The Harlequins have a rich history at Saint Ignatius for more than 75 years. Each season, students join with girls from area high schools to produce a play in the fall and a musical in the spring.
There are various ways for students to get involved in our shows, whether it is onstage, backstage, or in the orchestra pit.
Our alumni include Broadway performers, television producers, and (even) presidents of Saint Ignatius High School.
"Our program exists to instill a love of drama in our students. Whether they go on to a career in the performing arts or become lifelong patrons of theater, we want our young men and women to find a place where they can express and enjoy their God-given talents."
- David Hoover ’03, Drama Director
Pippin
April 16-18 + 23 & 24, 2021
With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner, and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man's journey to be extraordinary.
Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power. In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.
Originally staged by theater legend Bob Fosse in 1972, the recent revival (the version we are using) won four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
Auditions
In-person auditions will take place during the week of November 30. Each actor will sing a 32-bar cut from a musical in the style of Pippin as well as participate in a dance call. In order to limit group sizes, students must sign up ahead of time.
The Dance Audition
Actors must attend ONE dance call out of these four options: November 30 at 4:00 and 5:45 and December 1 at 4:30 and 6:15. Sign up here. Each time slot is limited to 15 actors, so make sure to sign up early for the best selection. Once you sign up, email dhoover@ignatius.edu to confirm your appointment time.
The Vocal Audition
Actors must sing a memorized 32-bar cut from a song similar in style to Pippin (but not from Pippin). These individual auditions will take place on December 2 and 3. We are looking for performers who can really sing AND act a song. Sign up here. Once you sign up, email dhoover@ignatius.edu to confirm your appointment.
Rehearsal Schedule
Your commitment to the show will be the equivalent of what a state championship sports team demands during its season. As such, plan on about 12 hours a week of rehearsal leading up to the end of March, when our tech weeks (our version of the playoffs) start; when those occur, plan on about 16 hours a week of rehearsal leading up to opening night.
For a detailed schedule, click here.
COVID Policy
Our number one concern is the health of all those involved with our production. All COVID guidelines will be strictly adhered to.
From a creative standpoint, our approach is simple: guidelines do not exist to hinder live performances but rather to support them. They are what allow us to do our work.
Why Doing the Show is Important
There are many things that this pandemic has forced us to reflect on, but perhaps the most important one is that relationships are essential for our health and happiness. Actors who do high school theater make friends for life. Simply put, participating in Pippin gives you an opportunity to spend time with some really good people, something that has been rare since last March.
Participating in Pippin also gives you the opportunity to grow as an artist. The job of the director, music director, and choreographer is to help you develop the tools to create an engaging performance. Modeled after top-tier collegiate programs, our rehearsal process isn’t just about creating the end product; it’s a workshop where you can cultivate your gifts and individual voice to create something original and dynamic.
And let’s be real: you’re doing the show – and we’re doing the show – because it’s fun.