This year marks a major milestone for the Columbus Bishop Ready High School theater program: director Jill Larger celebrated her 50th production. The milestone was achieved during last month’s “Mary Poppins Jr.” production.
For Larger, it was a moment to reflect on a journey that began during the 2004-05 school year and grew into something special.
In her early years, Larger split her time between Bishop Ready and Columbus St. Cecilia schools. After two years, she fully established a theater program at Ready, directing Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” followed by her first musical, “Footloose,” a production that held special meaning following her work as a New York City actress.
A degree in musical theatre could have led her down a path of traveling or community theater. Larger instead found her passion in education, specifically sharing her love of theater with students.
“There’s something really special about introducing young people to theater and showing them there’s a place for them here,” she said. “It becomes more than just a performance; it becomes a safe place and somewhere that feels like a home.”
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Students who participate in Larger’s productions know well the pre-show blessing before each performance: “Theatre is magic and magic is theatre and blessed are we who create that magic.”
Over the years, the words became more than a tradition. They represented a sense of community, creativity and belonging that defines Bishop Ready theater.
Some of Larger’s most meaningful moments happened behind the scenes watching students discover confidence, belonging and purpose.
She recalled powerful moments when theater became a turning point for students and a place where they felt authentically themselves – a place where they felt seen, valued and experienced a sense of belonging.
Equally special for Larger is students giving theater a chance for the first time, discovering a creative outlet they didn’t know they needed. “Seeing lives changed, even in small ways, that’s what it’s truly all about,” Larger said with misty eyes.
Her impact extends beyond the high school. Three of her former students pursued acting professionally, a testament to the foundation built in the program.
Bishop Ready theater also became a Larger family affair.
Jill’s husband, Mike, assists with ticketing and behind-the-scenes projects. Her four daughters Grace ‘21, Gabi ‘25, Gwen ‘26 and Gloria ‘32 grew up with theater in their blood.
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As soon as they could hit the stage, they jumped at the opportunity to participate in productions. Most recently, Larger’s oldest daughter, Grace, served as co-director for the 2025-26 school year. “They were born into theater,” she said. “Getting to work alongside them now is incredibly special.”
Reflecting on her favorite productions, a few stood out: “The Addams Family” for its cast and roles; “Almost, Maine” for its storytelling; and “Freaky Friday” and “The Music Man,” representing memorable moments and strong student performances.
Larger said she hopes the theater’s future continues to build on the legacy as she celebrates her 50th production in the program.
“I just hope we keep reaching students and showing them that the arts can be a meaningful part of their lives if they’re willing to give it a chance,” she expressed, “even if it’s just a stronger appreciation.”
The “Mary Poppins” milestone marker made evident that Bishop Ready theater is about more than the stage. The program centers on community, growth and students finding where they belong.