Theatrical opportunities abound for Saint Thomas Academy and Convent of the Visitation School students. Involvement in VISTA Productions allows them to apply their scholastic knowledge while nurturing their creative talents. We offer a wide variety of theatrical productions ranging from classical works such as Shakespeare to contemporary pieces by national and local playwrights.

Our season also includes instruction in comedy improvisation techniques, dance and choreography, with numerous opportunities for student leadership in the creative and production process. Every year, we strive to design a season that challenges and enlightens our students while helping them discover their talents.

The skills acquired through theatre will not only round out an educational experience, it will last a lifetime. Consider the many exciting opportunities for exploration: acting, scenic design, costuming, choreography, comedy improvisation, stage managing, technical theatre, dancing, singing and producing…all of these are part of the VISTA program.

Directors ~ Wendy Short-Hays and Elliott Hays

Upper School students from Saint Thomas Academy and Convent of the Visitation School combine to form VISTA Productions, which produces theatrical works and creative projects in DeSales Auditorium at Visitation and throughout the community. There are many exciting opportunities for involvement both on and off stage.

VISTA Productions' scenic and technical program offers many creative opportunities for students to contribute to production design and execution. Our students have been recognized by the Hennepin County Spotlight Music Theatre awards for excellence in lighting design, stage management and sound design. There is no previous experience necessary, just a willingness to explore, create, dream and get your hands dirty.

2009-10 VISTA Theatre Season

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward

In one of Coward's biggest successes, novelist Charles Condomine, living with second wife, Ruth, invites a local medium, Madame Arcati, to his house. His intention is to do some research into the spirit world for his new book. But he gets more than he bargained for when Arcati conjures up the ghost of Charles' first wife, Elvira.

Shows:
November 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m.
November 8, 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Virtuosity

Full Circle Dance Company presents dance, drama, music and ethics.

Shows:
January 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m.
January 31 at 4:00 p.m.

VISTA Improv Team

Seriously funny stuff!

Shows:
February 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof by Bock and Harnick from book by Stein

The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. he must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters - each one's choice of husband moves farther away from the customs of her faith - and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village.

Shows:
April 23, 24, 30, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
April 25, May 2 at 2:00 p.m.

All performances for VISTA Productions are at the DeSales Auditorium, Visitation Fine Arts Center - 2455 Visitation Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120. Contact Artistic Director Wendy Short-Hays at 651-683-1750 for tickets.