15th Annual Night of Scenes Showcases Cape and Sword's Versatility

15 years ago, when Father Bur was president of this very school, Night of Scenes was nonexistent. The Cape and Sword Drama Society consisted of a fall show and the spring musical. Cape and Sword was (and still is) known for being a program unlike any other theatre in its rigor, time commitment, and pursuit of excellence under the umbrella of a Jesuit context. One defining aspect of Jesuit education is “cura personalis,” or care for every student, and the Jesuits placed theatre as the most important role in education from the beginning. Age Quod Agis (do what you do, and do it well) is still a defining mantra echoing through pre-show pep talks. In fact, our very own theatre was built in the location it was because the Jesuits wanted anyone who walked into the Prep to first see the theatre, assigning it as a representation of the Jesuit mission. To the Jesuits, theatre is so much more than what you will find at other high schools. With such a rich history, the Cape and Sword Drama Society embodied this Magis. Yet, it happened to be that the only way to be involved in the program as an actor was to be an actor. That was, until Night of Scenes came along.

One of the things Father Bur S.J. was famous for is spending time after school each day walking the halls and getting to know the students. Inevitably, he would see and meet students that had not found their place at the Prep yet. Knowing that Jesuit education is far from academics alone, he would see the student, engage in conversation, and help them find something to do. He would introduce them to the moderators of Hawkeye, Chess Club, Ultimate Frisbee, and many other activities and sports. Cape and Sword, given the degree of difficulty in performance and commitment, was not a realistic option for most students. As important as theatre is to the Jesuits, Father Bur thought we were missing out on something.

Thus, Night of Scenes was born. A weekend run of SNL-style skits featuring every single Prep student who auditioned. Now, whether you were a senior heavily involved in the football team, or a freshman still finding their place, there was an opportunity to be in one of the most valuable places to be in Jesuit education: on stage. Forged from a mentality of kindness and inclusivity, any student wanting to be involved in Cape and Sword could. And it worked. It has become one of the most popular extracurricular activities, ranging from 50 to 180 Prep students. Even the Cape and Sword program itself benefited: now, students who would not have otherwise known they would succeed in the program were able to try it and see if it stuck. Suddenly, the stage got a little brighter.

Night of Scenes has been going strong for 15 years ever since. Directors and students alike come back again and again each year to experience the fulfillment of what it has to offer. This year, NOS is featuring 21 total scenes (including a dedicated scene for members of our football team) and about 120 total students.

When we say tickets go fast for the weekend, we mean it, so if you want to be laughing your tail off while experiencing a pinnacle in the Jesuit experience, Cape and Sword will see you at Night of Scenes. And if you like it or want to be involved, Night of Scenes will be here again next year to welcome you to the community.