Published: October 10, 2024
Later this month, our acclaimed theatre program will welcome audiences to our fall production of Once Upon a Mattress, embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of alumna Kathryn "Kat" Grilliot, ’09. Ms. Grilliot brings a deep passion for theatre and over a decade of educational experience as she directs the next generation of NDA students while honoring the legacy of her mentor, Mrs. Trish Sanders, who passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
“When I met Mrs. Sanders, I knew I wanted to be her someday. I am honored to be back at NDA and continue the strong tradition of performing arts education,” she said.
Ms. Grilliot attended Bowling Green State University, double majoring in theatre and English. She brings a strong background in theatre back to NDA, having started and directed theatre programs at several schools over the last 12 years. After graduating from BGSU, she became a long-term substitute teacher at Central Catholic High School, where she taught English. During this time, she continued to direct shows for Horizon Youth Theatre, a local theatre company she had been involved with for many years.
Her journey then took her to Arizona, where Ms. Grilliot founded a theatre program at Mingus Mountain Academy and later led the theatre and film department at BASIS Peoria Charter School, directing numerous plays and musicals and coaching a speech team that competed nationally.
Now back at NDA full-time as of the 2024-25 academic year, Ms. Grilliot is committed to empowering students and fostering their growth in all aspects of theatre.
“The theatre program at Notre Dame is truly student-centered,” she said. “The students do everything—from acting to designing and building sets, running lights and sound, and serving as dance and vocal captains.”
In the upcoming production of *Once Upon a Mattress*, nearly 85 NDA students are involved in both performance and production roles, reflecting the program's collaborative spirit.
“I want the students to take ownership of the process,” she said. “When they lead warm-ups or direct their peers during rehearsals, it fosters pride and confidence that extends far beyond the stage.”
Ms. Grilliot’s teaching approach encourages students to explore various aspects of theatre, from costume design to technical work, helping each individual discover their strengths. She is also committed to continuing Mrs. Sanders' legacy of warmth and inclusivity.
“I strive to create an environment where every student feels welcomed and supported in finding their place,” she said. “It’s truly a privilege to lead NDA’s theatre program and build upon the legacies of Mrs. Sanders and the Sisters of Notre Dame.”
Ms.Grilliot invites the community to come out and support the students in Once Upon A Mattress. The cast features not only NDA students but also performers from St. Francis de Sales High School, St. John’s Jesuit High School and Central Catholic High School.
Show dates are:
Tickets can be purchased online at https://cur8.com/673/project/125244
Notre Dame Academy Theatre Program Shines Bright with New Leadership as it prepares for our fall production of Once Upon a Mattress!
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