summer 2025
little women: the musical
Ages: 15+
Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: 10 am-5 pm, June 23–July 3. Note: call times may be staggered on any given day. Also, expect advance rehearsals in May and June, generally held evenings and weekends.
PERFORMANCES: Little Women runs two weekends, July 11 & 12(The Off Center) and July 18-20 (Island Arts North Hero)
ARTISTIC TEAM: Gina Fearn (Director), Randal Pierce (Music Director)
Matilda the musical jr.
Ages: 10-14
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR.is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: 9 am-3 pm, Monday-Friday, July 21st-August 1st
PERFORMANCES: Friday August 1st-Sunday August 3rd (Essex High School)
ARTISTIC TEAM: Brit Flynn (Director), Andrea Maas (Music Director) Rebecca Raskin & Ryan Addario (Choreographers)
SUMMEr youth theater
Each summer, talented children and young adults from all over Vermont and beyond gather to produce high-quality theatrical productions under a professional artist-educator team. Over several weeks, they build new skills, exercise their strengths, stretch their limits, and develop close friendships with peers who are passionate in similar ways! Many program graduates have gone on to study in the top college, university, and conservatory theater programs around the country and pursue professional careers as performers.
