Theatre Program at a Glance
The church has a rich history of utilizing the performing arts. Rockford Lutheran incorporates this rich tradition beginning with our youngest students.
Elementary Drama
Under the guidance and instruction of Ms. Heidi Underhill, students explore the basic foundational practices of Drama and Theatre. Using music, dance, and explorative play, students work together to craft stories and performances each semester.
Junior High - Explorations
Our Junior High Students are welcome to take part in RLS' unique explorations program. In a series of 9-week courses, students explore many vocations within the art world--including theatre. With rotating instructors, students can also explore multiple instructional styles as they grow in their own education towards their high school years.
High School - Intro to Theatre
Under the instruction of Mr. Ethan McBee, high students can enjoy this combined grade level course as they explore both the technical and performance aspects of theatre.
Upper Campus Productions
Rockford Lutheran Theatre Mission Statement
The Rockford Lutheran School theater program strives to train students in every aspect of the theatrical arts in a safe and productive environment. While doing so, we pledge to be good stewards of the space and resources entrusted to us. Ultimately, we pursue an educational environment that fosters collaborative art not for our own glory, but for God’s.
Program Highlights
- Four various and academically engaging productions per year, generally including a JH production, HS production, combined production, and musical production.
- Working relationship with Concordia University Chicago and Rockford University.
- Storefront training philosophy where students learn all aspects of theater (tech, management, promotion, design, acting, writing, and directing).
About the Directors
Elementary Campus
Heidi Underhill earned her Bachelor's in Organizational Communications from Metro State University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is currently working on her Master's Degree at Liberty University. As a Youth Director in churches, she used drama and puppetry to share the gospel with children and teens from church and from the community. She is excited to continue developing the theater program at the elementary campus.
Junior and Senior High Campus
Ethan McBee received his theatrical arts training from Concordia University Chicago in 2013. During his studies, he was recognized with the Irene Ryan regional acting nomination and, with his cast mates, was awarded the 2012 National Ensemble Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. While getting his Masters in English, Ethan worked alongside nationally recognized theatrical professionals at the Breadloaf School of English. Apart from co-directing RLS’ theatre program, Ethan serves as head of the English department, where he teaches the Senior British Literature and dual credit courses.
Rachel McBee has been practicing theater since 2008 and her love of the craft has only grown since. She received her theatrical arts training from Concordia University Chicago, where she developed working relationships with the Jeff Award-winning Neofuturists, Theatre Y, and Chicago Dramatists. During her studies she received multiple Irene Ryan regional acting nominations, two technical nominations, as well as a 2013 National Ensemble Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival--for her cast's notable ensemble work. Outside of co-directing the RLS theater program, Rachel has served as a board member of the Starlight Shakes Troupe--working to bring annual Shakespeare productions to the greater Rockford area.
