The St. Peter’s Dramatic Society was started in 1964 by Carl William Lesch. St. Peter’s was the first catholic high school to ever produce a full-length musical production on Staten Island. For the last 60 years, the St. Peter’s Dramatic Society has proudly presented productions on its stage for the community to enjoy. Students who have participated in the program have become great examples of leadership, faith, self-discipline and commitment. Under the direction of Fiona Gannon-Sekzer and Melissa Sekzer-Kane—both Catholic HS alumni—the STP Drama Society has produced shows such as “Sweeney Todd,” “Godspell,” “Les Misérables” and “The Addams Family,” among others. 

Drama produces two productions per school year—September and May. Audition information is posted on the school website and social media pages. In June, performers have the opportunity to be a part of The Minty Awards, an annual awards show for the Staten Island Catholic high school theatre programs. Students have the opportunity to perform on stage at the historic St. George Theatre alongside the other schools’ programs. Over the years, St. Peter’s has won over 20 Minty Awards, including, most recently, Outstanding Musical in 2024 with “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

The program also includes an award-winning stage crew for students who are interested in technical theatre and working behind the scenes. From set design, technical production and working lights to costuming, all students are given the opportunity to be involved in each area of production. The St. Peter’s Technical Director teaches students carpentry, painting, lighting design and other tasks in a safe environment. Stage crew works to transform the gym into a theatre.

The STP Drama alumni have gone on to attend some of the most prestigious musical theatre and technical theatre programs, including Wagner College, Northwestern, Point Park University, NYU Tisch School of the Arts and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, majoring in music, theatre performance, voice, technical theatre, arts administration and engineering.


For more information on the drama program, contact the Program Directors at stpetershsdrama@gmail.com.