Theatre

The Hill School theatre program offers classroom instruction coupled with co-curricular opportunities in play production to provide a well-rounded theatre experience.

Classes develop skills in acting, oral communication, and public speaking. Students enter the class with diverse levels of experience; therefore, grading must be highly individualized with each student being assessed on his or her individual development in the class.

Productions are open to all Hill School students. Auditions are held at the beginning of each term during the same time as athletics team tryouts. All students are welcome to audition; however, not all students who audition will get cast. Students who have an interest in theatre, but do not wish to perform on stage, may sign up for technical theatre where they will work behind-the-scenes on lighting, set construction, rigging, sound design, costumes, makeup, and special effects. Rehearsals for all productions take place during the afternoon period but may extend to weekends and later evening hours as the production progresses. This is a great opportunity for all students to express their artistic side and try something new!

Kat Ross Kline joined The Hill School Theatre Department in the fall of 2023. She serves as an instructor of the performing arts and Director of the Ellis Theatre Guild. Kat has been a professional theatre practitioner in the tri-state area for more than 20 years serving as a director, choreographer, actor, designer, and educator. Recent directorial credits include the 10th Anniversary Reunion concert of A Tale of Two Cities on Broadway in NYC; guest director for Billy Elliot and A Christmas Story at The BTOP; and a reimagined 33 Variations (in support of the ALS Hope foundation), which toured multiple theaters including The Kelsey Theatre, where Kat serves as a Theatre Advisory board member for Mercer County Community College.

A Philadelphia-area native, Kat is honored to work in close conjunction both with the Philadelphia International Girls Choir as a resident acting coach and creative director for their biannual music videos, and has served as a guest choreographer for ABC's Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade - a nationally televised family tradition. She is the full-time director/choreographer for The Sharpe Family singers, a Broadway touring concert and a worldwide social media phenomenon, that most recently was seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Academically, Kat is committed to a visionary mission: the "redesigning and redirection of classical theatre that may be deemed outdated, all while upholding its artistic integrity.” 

Kat's dedication lies in making these timeless works not only culturally relevant, but also view-friendly for today's discerning audiences. Through insightful research and creative innovations, she aspires to "breathe new life into the classics and spark meaningful discussions about the evolving landscapes of the performing arts." Kat received her master’s degree in Theatre from Villanova University, her dance education at both Broadway Dance Center and STEPS in New York City, and is proud member of SDC, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Overall, Kat is excited to inspire and teach the next generation of talented actors and stage enthusiasts, and is dedicated to fostering creativity and nurturing young talent to bring a new era of excellence to The Hill School Theatre Department.