Current Season

The Thespy Gala

December 1^st and 2^nd, 2023 at 7pm

SHHS Commons and the Jonathan Gillespie studio theatre

The Thespy Gala takes its name from Thespis, a Greek poet from Icaria in the 6^th Century B.C.E, who is considered by Western Cultures to be the first true actor. His name literally translates as “inspired by the gods.” The Thespys is an annual theatre competition created by the International Thespian Society that involves adjudicating the work of students in various areas of theatre performance, design and tech. Each December, students from WCSPA travel to the Michigan Thespian Festival along with students from over 60 other Michigan high schools to compete, as well as celebrate the performing arts. WCSPA’s Troupe 1000 is known not only the largest Troupe in Michigan but also has a rich history of success in theatre competition, leading to our reputation as one of the nation’s premiere schools for theatre education. 

The Thespy Gala honors our past success while showcasing our future. The public gets this rare chance to experience firsthand what only a handful of people typically see. During the first hour, attendees will be able to view and ask questions of student designers, while enjoying punch and snacks, before moving to the Gillespie Theatre for an evening of acting, musical theatre and dance performances.

  *Recommended for Middle School audiences and up

The Diary of Anne Frank

January 26^th and 27^th, 2024 at 7pm

WCS Performing Arts Center

There are few stories that emerged from World War II that are more poignant and well known than the true story of a young girl, named Anne Frank. The play, which takes place over twenty-five months, is based on the contents of Anne’s real diary, first published in 1947. The play follows the daily life of two Jewish families living in Amsterdam, as they cope with the limits of living in a confined warehouse attic, as they remain in hiding from the Nazi regime. The play encapsulates the family’s struggles, fears, and grief, but also their hope, laughter and humanity. Their story recognizes the importance of unity and the power of hope when surrounded by unimaginable odds and unfathomable darkness.

  *Recommended for High School audiences and up

Matilda Jr.

March 15^th and 16^th, 2024

WCS Performing Arts Center

The children are rising up and the stench of rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence, and mysterious powers she has yet to fully understand. Unloved by her cruel parents, she impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey, who helps Matilda realize how special she truly is. The school’s headmistress, the cruel and unusual Miss Trunchbull, hates children, bullying Matilda and her classmates until Matilda gives “The Trunch” a taste of her own medicine.

With courage and cleverness in equal amounts, high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination, who knows that sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty to make things right.

*Recommended for Upper Elementary and up

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

May 17^th and 18^th, 2024 at 7pm & May 21^st at 2pm

WCS Performing Arts Center

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

*Recommended for all audiences