Performing Arts
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Student performers not only experience the thrill of creative self-expression, but they also develop discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
To sense the energy surrounding the Performing Arts at MBS, simply step inside Founders Hall. Along with music and dance studios, you'll find our main stage theater—a beautiful 630-seat professional-caliber facility. The building is alive with creative activity: student dancers, actors and musicians inspired by the setting and by a faculty of passionate professionals.
The Leonieke Jazz Trio recorded a version of “Summertime” in the School’s Center for Innovation & Design featuring #MoBeard senior vocalist Maya Bhide ’23. The music was recorded and mixed by MBS students in Dr. John Girvin’s Studio Recording class.
MBS students encounter a breadth of opportunities in the performing arts that is extraordinary. They take to the stage in spectacular musicals, explore the world of theater tech, and study instrumental or vocal music and varied forms of dance. They perform with the jazz band, percussion ensemble, or the strings ensemble. Whatever their choice, student artists not only experience the thrill of creative self-expression, but they also develop discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Performing Arts Courses and Programs
Performing Arts offers students the opportunity to explore a number of artistic disciplines. Students may choose to perform vocally, on instruments, through dance or in theater activities and projects. Media Studies is also offered as part of the program. The goals of all performing arts classes include developing proficiency in a particular area of the arts, increasing creativity and problem-solving skills through the arts, and helping students develop a lifelong relationship with the arts, both as practitioners and audience members.
Featured Profile
While attending Morristown Beard School, Alexa performed in eight fully-produced plays and musicals (earning three nominations for her performances), took dance classes, played cello in the Upper School String Ensemble, and produced several Coffee House performances.
She writes: “In my experience, academic success at MBS and participation in the Performing Arts is positively correlated. On a pen-and-paper level, 90% of the Cum Laude inductees in 2015 … participated in some aspect of Performing Arts at MBS, and in every year since, the group has been dominated by “Founders Kids”. I do not see this as a coincidence. Any extracurricular activity can teach you time management, but the Performing Arts requires that you master it. Additional skills that are tested and developed along the way include creative problem solving, empathy, and multitasking. Being able to develop strong time management skills through my involvement in the Performing Arts prior to attending college was an invaluable gift.”
2023-2024 Performances
Location
All performances take place in The Theater at Founders Hall, except as noted. Admission to all events is free for MBS students, faculty, and staff. Additional tickets (price varies) can be purchased at the Box Office in Founders Hall.
For More Information
- Ben Krauss, Performing Arts Department Chair
- Jazz Band Auditions: Dr. John Girvin
- Dance Class Placement: Andrea Deventer
Past Performances
Upper School musical to be staged from March 1st - 4th
Upper School musical to run from March 2nd - 5th in Founders Hall
MBS Upper School fall play staged from November 10 - 13
Upper School spring musical to be staged outside on the Quad
Upper School musical staged from March 4th - 7th in Founders Hall
MBS Upper School fall play takes the stage from November 6th - 9th
Upper School musical took the stage Feb. 27 - March 2

Upper School fall play in Founders Hall through November 10th
