Theater

Discover how theater builds confidence, drives personal growth and sparks self-discovery.

Two women are standing indoors, one wearing a gray dress with lace, gesturing with her hand, while the other, in a green floral dress and headscarf, holds a bag. They appear to be having a serious conversation.

Strengthen your technical and performance skills while learning to captivate an audience through storytelling.

The drama program at Miss Porter’s School allows you to develop your acting and improvisation skills while exploring all the backstage processes that bring theater to life. Along the way, you’ll expand your range as a performer and gain valuable leadership and technical experience that prepares you to excel on any stage.

Guided by our expert faculty, you’ll use drama to develop leadership, creativity, organization and collaboration skills that extend far beyond the performing arts. As you advance, you’ll have the chance to collaborate closely with peers and faculty as part of a full-scale theater production. Our students are involved in every stage of these performances—from acting and directing to light, sound, costume and prop design. Wherever your passions in theater lie, you’ll have a meaningful role to play in shaping an engaging and professional-caliber performance.

A group of people in colorful dresses stand on stage in a dramatic pose, with a theater set featuring patterned wallpaper and furniture in the background.

A young woman in casual clothes stands on stage, illuminated by the light from an open box she holds, with vintage furniture in the dim background.

Two people perform on stage; one in a blue dress sits on a block with letters, gesturing, while the other, in a school uniform, sits cross-legged on the floor near colorful bookshelves and props.

“As the students develop confidence in themselves and their theater skills, it helps them explore who they are and who they want to be in the world once they leave Porter’s.”

Our theater coursework cultivates collaboration, community and creative inquiry.

Three people work at illuminated control boards in a dark room, focused on screens and equipment, with blue and purple lighting creating a technical, behind-the-scenes atmosphere.

Two people sit on stage in armchairs, holding microphones, engaged in conversation. A small table with two water bottles is between them. An audience watches in a theater with purple curtains as the backdrop.

A woman in a coral tank top speaks at a podium with a microphone, holding papers under a spotlight against a dark background.

Two women in old-fashioned clothing stand in a dimly lit room with wooden beams and large windows. One woman is in the foreground looking worried; the other is in the background, partially out of focus.

In our Drama Studio: Stage and Film course, students explore how stories are brought to life on screen and on stage. They also sharpen their skills as performers and behind the scenes.

Explore Theater Classes →

Recent Porter’s performances:

Gaslight Les Belles-Soeurs Matilda The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Proof Sponge Bob The Wolves

Alexandra London-Thompson, Director of Theater

Alexandra London-Thompson is a Canadian-born theater director, educator and actress. She holds a BA from McGill University, a Postgraduate Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and an MA in Shakespearean Studies from The Globe Theatre and King’s College, London.

Her diverse career spans stage, film and television, with appearances on Nickelodeon and Fox. Alexandra’s leadership roles include serving as Executive Director of the Chilmark Community Center and Director of Children’s Programs for the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival.

At Miss Porter’s School (1999–2001, 2014–present), she directs the theater program and teaches drama and public speaking. Alexandra lives on campus with her son, Jasper.