A Note from the Artistic Director

“Unprecedented” doesn’t even begin to describe the past few years, but we are immensely grateful to the community of in-person and virtual audiences who have challenged us and kept us afloat. We have pushed ourselves to determine the type of art we want to make, and the work we want to do for the people that we serve.

In 2020, we released our anti-racism action plan, which included pledges that:

• At least 40 percent of our roles across the year’s productions will be cast with artists of color

• At least 40 percent of our plays will tell stories from under-represented communities

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• We will continue to look into new ways to promote anti-racism throughout our organization

With our 2021-2022 season, we are thrilled to introduce you to our new, all-female board. Be sure to say hello if you see them at our shows!

For more information about upcoming performances, you can like our Facebook page or subscribe to our email list.

Stay tuned for more details about our exciting upcoming season!

Hope to see you at our next show!

–Melissa Bernstein, Artistic Director

Melissa Bernstein (Artistic Director) founded the Newton Theatre Company in 2013 and has directed most Newton Theatre Company shows including Wonder, Our Town, The Song of Achilles: Parts I and II, The Imaginary Invalid, Junie B. Jones and That Yucky Blucky Fruitcake, The Importance of Being Earnest, Agamemnon, Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim's Birthday, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Bourgeois Gentleman (or The Would-Be Hipster), The Oresteia, Junie B. Jones Sneaky Peaky Spying, Ethan Frome, Natural Shocks, Ada and the Engine, Iphigenia at Aulis, Living in Exile, Mansfield Park, Women,Exhibiting, It's a Wonderful Life, Helen, The Witches, Marie Antoinette,Pinocchio, Sorry, Wrong Number, The War of the Worlds, Rebecca, All About Eve, Under Milk Wood and The Mrs . She was the founder and Executive Director of the Newton Youth Players, housed in the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall. Over the program's history she has directed over 50 productions involving close to one thousand youth actors. Melissa holds a Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an MFA in Playwriting/ Theatre Education from Emerson College and a BA in Theatre from SUNY-Binghamton.  

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• “Thank you for making the theatre program such a success! This is not an easy feat in the age of COVID, but you managed it perfectly. My daughter has absolutely loved your program.”
• “Our daughter was tentative and unsure when we dropped her off at her first rehearsal and now it is one of her favorite activities. Melissa creates an inclusive, supportive environment where every child leaves feeling more confident.”
• “Thank you for creating a space where my son feels safe to take risks. He looks forward to being a part of the Newton Theatre Kids community and cast each week.”
• “My time ay NTK not only sparked my interest in theatre, but it is where I explored much of my own voice. I felt myself gaining confidence, creativity, and friendship. It was truly my home throughout elementary school, something I looked forward to every week, and something I look back on now very fondly. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with you and hopefully provide for the next generation some of that same joy I experienced.”
• “My daughter has LOVED being part of NTK so far! When I collect her on a Tuesday evening she is always so full of joy and energy. She is loving the group and the music and the environment. You are clearly doing a wonderful, wonderful job of inspiring and nurturing these lovely kids.”
• “Our daughter had a terrific time. She enjoyed learning what it takes to put on a successful production. Her favorite aspect was the singing and dancing. More than this, she made some new friends.”
• “My daughters have had amazing experiences with Melissa and her wonderful team. Highly recommend! Am bummed my kids are aging out.”
• “This is a really wonderful program whether in-person or virtual. My 9- and 12-year-old daughters have both enjoyed and benefitted immensely from this program. They strike a really nice balance between a low-key, low-pressure environment while teaching professional acting and singing skills. Highly recommend!”
• “You are amazing! Thank you so much for doing this class. I really appreciate the enthusiasm, caring, and patience that you showed our kids. I really hope to keep my child engaged in theatre. I am so thankful her first taste was through your organization and with you in particular.”

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Click here to learn more about our staff and board!