Our Story
What is the TORCH Drama Club?
Every church should have a drama ministry, especially for the young people in the community. TORCH is a ministry geared towards introducing youth in the area to experience the excitement of theatre. TORCH not only instills a passion for performance starting at an early age, but also encourages a ministry of carrying that torch out into the community, especially to those coming up behind us.
All TORCH performances have benefited worthy causes such as the Pregnancy Crisis Center, the Fauquier Habitat, Community Food Pantries, medical assistance for cancer victims, building the St. John’s Deacon Bernie Reagan Pavilion, and raising money for theatrical and technical purchases for St. John School school.
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Our motto is “For the Glory of God, ALWAYS!” - our work and play is a testament to God's will. There is a special grace that God has bestowed on our young people; a blessing they will carry in their hearts and memories for the rest of their lives.
TORCH's History
The TORCH Drama Club made its debut at St. John’s Catholic Church in 2002 with 25 children, ages 6-14, to perform the play The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Today, TORCH has over a hundred performers and production members, ranging from ages eight all the way to adulthood. Our four age groups developed over time as the original members grew up and continued to pass on their talents and experience to younger generations.
EMBERS
Ages 10-11
SPARKS
Ages 12-15
TORCH
Ages 16-20
ACTS
Ages 21+
Why TORCH?
TORCH is unique because our older members are encourages to pass on the torch, coaching and directing the younger, less-experienced drama members. In return, these veteran thespians gain both the knowledge of multiple different theatrical facets and respect for carrying on the drama ministry in a family atmosphere.
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TORCH’s director and founder, Chris Galvin, leads each group in conjunction with a team of young adults who assist with scriptwriting, stage directing, choreography, voice instruction, production management, set design and construction, costume and makeup design, gymnastic skills, and choral music. In addition to these facets, TORCH members are also guided to understand the value of teamwork, commitment, and acceptance of others from all backgrounds and skill levels. Hugs are the “norm” in this group!
For more information about how you can get involved in the TORCH Drama Club, please contact us!
Past Shows
EMBERS
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008 The Little Engine That Could
2009 Francis and the Wolf of Gubio
2010 The Elves and the Shoemaker
2011 Rumpelstiltskin
2012 Hansel & Gretel
2013 The Velveteen Rabbit
2014 Tales of Hans Christian Anderson
2015 The Princess and the Pea
2016 The Phantom Tollbooth
2017 Puss in Boots
2018 The Frog Prince
2019 The Patchwork Girl of Oz
2020
2021 You are Special
2022 The Princess and the Pea
2023 Pinocchio
2024 Charlotte's Web
SPARKS
2002
2003
2004 You Are Special
2005 Stone Soup
2006 The Adventures of Mr. Toad
2007 The Princess and the Goblin
2008 Peter Pan
2009 Pinocchio
2010 James and Giant Peach
2011 My Father's Dragon
2012 Tom Sawyer
2013 The Secret Garden
2014 The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool
2015 After the Apple
2016
2017 Golden Goose
2018 Dancing on Glass
2019 Legends of the Ocean Realm
2020 Alice In Wonderland
2021 A Christmas Carol
2022 A Christmas Carol
2023 Miracle on 34th Street
2024 The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
2024 Sherlock Holmes
TORCH
2002 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
2003 The Last Battle
2004 The Legend of King Arthur
2005 How the Shrew Was Won
2006
2007 Great Expectations
2008 The Prince and the Pauper
2009 The Merry Wives of Warrenton
2010 How the Shrew Was Won
2011 Twelfth Night
2012 The Music Man, Jr.
2013 Oklahoma!
2014 Treasure Island
2015 Mary Poppins
2016 Guys and Dolls
2017 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
2018 Singin' In the Rain
2019 Bye Bye Birdie
2020
2021 Arms Distance
2022 The Sound of Music
2023 The Merry Wives of Warrenton
2024 NEWSIES!
ACTS
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 Godspell
2020
2021 Special Event Gala
2022 The Sound of Music
2023
2024 Chesterton Academy Dinner Theater
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