The Hanover Theatre Will Host Summer Arts Programs for Kids & Teens in Worcester
Students will perform DISNEY'S FROZEN JR. and THE PROM SCHOOL EDITION at The BrickBox Theater and Hanover Main Stage
The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts announced its 2026 summer educational programs, featuring student productions of Disney's Frozen Jr. and The Prom School Edition at The BrickBox Theater and The Hanover Theatre Main Stage. Led by a dynamic roster of new and returning professional educators, the programs are designed for young performers of all ages and experience levels, providing immersive training across dance and musical theatre.
“Our summer programs are an opportunity for students to work closely with professional artists who are deeply invested in both the craft and the community,” said Sharon Hart, Vice President of Conservatory & Education. “We are proud to continue to invest in and help develop the next generation of talent here in Worcester.”
2026 Programs Include:
Children's Musical Theatre Workshop (June 29–July 3, August 3–7, August 10–14): An engaging introduction to the performing arts, the workshop invites students entering grades 1–4 to explore the world of musical theatre through a dynamic mix of theatre games, dance, music appreciation, singing, and creative projects. The program culminates in a final showcase at The BrickBox Theater, highlighting students' work and growth.
Pre-Teen Musical Theatre Intensive (July 6–18 and July 20–August 1): Tailored to emerging performers, the Pre-Teen Musical Theatre Intensive offers students entering grades 5–8 the opportunity to experience the excitement of rehearsing and performing in a fully staged production. In this fast-paced, two-week program, performers work closely with a director, choreographer, and music director, engage in focused training sessions in music, acting, and dance, and participate in daily rehearsals to bring a junior production of Disney's Frozen Jr. to life. The experience concludes with three performances at The BrickBox Theater before a live audience.
Teen Musical Theatre Intensive (July 6–26, July 27–August 15): Designed for teens entering grades 9 through first year post-high school graduation seeking an immersive, pre-professional musical theatre experience, the Teen Musical Theatre Intensive begins with the inaugural Broadway Bootcamp (June 29–July 1), a three-day program featuring master classes, ensemble-building, and audition preparation. Participants then move into full-day rehearsals in choreography, music, acting, and staging, culminating in three performances of the full-scale Broadway musical The Prom School Edition on The Hanover Theatre Main Stage.
Summer Dance Intensive Week (August 10–14): For students ages 7–12, the Dance Intensive Week offers training in the fundamental stages of classical ballet while also introducing a range of additional dance styles and conditioning programs, including jazz, flamenco, modern, contemporary, and progressing ballet technique (PBT). Participants will explore dance terminology, dance history, learn variations from well-known ballets, and receive an introduction to stage makeup.
The summer creative teams reflect a strong blend of returning leadership and new voices across all programs. Former Conservatory student and dance assistant Sophia Agbay joins The Hanover Theatre this year as choreographer for both the Children's Workshop and Pre-Teen Intensive. The Pre-Teen program also welcomes Kacie Brown, a member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA) and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), as director. Brian Demar Jones joins the Teen Intensive as director, alongside choreographer Jilanne Hobson, who previously led choreography for the Pre-Teen Intensive.
Returning faculty includes Kyle Maxwell, whose New York City stage credits include off-Broadway roles in Radium Girls, Henry VI, Part 3, and Othello, as director of the Children's Workshop; Travis Benoit, a current ensemble member of EnsembleNYC, CONCORA, The Providence Singers, The Worcester Chorus, and more, as music director for the Children's Workshop and also stepping into the same role for the Pre-Teen group this year; and Stephen Trombley, veteran music educator, performer, and arts leader with more than 30 years of service in the Grafton Public Schools, as music director for the Teen sector.
The Summer Dance Intensive week will be led by Jamie Irwin-Brown (Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet), Peter Mansfield (Paul Taylor II Dance Company, Urbanity Dance Company), Charlotte McNutt (Ballet Theatre of Maryland), Ana Luisa Thompson (Companhia de Danca Rio, Ballet Arts Worcester), and Edmy Ortiz (Ritmos Academy, Salsa Storm).
For more information about summer programming and current registration availability, please visit thehanovertheatre.org/conservatory/summer.
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