Dramatic Arts at Saint Francis is one of the best in the area. Our outstanding theatre program offers a unique opportunity for students with varying interests in theatre by providing countless opportunities for on and off-stage participation.
Students interested in drama have the opportunity to partake as actors (leading, supporting, featured, and ensemble roles), designers (lighting, sound, and costumes), and creative team members (student directors, choreographers, vocal directors, and stage managers).
Sarah Vorrath ‘22, Yasmine Bari ‘21, Graciella Butler ‘21, and Gabriella Federighi ‘22 invite the audience in to “be their guests” in Beauty and the Beast Jr. Actors and Crew worked tirelessly to help create 2021’s semi-virtual Spring Musical.
Saint Francis Dramatic Arts takes pride not only in building a strong theatre program but also in building a strong community within. If you want to be a part of quality productions, prepare for college auditions, or even pursue a career in theater or television, then Saint Francis drama is the place to be!
Our Productions
Fall Musical
New for the 2025-2026 school year, the Fall musical will occur at the very beginning of the semester with auditions and callbacks the first week of school. The production will be based in the utilization of acting techniques and exploration of ensemble work. This small cast show will perform in the Innovation BlackBox Theatre and allow students to deep dive into the roots of the story, examining how to tell a story when the theatrical elements are stripped to their “bare bones”.
The cast strikes their ending pose post a “Dancing Queen” encore in 2022’s Mamma Mia! This exciting show was sure to get audiences dancing to ABBA’s hit tunes!
Fall Play
The Fall Play occurs each year in the first semester. The production allows students to experience putting on a non-musical production, and for the actors, focuses on learning and implementing acting objectives and tactics that will help with their overall character development and drama education. Past fall productions include, “Rumors” (2024), “A Gift To Remember” (2023), “The Sparrow” (2022), “A Little Princess” (2021), and "Blithe Spirit" (2019).
Why don’t we paint the town? Sofia Grazziani ‘20 leads the ensemble through the opening number of Spring 2019’s Chicago.
Gianna Gutierrez-Serrato ‘27 opens a gift in the heartwarming Holiday tale, A Gift To Remember. Also pictured are Kara Merkert ‘24, Adrianna Armanino ‘25, Hayden Lim ‘25, Elise Vermeulen ‘24, and Christopher Tabet ‘26, who helped bring the Fall 2023 Play to life.
This is the point of no return! Grant Wilson ‘15 gives Ashley Mufich ‘15 an ultimatum about Kaiden Pilkenton ‘17 in Spring 2015’s The Phantom Of The Opera. The three starred as The Phantom, Christine, and Raoul.
Student-Directed Musical
The Student-Directed Musical occurs every year in between the Fall Play and Spring Musical. The “Student-Run” (as it is commonly referred to) is a production put on entirely by students, with little to no faculty help. Students are encouraged to apply to direct and pitch a musical during the spring semester. Past Student-Run productions include, “The Lightning Thief” (2025), “Freaky Friday” (2024), “Little Shop Of Horrors” (2023), “9 to 5: The Musical” (2022), and “Bright Star” (2021).
William Mangan ‘24 convinces his peers to stand up for what they believe in as Ren McCormack in Spring 2024’s Footloose.
Spring Musical
The Spring Musical is performed in the latter half of the spring semester, with auditions following the close of the Student-Directed Musical. Nearly 75 students participate in this production which includes large casts, a complete stage crew, student choreographers, costume designers, a technical crew, an orchestra, and many more. Past shows include “High School Musical" (2025), “Footloose” (2024), “Legally Blonde: The Musical" (2023), "Mamma Mia!” (2022), and “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” (2021).
Our Courses
Dramatic Arts doesn’t have to stop at extracurriculars! At Saint Francis, dramatic arts expand into the classroom with an offering of several courses that provide an excellent education and preparation in the dramatic arts. We offer a complete comprehensive drama program that fulfills UC-F Fine Arts graduation requirements.
Willehm Duncan-Horning ‘26 explains part of the story while Karina Chen ‘25 pours a drink. Fall 2024’s Rumors was a farce not to be missed!
Ashley Kane ‘25 drives the new girl into town in Fall 2022’s The Sparrow. The play incorporated dancing, fake dissection, supernatural powers, and even the flying of a student.
She is “so much better” than before! Maria Ana ‘23 celebrates as Elle Woods in Spring 2023’s Legally Blonde The Musical.
Alumni
Dramatic Arts at Saint Francis has been fortunate enough to work with some incredible students who often pursue the arts! See below for some students who have pursued the arts outside of SFHS!
| Mary Carroll ‘88 | Bay Area Music and Religious Educator |
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| Todd Cahoon ‘93 | Film/TV Actor and Writer |
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| Linda Cardellini ‘93 | Two Time Emmy Nominated Film/TV Actress |
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| Alex Vlahov ‘07 | LA Based Stage Actor, Writer, and Director |
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| Angeline Mirenda ‘08 | LA Based Stage Actress and Choreographer |
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| Ashley Rose ‘15 | Bay Area Stage Actress |
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| Skyler Hoffman ‘17 | NYC Based Stage Actress |
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| Noelle Merino ‘20 | LA Based Stage Actress |
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| Jack Whitlow ‘21 | Bay Area Based Theatre Educator |
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| Maria Ana ’23 | Southern California Based Stage Actress and Vocal Director |
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