Fine Arts

Theater

The theater department now offers two courses for VC students, one in the fall and one in the spring. The following courses are offered:

Performing Arts (fall)

This course will concentrate on the aspects of stage performance including terminology, stage direction, voice projection, and character development. Students will explore physical comedy, monologue performance, theater games, scene studies, and improvisation. This course includes the participation in at least two competitions taking place in the winter as well as performances for the public in late fall.

Musical Theatre (spring)

Musical Theatre consists of rehearsal and individual instruction focused on stage singing and choreography. This course culminated in a musical production in spring. Teacher recommendation or audition is required.

Theater Competitions

• Pittsburgh Public Theater Shakespeare Monologue & Scene contest
• Penn State Beaver Forensics Competition

Theater Department Testimonials

"Small casts putting on large productions encourages students to play multiple roles, expanding their theatrical experience into new areas"

Peter Smith, '08

"VC drama was an enriching experience and enabled me to gain the skills that allow me to audition for shows in college"

Ben Maust, '10

"I feel super fortunate to be a part of the drama department at VC – it’s probably the most fun acting I have ever had and I love everything about it!"

Kelsey Gehring, Junior

"The VC Theater Department is always able to pull off amazing shows because of the incredible dedication from students and teachers!"

Christopher "Critter" Fink, Freshman

"Willy Wonka" 2012

Venango Catholic High School Theater Department will present the musical Willy Wonka on March 30 at 7:00 pm and on March 31 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. The story is based on the book Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, and chronicles the adventure of a young boy, Charlie Bucket (David Zlotnicki), as he wins an opportunity to visit the local chocolate factory of the elusive Willy Wonka (Jake Smith). Charlie obtains his ticket from the local candy man (Spencer Smith) and chooses his grandpa Joe (Natt Licht) to accompany him to the factory.

In total, five golden tickets to tour the factory are award to children from around the world. The other four children are accompanied by their parents and offer a very entertaining tour with some surprising turns and twists till the end!

The children and their parents include Augustus Gloop (Alex Karg) and his mother (Becca Jones), Veruca Salt (Eden Lesko) and her father (Christopher "Critter" Fink), Violet Beauregarde (Alyssa Zlotnicki) and her mother (Kelsey Ghering), and Mike Teavee (Zach Balog) and his mother (Katherine Sockey). Charlie's family, the remaining occupants of the Bucket shack, include his father (Jordan Karg), his mother (Lexi Booth), his grandma Josephine (Jess Boal), his grandma Georgina (Jen Peterson), and his somewhat hard of hearing grandpa George (Joe Lillard).

The rest of the cast is comprised of Oompa Loompas and friends of Charlie. These roles are played by Carly Ghering, Maeve Smith, Hannah McQuaide, and several students from St. Stephen School in Oil City including Daniel Lillard, Anna Campbell-Sowden, Daniel Baumcratz, Jenna Ronchi, Jenna Loll, Danielle J. Habjanetz, and Caroline Stevens.

This production is under the stage direction of Nancy Hoeft, musical direction of Chad Hill, and student direction of Natt Licht. Lights and sound are under the direction of Eric McMahon with assistance from Chance Chase, Nick Barletta, and Devon Zagar, with set design by Natt Licht. Saturday's matinee will feature interactive materials in a goodie bag for the first 60 children under 10 years of age. Tickets available at the door, $8 for adults, &5 for students (k-12).

"Touchtone 'M' for Murder" 2011

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Sound of Music 2010

Art

Judy Frost is beginning her 10th year of teaching art at VCHS, and after a decade of teaching she has some wonderful updates on the art program at the school. Over the past 10 years:

• Numerous students have shown their work at the Young People’s Art Festival, the Oil Heritage Art Show, and the VCHS art show which is held in May each year
• VC has also had several artists-in-residence come and share their craft.
• In 2005, the Chair of the Allegheny College Department of Communications taught a class on “How to Make a Documentary” – based on this one class, VC students, doing all of the work themselves, went on to win three video competitions. This included going to “states” at Penn State University with their finished product, “History in Our Backyard”
• During the 2008 / 2009 school year, Joe Gerzina, another artist-in-residence, came to VC and taught every VCHS student about stained glass art, and each student actually learned how to cut the glass. A great appreciation of this ancient art was achieved, and a stained glass window made by the students is now up in the VCHS chapel.

Art & Academia

Judy Frost's teaching goal is to stress the connection of Art with Academia. Art is not just "fluff." It is integrated into every subject – including Chemistry, Biology, Math, English, and the obvious, History.

Bell Choir

Led by Mrs. Mary Ellen McNellie

VC Bell Choir Performance

Music Appreciation / Choir

Led by Mr. Chris Hill