Welcome to Summer 2026!
We are so excited to kick-off our TENTH Summer Session!
We offer programs for children ages 5-18. Detailed descriptions for each program can be found under REGISTER/Summer 2026. Registration for our programs starts on January 1st!
"Alice in Wonderland" Summer 2024
Why our programs are so popular!
Our mission at NESPA is to develop a love of the arts as well as providing a nurturing environment that brings out the best in each student. NESPA strives to instills and grow confidence in every student, not only as strong and confident performers but as strong and confident human beings which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
NESPA creates an environment with community at its core. Our mission is to give each student individualized attention and feedback along with having the opportunity for each student to form a true connection with their teachers and peers.
NESPA is one of a kind and has proven time and time again that the community that has been built is nurturing, unique and effective.
Here is what parents have to say-
I just want to thank NESPA for you for all you do for these kids. You have created a welcoming, accepting, supportive environment that allows all kids to thrive. You make it so that they WANT to work hard and put in the time. You are encouraging and request excellence -- which the kids want to give because of the place you have created. NESPA has been a game-changer for Avery, helping her to come out of her shell, develop confidence, make new friends and learn to be comfortable with herself."
~Jill B. (Reading, MA)
One-week programs
Our one-week programs are designed for ages 5–10 and are bursting with imagination, creativity, and fun! Each week has its own exciting theme, and every day feels like stepping into a brand-new adventure. Here’s what a typical day looks like:
9:00–9:30am
Welcome, performers! Arrive, make new friends, and play silly theatre games to wake up our bodies, voices, and imaginations
9:30–10:30am
Sing it! Dance it! Perform it! Learn group songs and get special time to shine with duets and solos
10:30–10:45am
Snack break — time to refuel our superstar energy
10:45am–12:00pm
Pretend, play, and perform! Act out scenes and learn fun, high-energy dances
12:00–12:30pm
lunch break
12:30–1:30pm
Create like an artist or take the stage like a star with art projects and acting time
1:30–2:00pm
Big finish! Review the day’s songs, scenes, and dances and celebrate all we learned
Two-week programs
Two-week programs are for performers who are ready to take on a fully-staged production. This program will be held Monday- Friday from 9am- 3pm at The Qunnapowitt Playhouse in Reading. Ticketed shows open to the public on the second weekend. You will be AMAZED by what we can do in two weeks!
We will audition the actors on the first day and the cast list will be sent home that evening. The rehearsal days will consist of learning music, blocking scenes and choreography. Actors will also assist the tech crew with painting the scenery and creating props and costumes. The two week programs will culminate in a ticketed performance for the general public.
One-week programs (ages 5-10)! Held at NESPA, 55 Concord St. in North Reading.
Two-week Musicals! Held at The Quannapowitt Playhouse, 55 Hopkins St Reading, MA
"Willy Wonka Jr." Summer 2024