We pride ourselves in being primarily a "student run" organization. The Theatre Guild produces three shows a year, often with an additional 4th show that serves as a fundraiser. The Theatre Guild has a board of directors, very similar to a professional theatrical organization. Students oversee the selections of the play (with the guidance of the two advisors), the production of the play (tickets,
programs, lobby, publicity) and design sets, costumes, lighting and sound. Each year, students have the opportunity to receive professional training in lighting and sound and then are able to work on other professional productions besides the high school shows. Over the past ten years (and before!) productions have included upwards of 80 - 100 students involved in productions, either behind the scenes or on stage. The Fine and Performing Arts Department produces a major musical each May. The Musical is also student run, under the guidance of its advisors (the producer, music director and director). There is always a student director, student choreographer, student producer and student conductor! In addition, Chelmsford High School is proud to offer acting, music and art as part of their curriculum. In acting classes, students learn about various techniques of acting including: Stanislavsky, Meisner and Chekhov. Scenes are produced and performed in front of other classes. Occasionally, a fully mounted production is produced by an acting class! The Fine Arts department truly prepares students for careers in the fine and performing arts fields. CHS is also fortunate to have wonderful art classes, computer graphics classes, and a dance team who perform their own end of year recital and often perform at other venues. In spite of the tough economy, the arts are alive and well at Chelmsford High School.
