Non-musical productions with a focus on acting as well on all of the moving parts it takes to put on a complete show.
FALL 2026: Play Production, Mondays 4-6pm (ages 8-12) "MADAGASCAR!" FULL
$0.00
This program is full. Please email us at [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.
SYNPOSIS:
"Madagascar follows four pampered Central Park Zoo animals—Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo—who are shipped back to the wild after escaping. Stranded on Madagascar with a bunch of weirdo lemurs, they must survive without human care, forcing Alex to manage his predatory instincts toward Marty while protecting them and the lemurs from the carnivorous Fossa."
This non-musical production features a variety of whacky characters in additional to the core four, such as the secret-agent Penguins on a mission to get to Antartica, the leader of the lemurs, King Julien, his long-suffering assistant Maurice, his obsessed fan, Mort, wise-cracking chimpanzees Mason and Phil, a crazy old lady with no time for the animal's shenanigans, and more!
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
Our Play Production program is centered on the rehearsal and performance of a non-musical play. Students engage in a focused exploration of character development, text analysis, and ensemble storytelling. In addition to their work onstage, students participate in the creative process behind the scenes, including building and painting set pieces. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of theatrical production while strengthening collaboration, responsibility, and pride in the final performance.
Auditions will take place on the first day of the program, and everyone who wants to be in the show will be cast!
This program culminates in a weekend of ticketed performances!
Rehearsal Dates: Mondays, 4pm-6pm
September 14th - November 30th
No rehearsal: November 9th
Location: NESPA Blackbox Theatre - 55 Concord Street, North Reading, Suites 106/107
TICKETED PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, December 5th at 12:30 and 2pm
Sunday, December 6th at 12:30 and 2pm
Please make sure that the dates work for your schedule. There are no refunds after registering.
Questions? Please reach out to Artistic Director, Kelly Walsh, at [email protected].
FALL 2026: Teen Play Production, Mondays 6-8pm (ages 13+) "CORALINE" - FULL
$0.00
We are excited to announce our Teen Play Production Program will be working on a one-act adaptation of the dark fantasy/ghost story, Coraline!
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
The Teen Play Production program is tailored for older students who are ready for a more rigorous and artistically demanding experience. Working with more complex material, students are challenged to take ownership of their performances while developing advanced acting techniques, emotional range, and collaborative skills. This program fosters a high level of commitment and artistry within a professional and supportive rehearsal environment.
Auditions will take place on the first day of the program, and all actors who sign up will be cast!
SYNOPSIS:
"Eleven-year-old Coraline Jones has just moved into the 'Pink Palace Apartments' with her over-worked and hyper-stressed parents, Mel and Charlie. Coraline passes away the tedious days by meeting her new neighbors: retired actresses April Spink and Miriam Forcible, circus-mouse trainer Mr. Bobinsky, and an odd young boy named Wybie. While exploring their new home, Coraline discovers a mysterious door that leads her to 'The Other World,' a replica of her home, where everything is seemingly perfect. The only thing that seems off is her Other Mother and Other Father have buttons sewn into their eyes... When Coraline learns the truth about the Other Mother's twisted nature, she must face off against her in a game that will determine the fate of her entire family."
This production will also teach actor's about working with/acting against puppets, as characters such as the Cat, Bobinsky's mice, the Snapdragon flowers, and Coraline's plush toys will all be created using various puppets.
While this production is not a musical, the characters of the Other Father, April Spink and Miriam Forcible will be required to sing a little.
Rehearsals and performances will take place at the NESPA Blackbox, located at 55 Concord Street, North Reading, Suite 106/107
Time: Mondays from 6pm to 8pm
August 31st - October 26th
No rehearsal: September 7th
TICKETED PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, October 31st at 2pm
Sunday, November 1st at 2pm
Please make sure that the dates work for your schedule. There are no refunds after registering.
Questions? Please reach out to Artistic Director, Kelly Walsh, at [email protected].
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
The Teen Play Production program is tailored for older students who are ready for a more rigorous and artistically demanding experience. Working with more complex material, students are challenged to take ownership of their performances while developing advanced acting techniques, emotional range, and collaborative skills. This program fosters a high level of commitment and artistry within a professional and supportive rehearsal environment.
Auditions will take place on the first day of the program, and all actors who sign up will be cast!
SYNOPSIS:
"Eleven-year-old Coraline Jones has just moved into the 'Pink Palace Apartments' with her over-worked and hyper-stressed parents, Mel and Charlie. Coraline passes away the tedious days by meeting her new neighbors: retired actresses April Spink and Miriam Forcible, circus-mouse trainer Mr. Bobinsky, and an odd young boy named Wybie. While exploring their new home, Coraline discovers a mysterious door that leads her to 'The Other World,' a replica of her home, where everything is seemingly perfect. The only thing that seems off is her Other Mother and Other Father have buttons sewn into their eyes... When Coraline learns the truth about the Other Mother's twisted nature, she must face off against her in a game that will determine the fate of her entire family."
This production will also teach actor's about working with/acting against puppets, as characters such as the Cat, Bobinsky's mice, the Snapdragon flowers, and Coraline's plush toys will all be created using various puppets.
While this production is not a musical, the characters of the Other Father, April Spink and Miriam Forcible will be required to sing a little.
Rehearsals and performances will take place at the NESPA Blackbox, located at 55 Concord Street, North Reading, Suite 106/107
Time: Mondays from 6pm to 8pm
August 31st - October 26th
No rehearsal: September 7th
TICKETED PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, October 31st at 2pm
Sunday, November 1st at 2pm
Please make sure that the dates work for your schedule. There are no refunds after registering.
Questions? Please reach out to Artistic Director, Kelly Walsh, at [email protected].