Fall 2026 Productions: "A Little Bit Twisted, a Whole Lot of Fun!"
FALL 2026: Play Production, Mondays 4-6pm (ages 8-12) "MADAGASCAR!" FULL
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"
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].
FALL 2026: Minis Musical, Tuesdays 4-6:30pm (ages 6-10) "SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL KIDS!"
SYNOPSIS:
"Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton's challenge is twofold — not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!"
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
Our Minis program offers a joyful and structured introduction to the performing arts. Students are guided through the foundations of acting, singing, and movement in an environment that emphasizes confidence, creativity, and collaboration. The experience culminates in a developmentally appropriate performance that celebrates both process and growth.
Casting will happen at the first rehearsal, and everyone who registers will be cast.
We limit the number of actors in our program so that we can build one-on-one relationships with them. We individualize their experience, to help them develop the skills necessary to thrive in the theatre arts. We pride ourselves on creating top-notch learning experience on stage and off.
Rehearsal dates: Tuesdays, 4-6:30pm
September 8th - November 17th
Location: Rehearsals and performances will take place at the NESPA Blackbox Theatre, located at 55 Concord St. in North Reading, MA. We occupy suites 106 and 107.
TICKETED PERFORMANCES
Saturday, November 21st at 12:30 and 2pm
Sunday, November 22nd at 11am, 12:30, and 2pm
The show is anticipated to be 30-40 minutes long
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: Minis Musical, Wednesdays 4-6:30pm (ages 6-10) "SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL KIDS!"
SYNOPSIS:
"Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton's challenge is twofold — not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!"
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
Our Minis program offers a joyful and structured introduction to the performing arts. Students are guided through the foundations of acting, singing, and movement in an environment that emphasizes confidence, creativity, and collaboration. The experience culminates in a developmentally appropriate performance that celebrates both process and growth.
Casting will happen at the first rehearsal, and everyone who registers will be cast.
We limit the number of actors in our program so that we can build one-on-one relationships with them. We individualize their experience, to help them develop the skills necessary to thrive in the theatre arts. We pride ourselves on creating top-notch learning experience on stage and off.
Rehearsal dates: Wednesdays, 4-6:30pm
September 9th - November 4th
Location: Rehearsals and performances will take place at the NESPA Blackbox Theatre, located at 55 Concord St. in North Reading, MA. We occupy suites 106 and 107.
TICKETED PERFORMANCES
Saturday, November 7th at 12:30 and 2pm
Sunday, November 8th at 11am, 12:30, and 2pm
The show is anticipated to be 30-40 minutes long
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: Bridge Musical, Thursdays 4-6:30pm (ages 9-13) CREEPY CAST
The Bridge Program: A Pathway for Emerging Actors
There are TWO casts for The Addams Family, with different show weeks. Please make sure you are free the performance dates before registering.
**The Creepy Cast**
The Bridge is designed for students who are ready to deepen their training and transition toward more advanced performance work. With a focus on technique and storytelling, students refine their acting skills, strengthen vocal work, and develop a more confident stage presence. This program maintains a supportive environment while introducing increased expectations and artistic discipline.
Participants will engage in a more ambitious production than in the minis. This includes:
- A longer and more complex show, providing greater depth of character and storytelling.
- Expanded opportunities for solo work, including monologues, featured scenes, or vocal solos.
- More intricate choreography and staging, challenging actors to grow physically and mentally as performers.
SYNOPSIS:
"Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s 'normal' boyfriend and his parents."
Auditions will take place on the first day, and everyone registered will be cast.
Ages: 9-13
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 4-6:30pm
September 17th - December 17th
No Rehearsals: November 12th and November 26th
Location: Rehearsals and Performances will take place at NESPA Studios, located at 55 Concord Street, Suite 106/107
TICKETED PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, December 19th at 12pm and 2pm
Sunday, December 20th at 12pm 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: Bridge Musical, Thursdays 4-6:30pm (ages 9-13) KOOKY CAST FULL
This program is full. Please email us at [email protected].
The Bridge Program: A Pathway for Emerging Actors
There are two different casts for this production, with different performance dates. Please make sure you can make the performance weekend before signing up.
The Bridge is designed for students who are ready to deepen their training and transition toward more advanced performance work. With a focus on technique and storytelling, students refine their acting skills, strengthen vocal work, and develop a more confident stage presence. This program maintains a supportive environment while introducing increased expectations and artistic discipline.
Participants will engage in a more ambitious production than in the minis. This includes:
- A longer and more complex show, providing greater depth of character and storytelling.
- Expanded opportunities for solo work, including monologues, featured scenes, or vocal solos.
- More intricate choreography and staging, challenging actors to grow physically and mentally as performers.
SYNOPSIS:
"Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s 'normal' boyfriend and his parents."
Auditions will take place on the first day, and everyone registered will be cast.
Ages: 9-13
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 4-6:30pm
September 17th - December 10th
No Rehearsals: November 12th and November 26th
Location: Rehearsals and Performances will take place at NESPA Studios, located at 55 Concord Street, Suite 106/107
TICKETED PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, December 12th at 12pm and 2pm
Sunday, December 13th at 12pm 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: Middles Musical, Sundays 4-7pm: "THE ADDAMS FAMILY (young@part)" (ages 11-16)
OVERVIEW / SYNOPSIS:
"THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and a dilemma that’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents."
Unlike our Bridge Program, this will be the full, 70-minute, young@part edition of the show.
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
Our Middles program is an advanced performance group designed for students who demonstrate strong commitment, skill, and readiness for an elevated experience. This cast rehearses with a higher level of intensity and focus, and performs off-site, providing students with the opportunity to engage with new audiences and environments. The program emphasizes independence, professionalism, and a deeper level of artistic exploration, preparing students for continued growth both within and beyond our school.
We create a safe learning environment where everyone will feel like an important part of the production. Our programs integrate social/emotional learning and confidence building to make it a truly unique learning experience. We focus on building confidence and creativity while learning the art of theatre.
AUDITIONS:
Auditions will be held on the first day of the program (Sunday, August 30th), and will consist of singing a 16-bar cut of a song from the show, as well as readings from the script. The audition songs will be sent out a few weeks before the auditions.
All actors who register will have a role in the production! Every single role, from the principal cast to the ensemble, is vital to bringing a show to life, and we strive to ensure that every actor in the production feels important and has moments where they can shine!
Please note that registration fees are non-refundable.
REHEARSALS:
Auditions will be held on the first rehearsal, Sunday August 30th. The audition songs will be sent out a few weeks prior to the audition date. Auditions will be consist of a vocal audition, followed by readings from the script.
Sundays, August 30th to Sunday, November 8th. Rehearsals are from 4-7pm at NESPA studios 106 and 107 (located at 55 Concord Street). Actors in lead roles may be asked to come in early for some rehearsals.
TECH WEEK:
Tech rehearsals will be held Monday, November 9th to Friday, November 13th.
The location of tech week rehearsals and performances will be announced soon!
There are no absences during tech week.
TICKETED PERFORMANCES:
Performances will be held on Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th.
Exact performance times will be determined once rehearsals are underway.
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].