educating students in the dramatic arts, which challenges them to think creatively, critically, and empathetically.  We are committed to giving students the opportunity to gain self-confidence, self-awareness and a sense of accomplishment by expressing themselves through theatre in a Christian environment.

History   This year marks the  thirty-first consecutive year that students of St. Richard School will delight audiences of all ages with another exciting production. It’s hard to believe that the St. Richard drama program began well over 30 years ago with its roots as an “adult drama club” involving St. Richard parishioners. In 1980, a few St. Richard parents, led by Kathy Klimko, decided to form a drama program for the students. The goal was to involve students in every aspect of theatre, from acting to technical production. The St. Richard School Drama Organization began with its first student performance of Geminina, under the musical direction of a young band director named Robert W. Burns, and with the support of the school’s principal, Sr. Genevieve, and pastor, Fr. Peter Lenahan.

The organization grew more successful each year attracting talented adults who enjoyed working with the enthusiastic students. The junior plays were replaced with popular Broadway musicals. Extending the stage, building sophisticated sets, adding numerous costume changes, renting sound and technical equipment became a necessity. Over one hundred parents still assist today with advertising, ticket sales, supervision, technical production, wardrobe, public relations, social events and orchestration. Without the volunteers, outside supporters, talented directors and staff, the drama organization would not have survived.

In 2004, the name of the organization was changed to St. Richard Theatre Company (SRTC) to reflect the expansion of the program. Parish ministry, alumni production teams, theatre enrichment classes and summer workshops were all added under the artistic direction of Nathan A. Lilly. With the collaborative efforts of SRTC, the school and parish staffs, the drama program utilizes much of the school facilities all year round.

SRTC remains true to its origin, with each spring season involving St. Richard students in grades 4 through 8. New generations of students learn to sing, act, dance, work with props, paint sets, create costumes, usher and work concessions. During the last week of the production, St. Richard’s gym is transformed into a theatre experience that captivates audiences and keeps those involved coming back year after year. Many St. Richard graduates have returned as part of our staff, continued on to perform in high school productions and have even gone on to pursue college studies in the performing arts.

In 2005, a summer program was added to provide high school students with an opportunity to learn more about musical theatre and build upon their existing performing arts skills. The new formation of the SRTC Summer Workshop brought together a diverse group of students from many area high schools. Each summer after weeks of rehearsing, the workshop ended in an exciting production at the Magnificat High School Center for the Performing Arts.

The educational aspects of St. Richard Theatre Company remain its highest priority, but the best part of the program is the opportunity for family fun and fellowship. The performances may be big, but the life experiences are much bigger. We would like to thank the St. Richard families, patrons and community for your support as we continue to add to St. Richard’s drama history.