Theatre Club Takes the Stage at The Institute!

Sophomore Max Harvey prepares for the spring production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” with a fight choreographer.

At Spring Orientation, Institute students were introduced to a new opportunity: Theatre Club. The commitment was simple—just a few hours each week. Several students quickly signed up. Within weeks, it became one of the most talked-about parts of campus life, marked by a steady stream of “I can’t believe we get to do this,” “Are you ready for callbacks?” and more.

Through a growing partnership withThe Arts at Center Street, students at The Institute for GOD were invited into a full community theatre production—right on our campus. While The Arts at Center Street leads and produces its own programming, this collaboration has created a clear and meaningful pathway for students to participate in high-level theatrical work alongside experienced professionals.

Sophomore Marissa Schnell had never been involved in theater before her freshman year, but gained experience on the stage and as a stage manager in last spring’s One Acts. She’s returning again!

Building Professional Habits Through Theatre

For students, this is not a casual activity. The rehearsal process moves quickly. Expectations are clear. Lines must be memorized. Cues must be hit. Attendance matters. Students are learning to show up prepared, take direction, adjust in real time, and carry responsibility within a team that depends on them.

Third-year student Julian Carrion notes:
“The leadership we’ve seen through this club has been just so, so incredible. Our times together are always filled with God's love. Our director understands our current moment as a school and continues to pour into our lives with words that uplift and scripture that gives us light. When we get together, everyone is just so happy to be there. We enjoy putting on a production that brings joy to us and everyone who will see it. God has blessed us so much.”

Students interested in the arts will leave this experience with tangible outcomes—a credited role in a full-length production, exposure to a professional rehearsal process, and material for a theatre résumé. Just as important, they gain a clearer understanding of what their field actually requires and how they need to grow to meet it.

Institute students take the stage alongside Institute alum and with direction from local talent, bridging their experience with a larger community.

A Collaborative Creative Environment

This production has also brought together a wider creative community. Institute students are working alongside local actors, a professional fight choreographer, and production leadership with professional theatre experience, raising both the standard and the opportunity for everyone involved.

Beyond the technical skills being developed, this production is shaping the way students work with one another.

Theatre creates a kind of collaboration that few environments can replicate. It requires trust, awareness of others, and a willingness to take creative risks while being supported by the people around you. In a season that has included significant change, this has become a place where students are building something together—focused, engaged, and enjoying the process.

Production leadership has extended an invitation to students to raise their expectations for themselves—and they have responded. Students are not only meeting those expectations, but actively contributing to a culture of collaboration, trust, and encouragement.

While many activities develop teamwork, theatre uniquely depends on it. It requires an environment where creative risk is not just accepted, but encouraged. From the beginning, the cast and crew of Peter and the Starcatcher have worked together to build that kind of space.

Sophomore Anthem Bloyer grew up performing in music, drama and mime, and has loved utilizing her talents as a student.

Creativity, Faith, and Formation

As a result, the cast and crew of Peter and the Starcatcher invites audiences into a world of starstuff and imagination—one that explores identity, belonging, friendship, and courage.

At the same time, we are reminded that God is the ultimate Creator. He is not intimidated by the questions that emerge in the creative process. He gave us the minds and hearts that ask them. Each opportunity to create theatre becomes an opportunity to understand more fully how God has made us, and to steward those gifts with purpose.

Event Details

Performances will take place May 14–17, 2026, in Nyumba Auditorium.

Tickets are available now at TheArtsatCenterStreet.com.

Click above to secure your tickets!