Theatre Program

Theatre Information

Lion King Kids (Ages 5+)

Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now at Next Generation. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle... and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

Performances: March 17th at 6pm, 18th at 2pm and 6pm, 19th at 2pm

Sister Act Jr. (Ages 10-18)

Based on the hit 1992 film and Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Sister Act JR. is the feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet!

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act JR. will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act JR. is a reason to REJOICE!

Performances: March 31st at 6pm,April 1st at 2pm and 6pm & 2nd at 2pm

More about our Theatre Program

The Next Generation Theatre program is open to students, ages 5 through 18, and sometimes beyond. Each session runs several weeks and ends with a spectacular show open for the entire community to enjoy. Each participant learns many skills as they are exposed to every aspect of the theatre production process. Students begin to understand choreography, set design, acting, vocals, stage direction, as well as costuming and use of props. Over time, the students will have the opportunity to use their talents in different roles, thus gaining a greater understanding of the entire theatre process.

One of the most unique features of the Theatre Program is the directing team. At Next Generation Theatre each production is led by not only an adult mentor but also teen directors, Jr directors and interns, all of whom are highly motivated natural born leaders. They each have high levels of talent and years of experience in dancing, singing, choreography, set design, and costuming. The leadership team makes this program extra special; their age and experience allows them to bond and relate to actors in a way that bridges the gap between the students and adult directors. They also inspire the younger students to visualize themselves as the next generation of teen leaders.

Audition and Rehearsal Information

Basic Information

How do auditions work?

To audition, each student will need to prepare one song (one verse and the chorus will be good) of their choice. Older students may be asked to read a scene with the directors.

When auditioning in person, there is a time sheet for sign ups. Students will sing on the stage in front of the casting team. The directing team will ask you for your name, age, and what show you're auditioning for. Students will not need to stay the entirety of the audition time; most auditions normally take 3-5 minutes.

If sending in a video audition, state your name, age, and what show you're audition for before you start your song.

There are also registration papers and students biographies that need to be filled out and emailed to us or brought in. You will find all of those further down on this page.

What is the cost?

Full tuition for the session is $255 per student, $235 for a second child (or 2nd tuition of a child participating in two shows), and $215 for a third child. A $75 nonrefundable deposit is due on the date of auditions, and this deposit is deducted from the total tuition fee.

Each student's tuition helps pay for the show royalties, scripts/chorus books, costumes, props, set pieces, backdrops, makeup, and any additional costs that may come up during each show.

What should my student bring to rehearsals?

All students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that they can dance and move around freely in. Once they have received their scripts, they will need to bring them to rehearsal everyday. Students should also bring a pencil, highlighter, water bottle, and a snack or money to purchase one here (our prices range from $0.75-1.50).

Upcoming Shows

Lion King Kids (Ages 5+)

Sister Act Jr. (Ages 10-18)

Summer Session Auditions

June 7th 4-7pm

Ariel Grenier

Ariel is the owner, and a member of the Directing Team here at Next Generation. Ariel was a soloist and actress in the US Premier of Fame Forever and has been involved in 30+ Musical Theatre shows at Next Generation and across the state of Maine since 2007.

This is her twelfth year teaching at Next Generation, Tenth year as Artistic Director and Fourth season as owner of Between Friends.

Brady Rautiola

Brady is a 17-year-old junior at Hermon High School. He has been doing theatre at Next Gen since he was 8 years old, and he has been a part of the directing team for almost 5 years. Brady has had professional voice training, leadership training, and has experience in theatre education. He is currently in school for business leadership. Brady hopes to help foster the growth of young minds through the arts, and create a brighter future for our "Next Generation".

Gabe Tibbetts

Gabe Tibbetts is a 15 year old sophomore at Brewer High School. Gabe has been acting at Next Gen for over 10 years, and has been a part of the directing team for 2 years. Gabe has leadership experience through student council, sports team captain, and scouting organization positions. Gabe is in school to become a mechanical engineer.

Hailey Bouchard

Hailey is 15-year-old sophomore at Brewer High School. She has been doing theatre at Next Gen since she was 8 years old and she has been a part of the directing team for over a year. Hailey has professional vocal training and public speaking/performing experience.

Adalyn Tan

Adalyn is a 12 year old homeschool student. She has been in 15 plays at Next Generation Theatre since 2016, and 2022 is her first year as an Intern. Addie has dance experience and is currently taking voice lessons. She also has participated in multiple theater tech workshops to help her learn more about costuming, set design, lighting, choreography, and vocal instruction. Adalyn is thrilled with this new role as Intern and the chance to share her love of theatre with the younger students. Even though she loves to be on stage performing, she's equally excited to work behind the scenes.

Emma Kinnear

Emma is 12 years old and is a seventh grader at William S. Cohen Middle School. She has been acting at Next Generation for two years, and this is her first session on the directing team. Emma has professional vocal training, loves working with young children, and is on the student council. Emma loves all aspects of the theater and is excited to share that passion with others.

AnnaBeth Moody

AnnaBeth Moody is a 16 year old homeschooled student. She has been at Next Generation for almost 7 years across the theatre, dance, and art programs. Annabeth has been dancing for almost her whole life, and has experience caring for children.

About Us

Founders

Past owner, Tracey Marceron founded Between Friends Art Center, home of Next Generation Theatre, with the help and vision of her daughter Lexi Marceron and her friend James Bartol. While still in high school, Lexi and Jamie brought their dream of a “year round” theatre program to life. They believed that for students, like themselves, who wanted a career in the Arts, a once a year summer camp theatre program was just not enough. With that in mind, they created the area’s first year round children’s theatre program and later that summer they opened a dance studio for kids of all ages and levels.

Next Generation Theatre was created with the key idea that “Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow.” With this in mind, Tracey decided to make her Arts program accessible to children from all socioeconomic backgrounds; to give all the children in the community an opportunity to experience the Arts firsthand.

Our Start

Next Generation Theatre’s first class was taught in June of 2007. It began with only 6 kids who later performed “The Velveteen Rabbit” in August of that same year. The first musical production, “Wind in the Willows,” had a cast of only 15 children. Today the Next Generation Theatre’s Children’s Program has more than 300 students attending year round and has expanded to include art classes and a variety of dance classes. We invite you to come to Between Friends Art Center and “Dream Big.”

Their foundation will always live on through our students.

Next Generation Theatre