Hanover Theater Announces Summer Programming!

The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts has officially unveiled its lineup for the 2026 summer educational programs. This year’s roster features full-scale student productions of Disney’s Frozen Jr. and the hit Broadway musical The Prom School Edition, bringing young talent straight to the BrickBox Theater and The Hanover Theatre Main Stage.

Designed for performers of all ages and skill levels, the immersive programs offer everything from introductory workshops to pre-professional intensives, all led by a dynamic mix of new and returning industry professionals.

Investing in the Next Generation

For Worcester’s youth, the programs are more than just a way to fill the summer months—they are a direct pipeline to working with seasoned artists who are invested in the local community.

"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."

A Breakdown of the 2026 Summer Programs

Whether your child is just stepping onto the stage or preparing for college auditions, the Conservatory has tailored programs running from late June through mid-August:

• Children’s Musical Theatre Workshop (Grades 1–4)
  • Dates: June 29–July 3, August 3–7, or August 10–14
  • The Vibe: A fun, high-energy introduction to the arts featuring theatre games, dance, singing, and creative projects, culminating in a showcase at The BrickBox Theater.
• Pre-Teen Musical Theatre Intensive (Grades 5–8)
  • Dates: July 6–18 or July 20–August 1
  • The Vibe: A fast-paced, two-week experience where students work with a professional director and choreographer to bring Disney’s Frozen Jr. to life, ending with three live performances at The BrickBox.
• Teen Musical Theatre Intensive (Grades 9 through first-year post-grad)
  • Dates: July 6–26 or July 27–August 15 (Kicks off with a 3-day Broadway Bootcamp June 29–July 1)
  • The Vibe: A rigorous, pre-professional training ground focusing on elite audition prep, staging, and choreography. The intensive culminates in a full-scale production of The Prom School Edition on The Hanover Theatre’s iconic Main Stage.
• Summer Dance Intensive Week (Ages 7–12)
  • Dates: August 10–14
  • The Vibe: Classical ballet training paired with modern styles like jazz, flamenco, contemporary, and progressing ballet technique (PBT). Students will also dive into dance history and stage makeup.

Top-Tier Talent Leading the Way

The Conservatory is bringing serious star power to the faculty this year, balancing familiar faces with exciting new voices.

Notably, former Conservatory student and dance assistant Sophia Agbay returns as the choreographer for both the Children’s Workshop and Pre-Teen Intensive. The Pre-Teen program also welcomes director Kacie Brown, a member of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). Meanwhile, Brian Demar Jones joins the Teen Intensive as director, working alongside choreographer Jilanne Hobson.

Returning favorites include:

• Kyle Maxwell (NYC stage veteran, Radium Girls) directing the Children’s Workshop.
• Travis Benoit (EnsembleNYC, The Worcester Chorus) serving as music director for both the Children and Pre-Teen sectors.
• Stephen Trombley (veteran educator with 30+ years at Grafton Public Schools) anchoring the Teen Intensive as music director.

The Summer Dance Intensive will feature instruction from an elite lineup of dancers from the Boston Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and local favorites like Ritmos Academy, including Jamie Irwin-Brown, Peter Mansfield, Charlotte McNutt, Ana Luisa Thompson, and Edmy Ortiz.

How to Register

Spaces for these popular summer slots tend to fill up quickly. For more details on schedules, tuition, and current registration availability, parents and students can visit thehanovertheatre.org/conservatory/summer.