Theatre at OLSH is a year-round opportunity with annual fall and spring performances as well as summer workshops and community theatre held in the summer. The OLSH Theatre Department has been recognized by the Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater and by the American High School Theatre Festival, providing our students with the opportunity to perform on the Benedum Center stage in Pittsburgh and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.
Spring Musical
The spring musical is the highlight of OLSH's student performances. The production team, headed by Dolores Manuel and Heather Taylor, continually produces high-quality shows that entertain and give the students the opportunity to showcase and develop their skills. Auditions for the spring musical are held in the fall and the program welcomes all interested students into the ensemble. OLSH productions have been nominated for 97
Gene Kelly Awards over the past 25 years including Best Actor/Actress, Best Musical, and Best Costume Design.
Previous shows include: Oklahoma! (2024), Big Fish (2023), Bye Bye Birdie (2022), Working (2021), Suessical (2020), Once Upon a Mattress (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2018), Footloose (2017), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2016), The Addams Family (2015), The Wiz (2014), Honk! (2013), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2012), Little Shop of Horrors (2011), Once on This Island (2010), Hello Dolly (2009), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2008), Working (2007), Seussical (2006), Bye Bye Birdie (2005), Once Upon A Mattress (2004), The Sound of Music (2003), Godspell (2002), Anything Goes (2001), Working (2000)
Fall Play
The annual fall play affords students an opportunity to use their acting, set design, and directing skills. The show is often performed in conjunction with the annual Haunted Hallways event, taking on a spooky or mysterious theme.
Previous shows include: 15 Reasons Not to be in a Play & We are the Sea (2023), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (2022), 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse (2021), The Spoon River Project (2020), The 39 Steps (2019), The Insanity of Mary Girard (2018), Up and Down Detective Agency (2017), The Great Ghost Chase (2016), Zombeo and Juliet (2015), Varney the Vampire (2014), and You Can't Take it With You (2013)
PHSSL Drama Festival
The OLSH theatre department participates in the Pennsylvania High School Speech League Drama Festival, presenting a short play for competition at the local level.
Previous shows and honors include:
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15 Reasons Not to be in a Play - 2023-2024 State Winner - 1st Place
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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - 2022-2023 State Winner - 3rd Place
- We are the Sea - 2022-2023 State Finalist
- Nick Ewanco '26, Marin Reinhardt '26, and Leo Matthews '25 named to All-State Cast
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The Spoon River Project - 2020-2021 State Winner - 2nd Place
- The 39 Steps
- Margaret Matous '20 named to All-State Cast
- The Insanity of Mary Girard - 2018-2019 State Finalist
- Alyssa Brinza '19 and Xavier Moskala '20 named to All-State Cast
- Pullman Car Hiawatha - 2017-2018 State Winner - 3rd Place
- Sophia Blake '19 named to All-State Cast
- The Happy Journey to Trenton & Camden - 2016-2017 State Qualifier
- Evie Hoff '17 named to All-State Cast
Christmas Play
The OLSH Christmas play is a beloved tradition at OLSH. Started in 1998 by former OLSH history teacher, Mr. Bob Brasko, the Christmas Play is a way for students of all theatre skills to have fun and spread some Christmas spirit. Students performed an original Christmas-themed show that often takes inspiration from pop culture. In recent years, the theatre department has selected a family-friendly, children's show to perform. Each year, area grade schools are invited to come to OLSH to watch the show!
Previous shows include: A Pirate Christmas: A Holiday Musical (2023), North Pole Musical (2022), The Great Big Holiday Bake Off/Jingle Bell Jukebox (2021), A Very Merry Virtual Christmas Variety Show (2020), The Santa of the Opera (2019), A Magical Christmas (2018), Christmas at Super Hero High (2017), Christmas in Two Acts (2016), Merry Christmas Charlie Brown! (2015), A Christmas Carol (2014), Despicable Christmas (2013), A Muppet Family Christmas (2012), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (2011), Toys (2010), A Disneyland Christmas (2009), A Spongebob Christmas Story (2008), Mumble’s Merry Christmas (2007), Shrek the Reluctant Santa (2006), How Darth Vader Stole Christmas (2005), A Simpson’s Family Christmas (2003), Elves and the Shoemaker (2002), A Muppet Family Christmas (2001), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (2000), Merry Christmas Charlie Brown! (1999), A Christmas Carol (1998)
Theatre Thursdays
Students who have an interest in any aspect of theatre meet after school and participate in a variety of activities, including improv games, singing, dancing, and directing.
Summer Theatre Bootcamp
OLSH offers a summer theatre workshop that allows students to work on their acting, singing, and dancing skills in a fun and friendly environment. The program culminates in a Summer Showcase, allowing students to show off what they've learned to their friends and family.
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