Catholic High Schools With Performing Arts Programs: What We Offer

As you and your daughter consider where to spend the high school years in Houston, there may be specific criteria you’re looking for. In addition to reviewing factors like academics, faith, and athletics, you may be seeking Catholic high schools with performing arts programs.

Along with various sports teams to try out for throughout the year, St. Agnes Academy proudly offers a diverse selection of performing arts programs.

With curiosity rooted in our Catholic, Dominican identity, St. Agnes boasts many artistic mediums for students to explore. There is something for everyone—dance, theater, choir, and more!

So, what type of activities can your daughter participate in during high school? At St. Agnes, students can be involved in the arts in many capacities, and are not limited to any one art.

Building stage sets, choreographing dances, curating art shows – there are plenty of open opportunities for students to participate. Here are some ideas to consider!

The St. Agnes Tiger Girls are the school’s award-winning dance team. Under the direction of Coach Kaylee Hoffner, the Tiger Girls perform at St. Agnes and Strake Jesuit athletic events, pep rallies and community events, and the dance department’s annual show.

The team also competes at local, regional, and national dance competitions, and they brought home state, regional, and national championships this past year (2024). Dance practices during the school year generally run before school, but the Tiger Girls also practice during the summer and select weekends.

Dance classes are also available. Mr. John Beasant, Director of Dance, offers classes such as Introduction to Dance, Advanced Dance, Cultural Dance, and Composition & Choreography to be taken as an academic class and for either Fine Arts or P.E. credits.

The classes are also open to Strake Jesuit students. Select classes will participate in the Fall and Spring Dance Concerts, which are also open to students through audition, even if they are not enrolled in a class.

Mixed Chorus is a musical group of St. Agnes and Strake Jesuit students. Students in grades 9-12 are selected by audition and meet before school, learning basic breathing, vocal focus, music theory, sight reading, and are exposed to a variety of vocal styles.

The group performs at least three times a year, auditions for All State chorus, and sings in the annual Chorus Tour. Participation in the Mixed Chorus is worth one performing art elective credit.

The Double Triple Trio is a select vocal ensemble made up of the St. Agnes Triple Trio and the Strake Jesuit Triple Trio. Each respective group contributes nine students for a total ensemble of 18 students:

Our Performance Workshop nicknamed “Perf” is a select show choir group of St. Agnes students. Students in grades 10-12 may audition. The group covers musical styles like popular, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock, country, Broadway, and contemporary music. They perform throughout the school year.

The St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit Orchestra is the instrumental program composed of both St. Agnes and Strake Jesuit students. Violin, viola, cello, string bass, and harp players of all skill levels are encouraged to join. They perform at Christmas & Spring Concerts and special functions and events. Practices are held at Strake Jesuit.

The theatre department at St. Agnes puts on a variety of productions throughout the year. Many productions are open to students from both Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes. Typically, there is a fall musical, fall play, holiday concert, spring musical, and sets of student-directed one act plays.

Our distinguished department is under the direction of seasoned professionals Jewell Handy (Director of Theater Arts), Jeremy Wood (Performing Arts Chair and Director of Music), and Jon Bonner (Technical Theater Director).

At St. Agnes, we believe in the power of the arts to enrich our students' lives. That's why we offer a comprehensive performing arts program that includes theater, music, and dance.

Our theater department is known for its high-quality productions and talented cast and crew members. From classic plays to contemporary musicals, our students can showcase their acting skills on stage throughout the year.

In addition to traditional performances like fall and spring plays, we also host special events, such as Christmas and Spring Concerts, that feature both vocal and instrumental performances from our talented music students.

If you're interested in supporting your child’s passion for the arts, talk to our faculty and staff today. As you consider Catholic high schools with performing arts programs, we believe you will find exceptional opportunities for your daughter to thrive at St. Agnes.