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Student Life

Musical Theater at St. Ambrose Academy

Being in a musical teaches you so many things; you gain skills in memorization, organization, learning how to manage others and deal with stressful situations while being held to a really high standard.

Our musical director empowered me to grow as a leader throughout three years of being a Stage Manager. Because of my time at St. Ambrose, I’ve learned how to communicate with people, to take direction from supervisors and then in turn lead those for whom I am responsible.

– Kate Krebs, SAA Class of 2018

St. Ambrose Academy presents a high-caliber musical theater production each spring. The spring musical is open to students in grades 6 through 12.  

The production team hosts an audition workshop in October to assist interested students with audition preparation. Auditions are typically held the first week of November. Performances are held in March.

Our Program

Our production team includes a faithful group of professionals with decades of experience in musical theater education.  We are intentional about selecting classic musicals with worthy themes for our students.  We believe that a great musical with a well-crafted story can become a tool of inspiration and challenge us to live better lives, to value the dignity of each human person, and to love God with our whole heart, mind, and strength.

Students are provided with opportunities to engage in every aspect of the production process including:         

  • script and character analysis and time period study
  • learning the musical score and solo and ensemble vocals
  • blocking, staging and choreography
  • set construction and painting
  • backstage management
  • teamwork and community building

St. Ambrose Academy participates in The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs, which encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater. Since our first musical in 2013, we have been recognized with many awards, listed below with our musicals.

St. Ambrose Is Proud to Announce Our 2025 Spring Musical: Anastasia

Past Productions

Disney’s Newsies | 2024

Check out our photo gallery for amazing photos of this production!

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man | 2023

Jerry Awards for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Leading Performance, and Outstanding Youth Performance

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers | 2022

Jerry Awards for Outstanding Leading Performance and Outstanding Choreography

In June 2022, Catherine Gernetzke (SAA ’23) was chosen by the judges of the Jerry Awards to move on to the national competition in New York City. As one of 92 students, Catherine rehearsed with professionals to put on an ensemble show on a Broadway stage. To read more about her journey, click here!

Singin’ in the Rain | 2020/2021

Watch the classic number Good Morning and all-out hit Broadway Melody

The Wizard of Oz | 2019

Jerry Awards for Outstanding Supporting Performance and Outstanding Youth Performance

Mary Poppins | 2018

Jerry Awards (*renamed from Tommy Awards in 2018) for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Leading Performance, and Outstanding Supporting Performance

Hello, Dolly! | 2017

Tommy Awards* for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Leading Performance, and two Outstanding Supporting Performances

The Sound of Music | 2016

Tommy Awards* for Outstanding Overall Design, Outstanding Leading Performance, and Outstanding Supporting Performance

Music Man | 2015

Tommy Awards* for Outstanding Leading Performance

Annie | 2014
Beauty and the Beast | 2013

Tommy Awards* for Outstanding Costume Design and Outstanding Supporting Performance

Quick Links

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Student Life


To learn more about our musical theater program, contact Director Angela Hineline