About Us
OUR VISION: The Theatre department at MHSA seeks to prepare the next generation of the creative workforce, by nurturing the passion and creativity of our students through creative problem solving, global perspectives, cultivating curiosity and interdisciplinary collaboration while developing expertise in their area of study.
The Theatre Department at Milwaukee High School of the Arts was established along with the other art areas in 1984, replacing the former West Division High School.
Since then, we have developed a unique, well rounded Theatre Arts education for our students.
Over their four year high school career, students in the Theatre Department learn Theatre History, Improvisation techniques, Script Analysis, Character Analysis, Theatre Production & Design skills, practical Theatre Production skills, Meisner Acting Technique, Acting for the Camera, Directing and Film Making.
We also partner with local companies and Theatre Artists for field trips, master classes, residencies and more.
Theatre Department Staff
Mrs. LaCroix
A graduate of MHSA's Theatre Department in 2006 herself, Mrs. LaCroix is happy to be back in her new favorite role as "teacher". She attended UW-Stevens Point and received her BFA in Acting. After a hiatus from the world of Theatre, Mrs. LaCroix came back to MHSA to work as a secretary and the Parent Coordinator. During that time, she also went back to school to receive her Theatre Education degree from UW-Milwaukee. Mrs. LaCroix has performed in over 20 productions and she is grateful to be able to share her passion for Theatre with her students.
What is your favorite thing about teaching? I love watching my students grow as Theatre Artists and seeing their natural potential blossom.
What is your favorite role you've ever played? That would be Anna in a play called 40 Days. In college, we performed the world premier of that production, and we used hundreds of gallons of water a show. It rained from the ceiling, rushed down stairs, and by the end of the show, the cast was soaked. Not only was it a challenging role to play, it was such a unique experience physically to perform in and around water.
What is your favorite food? That's really difficult. I LOVE food, and I love to cook. Overall, I guess I would say that my most favorite thing to eat is ice cream.
What classes do you teach at MHSA? I teach Pre-AP Theatre (Freshmen), Theatre Arts Workshop- Makeup and Costuming (Sophomores) Advanced Acting/Acting for the Camera (Juniors) and Senior Directing/Film Study (Seniors).
Mr. Rich
Not only is he MHSA's Technical Director, Mr. Rich teaches 4 Theatre courses as well. He is a director, lighting designer and performer. Mr. Rich graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Theatre and has been an acting teacher and Technical Director at Milwaukee High School of the Arts since 2007. He has presided over the technical needs of over two hundred performances during his tenure at MHSA as well as directing and writing plays for the MHSA Black Box and Wildrick theaters.
What was the best part of your summer? Kayaking !
What is your favorite book? Stumbling Towards Enlightenment by Geri Larkin
What classes do you teach at MHSA? I teach Intro to Theatre (Freshmen) Theatre Arts Workshop - Scene Study (Sophomores), Stage Crew & Design (Juniors), Technical Theatre/Advanced Design (Seniors) and Film (Juniors and Seniors).
