Freelance Players to Start Second Needham Troupe

By Narcissa Campion

The Freelance Players, a theater company dedicated to the production of original musical theater by young people for audiences of all ages, is launching a second Needham Troupe this fall.

The program is for young people ages 8 to 12. Children with little or no acting experience are encouraged to audition. Vocal and acting technique, movement and dance training, improvisation and character development are all part of the rehearsal process. The Troupe will produce an original musical each session, with a production in January and one in May.

The Freelance Players launched its first Needham Troupe in September 2009 at the , also on Great Plain Avenue. This company produces two shows a year including "Tumbleweed," "Mything Links" and "Tortoise vs. Hare" and has met with great success throughout the community.

“The Freelance Players do a wonderful job of giving kids more confidence," said Kate Ward, a Needham Troupe parent. "Through the art of theater, the staff challenges each child to take appropriate risks and then feel success. All the while, the kids think all they are doing is putting on a show. We love it!” 

The Freelance Players Inc. was founded by its current Executive Director Kippy Dewey in 1974, when she was directing theater at the Charles River Creative Arts Program in Dover. Freelance programs use theater to foster trust, imagination and self-esteem in young people. The ensemble approach nurtures risk-taking, mutual respect, and cooperation among students. One of the organization’s greatest achievements is the sense of confidence and accomplishment that each young actor gains from belonging to Freelance and performing publically.

The Freelance Players Inc. runs Troupes in Dover (Mondays), Jamaica Plain and Cambridge (Tuesdays), and Brookline (Fridays). The Freelance Players Troupe also meets in Brookline, on Wednesdays and is for young people ages 12-16 who have had previous experience in theater. The Players also produce two shows a year (December and May). All of the companies are staffed by professional directors, musical directors, and choreographers.

The Needham Troupe 2, as it will be called, will meet on Mondays, 3:15-5:30 p.m., at the  of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave. Children of all acting/singing abilities are encouraged to participate. Auditions will be held by appointment on Sept. 12 at the church. To schedule an audition, call Kippy Dewey at 617-232-1175. For more information, visit freelanceplayers.org.