In rare move for a high school, Catholic prep school creates endowed chair in theater

(OSV News) -- Benedictine Brother Paul-Vincent Niebauer is passionate about theater.

"To me, theater at the secondary level is all about giving opportunities to be part of a successful project to as many students as possible," he said. "With the correct technique, students with little or no prior experience can turn in amazing performances, whether backstage or on stage."

Brother Paul-Vincent, a monk of St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, has been instrumental in building up the theater program at St. John's Preparatory School, directing more than 50 productions over 25 years prior to his retirement in 2019.

To honor his commitment and accomplishments, the school earlier this year announced the establishment of the Brother Paul-Vincent Niebauer, OSB, Endowed Chair in theater.

Normally associated with a college or university, an endowed chair is one supported by an endowment fund. This particular fund, established with a generous anonymous donation, will permanently support the school's theater director position.

"One of the school's long-range goals is to have all faculty positions permanently endowed," Brother Paul-Vincent told The Central Minnesota Catholic, magazine of the Diocese of St. Cloud. "It is a profound commitment to attracting the best instructors possible to ensure that our students are given the finest education possible."

The donor deeply appreciates the school's theater program and wanted to make sure that it continues to be a major part of the school into the future, he said.

Brother Paul-Vincent, who currently serves on the vocation team for the abbey, as well as representing the community as spokesperson for the media, believes that having a robust performing arts program is important for the school.

"Studies show that theater and the arts in general are extremely important in the development of young people and therefore the health of any school community," he said.

Brother Paul-Vincent said he is humbled by the honor and thrilled that the donor and the school are moving to ensure that theater will always be a part of Saint John's Prep.

"Theater and performing in general have always been a part of my life," he said. "I have so enjoyed sharing my passion for the performing arts in every aspect with so many students, staff and the larger community."

Brother Paul-Vincent said he hopes that when students experience success in a discipline that they had not considered in the past, they realize a whole host of possibilities.

"Brother Paul-Vincent created a theater program where students don't just perform — they discover parts of themselves they never knew existed," said Christine Glomski, principal and assistant head of school. "Under his guidance, students find hidden talents, gain confidence, and form lasting friendships."

Over the years he has influenced hundreds, if not thousands, of students.

"His impact goes far beyond the stage; he built a community where young people thrive, grow, and create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime," Glomski said.

His passion and enthusiasm are contagious — he inspires everyone he meets with his boundless energy, creativity, and genuine care for students, she said.

"The Prep theater program gave us confidence, which is in short supply for a lot of teenagers," said Erin Margl, a 2009 graduate who participated in many Prep musicals, as well as summer circus camps. "Brother Paul-Vincent pushed us to be our best and when it all came together, I was always amazed at what we were able to accomplish. It always felt bigger than us and I felt lucky to be a part of something like that."