Theatre Program

Theatre Information

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 adult mentors 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 sufficient) 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 2-4 minutes.

There are also registration papers and students biographies that need to be filled out and emailed to us or brought in. These will be sent to you in an e-mail after signing up.

What is the cost? Commitment?

Production Tuition- $295 (sibling discount available)

First deposit of $100 deposit is due when you sign up for an audition slot, second deposit of $100 is due at auditions, and final $95 payment is due by the first rehearsal. All deposits are non refundable.

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

Everyone that auditions gets a part! We are looking for commitment from our students, and every student is needed at every Wednesday and Friday rehearsal (Occasionally our dress rehearsals may fall on a week end day). Students must not have more than 4 planned absence to audition.

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 every day. Students should also bring a pencil, highlighter, water bottle, and a snack or money to purchase one at our concession stand (our prices range from $0.75-$2).

Next Audition Date: TBA

Ages 5-18.

Every student that auditions gets a part. Call and get your audition time early to guarantee your part in our next production.

Ariel Grenier Owner/Head Director

Ariel is the owner, artistic director and head of the Directing Team for Next Generation Theatre/Dance Studio and on Faculty for Studio One for Dancers in Oakland, ME. She comes from a long line of performers and had her debut on stage at the age of 2. She is a Board Member for Maine Dance Teachers Club and has been a dance and theatre educator for over a decade locally as well as in the UK and Ireland. She received her Bachelors in Psychology and Early Development with a minor in Dance from the University of Maine.

Ariel’s musical theatre accomplishments include BroadwayWorld: Maine - Choregraphy Winner, soloist in the US Premier of Fame Forever, and acting in numerous shows from Young Frankenstein to Hello Dolly. Her choreography credits include Matilda, Head Over Heels, Wizard of Oz, and Elf at WOH as well as countless productions at Next Generation, Studio One, Cassie’s School of Dance, Maine Arts Camp and Bradley’s School of Dance.

Ariel has been involved with Next Generation since 2011 and was ecstatic to have the opportunity to take on the journey of ownership in 2019.

Brady Rautiola Programs Advisor

Brady has been the Programs Advisor for Next Generation Theatre since 2025. He has been with the program since 2014, including 2 years as the Student Head Director for the program. He is currently serving as the 21st Century Coordinator at Mary Snow Elementary School.

Outside of the theatre realm, Brady spent 3 years serving in the Army National Guard as an administrative Non-Commissioned Officer with the 126th Aviation Unit.

Brady is excited to continue work helping kids find passion in the arts, and become the best versions of themselves on stage.

Adalyn Tan Student Head Director

Adalyn is a 16 year old 11th grade homeschool student. She has been in 22 shows at Next Generation Theatre since 2016. Addie has dance experience and takes 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 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, and help shape the next generation of theater performers.

Lexi Hikel Stage Manager

Lexi Hikel is a 17 year old Senior at John Bapst Memorial High School. She has been a part of Next Gen for 7 years and has been on the directing team for 10 shows. Lexi is very grateful to have become part of such an amazing family and is excited continue teaching and learning from students and directing team alike!

Our Past Creative Team members

Tracey Marceron '07-'19

Lexi Marceron '07-09

Jamie Bartol '07-'09

Rachel Caron '09-'11

Stephanie Colavito '10-'11

Tommy McCarthy '11-'12

Alekzander Sayers '11-'12

Macey Jennings '12-'14

Laura Gordon '13-'17

Kate Fogg '14-'18

Emily Hughes '14-'18

Elliot Tuttle '14-'18

Lana Sabbagh '15-'18

Bridget Saunders '17-'19

Anna Spaulding '17-'19

Hannah Nilsson '18-'20

Grace Galinski '17-'21

Lyrica Marsh '17-'21

Emma Selanikio '18-'22

Brady Rautiola '18-'24

Hailey Bouchard '25

Gabe Tibbetts '25

Elliott Adams '26

About Us

Founders

Former owner and Founder, Tracey Marceron created 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 youth 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 Youth Program has more than 300 students attending year round and has expanded to include dance classes, art classes and a variety of additional resources. We invite you to come to Between Friends Art Center and “Dream Big.”

Next Generation Theatre

Next Generation Theatre

Theatre Information

More about our Theatre Program

Audition and Rehearsal Information

Basic Information

Next Audition Date: TBA

Audition Papers

Our Directing Team

Ariel Grenier Owner/Head Director

Brady Rautiola Programs Advisor

Adalyn Tan Student Head Director

Lexi Hikel Stage Manager

Other Directing Team

Assistant Stage Managers

Assistant Directors

Junior Stage Manager

Junior Director

Senior Interns

Interns

Gallery of Past Shows

Our Past Creative Team members

About Us

Founders

Our Start