Theater
You'll thrive on the Peddie stage.
Our instructors — who are theater professionals — teach a wide range of courses and electives and activities sure to engage any individual with an interest in performance. Beyond taking a theater class during your freshman year, there are a variety of elective course offerings and extracurricular opportunities in which you can further develop your craft. Prefer to work behind the scenes? You can learn the ropes from professional set, properties, lighting and sound designers.
Our theater department stages multiple productions, including two plays, two musicals, a series of one-acts, a Public Speaking Competition and the Declamation Contest each year, giving you plenty of chances to experience the world of live performance in a variety of ways. Our proximity to Broadway serves as a two-way street: Not only can you attend plays regularly in New York City and Princeton, but you'll also learn from visiting actors, directors, musicians and producers each year.
153rd Annual Declamation Contest
Congratulations to the 24 students who participated in the 153rd Annual Declamation Contest (and the very first virtual one!). Special thanks to the judges from the McCarter Education and Engagement Department and to Director of Theater Ms. Sherman.
Finalists (in alphabetical order): Abbey Jordan ’23, Caleb Solidum ’23, Claire Chen ’24, Emmy Xu ’22, Inez Amer ’21, Jessica Agran ’23. Kate Guitarri ’22, Kate McClellan ’21, Marshall Herman ’23, Priyanka Seth ’24, Ryan Rong ’24, Santiago Galvan ’22
Recent Performances
A Peddie First: Radio Performance of "The War of the Worlds"
Willy Wonka
A all-school favorite, the Freshman Musical class is open to all freshmen in the fall term at Peddie. It is an intentionally simple production with a cast traditionally made up of both experienced thespians and first-time performers.
2018–2019 Performances
Meet our Faculty

Elizabeth Sherman
Director of Theater
B.F.A., Ohio University
M.F.A., American Conservatory Theatre
M.F.A., American Conservatory Theatre
Arts, Theater
Work:
609-944-7944

Marilyn Anker
Coordinator of Cultural Events
B.A., Virginia Intermont College
M.F.A., Mason Gross School of the Arts
M.F.A., Mason Gross School of the Arts
Arts, Theater
Work:
609-944-7550

Mark Cirnigliaro
Teacher
BA, Virginia Tech
BArch, Virginia Tech
MFA, Rutgers University
BArch, Virginia Tech
MFA, Rutgers University
Arts, Theater
Work:
609-944-7653