37,000 square foot Hartness Performing Arts Center
Theater
The theatre curriculum at CCES fosters collaboration and is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the creative process. From electives in the Middle School to classes in the Upper School, our theatre program encourages both experienced and inexperienced students to take risks and explore their creative expression in a fun and supportive environment. For our more serious artists, students can develop their skills, both individually and as a production team, through Theatre Honors and IB Theatre, which culminates in projects such as Solo Performance, Research Presentation, Production Proposal, and the IB Spring Play.
Middle School Musical
From our youngest 5th graders to our seasoned 8th graders, the Middle School musical is a fantastic way for students to get involved in the performing arts at CCES. For those who aren’t a fan of the spotlight, we also have opportunities behind the scenes for student technicians and crew members! It is always a fantastic production, but more importantly, students have the experience of being part of a team and working toward a shared goal.
Upper School Musical and Fall Play
The longest-standing tradition in the arts at CCES is the Upper School musical. These full-scale productions are staged in our state-of-the-art Hartness Performing Arts Center and are often sold out! No experience is necessary and we welcome all interested students to audition or work behind the scenes. Our most recent performances include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma!, and Once Upon a Mattress.
The Fall Play engages CCES students and audiences in a range of dramatic or comedic one-act plays from various genres. We then take our productions on the road to compete in the South Carolina Theater Association’s High School One Act Competition. In 2023, CCES placed first in the state for Sillyheart. Recent productions include: Our Town, A Christmas Carol, Godspell, The Visitors, Letters to Sala, We're All Right, and Epic Proportions.
Hartness Performing Arts Center
In 2016 CCES opened a brand new theater, the Hartness Performing Arts Center. In addition to a 524 seat theatre complete with an orchestra pit and large lobby, the facility houses band and orchestra classrooms, an 1,800 square foot Lower School music room, and upgrades for the drama department including professional light and sound consoles, new dressing rooms, prop storage and a scene shop.
TAKE A TOUR
524 seat theater.
3,000-square-foot lobby.
1,800 square foot Lower School music room.
Fly loft.
Fly loft.
Costume Sewing & Storage Room.
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