Ampersand, the coordinate theatre program of St. Christopher's and St. Catherine's Schools, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23. Ampersand alums came from as far away as California to be together to mark the occasion. 

The celebration began Friday evening with a welcome reception at East Coast Provisions in Carytown. On Saturday morning, the group reconvened at the Luck Leadership Center Playhouse at St. Christopher's for words of welcome from Head of School Mason Lecky, followed by student performances. 

A lunch in Ryan Dining Hall followed, with remarks from St. Catherine's theatre director Maury Hancock, anniversary committee members Lizzie Oglesby and Doug camp, amongst others. A short movie recapping the history and impact of the Ampersand program was shown. 

The program reconvened after lunch at McVey Theatre at St. Catherine's School where a panel of alums answered questions from the audience. The theme woven throughout the panel was about the impact that the Ampersand experience had not only on panelists' careers, but on their personal lives as well. 

Following the panel, current Ampersand members gave tours of the McVey Theatre. Current and past members shared stories about various places in the theatre including backstage, the costume room, and others. After an open mic session where many Ampersand alums performed, the celebration closed with a cast party.

We would like to thank all of the many alums who participated in the celebration, and we look forward to the next 50 years of Ampersand!

For information about upcoming Ampersand productions, please visit the Ampersand website.