By Emma Stewart, Director of Programs
This season, Kidstock! is bringing back KCT Productions for our performers in Grades 3–6. I’ve worked in theater education and production for years, including at the Natick Drama Workshop, and I am really excited for this season’s shows at Kidstock! Whether your child has been in a production at school or in another program, this season of original shows at Kidstock! will be unique. Here’s what I am most excited for:
1. The power of ensemble storytelling.
Our shows are all ensemble casts and one of the things I’m most excited about is watching students grow together as an ensemble. Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve experienced in youth theater have come from seeing students learn to trust one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and create something bigger than themselves.
2. Ensembles built with age-appropriate experiences meet students where they are.
Having worked with young performers for several years, I love seeing curriculum designed specifically for each age group. We are building our ensembles, scripts, and production experiences tailored around age groups. This allows students to build confidence, creativity, and performance skills in ways that are both challenging and joyful.
3. Shows that are designed to balance process and performance.
The best productions aren’t just about opening night—they’re about the friendships, discoveries, and growth that happen throughout the rehearsal process. I’m excited that Kidstock! values the journey just as much as (if not more than) the final product with their productions.
4. Creating a place for every child.
Some of my favorite memories from teaching at Natick Drama Workshop came from watching certain students who were initially shy or unsure find their voice and realize they had something special to contribute. Kidstock!’s approach to all productions is create opportunities for every child to experience this for themselves.
5. Original titles means creative opportunities.
I love that Kidstock! encourages imagination and gives students the chance to bring unique stories to life. By doing original shows, there is no “right” line or proper way to do something. It gives our students the space to be creative, and takes the priority off of just memorization or the need to play a role the “right” way. There’s something incredibly exciting about creating theater that feels fresh, playful, and tailored to the students involved.
6. Young performers get to experience creative ownership.
Alongside creativity, I’ve seen how empowering it can be to let young performers make creative choices in bringing a story to life and contribute ideas. It gives young performers a sense of ownership as they work together to create the story. Those moments of collaboration and ownership often become the memories students carry with them long after the curtain closes.
7. Creativity and performance build confidence.
Beyond songs and lines, productions teach empathy, communication, resilience, and teamwork. Those life skills are what make children’s theater so special, and I’m excited to see students continue to grow both on and off the stage this year.
This season we have two original plays and two original musicals for performers to join. From new spins on familiar tales, like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, to completely original pieces like Kidstock!’s “The Haunted Hotel,” it’s going to be so much fun for all.
If you have any questions about our productions this season, or how we build an inclusive experience for all our actors in KCT Productions, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to help your child find the best theater experience for them.
About the Author
Emma Stewart, Program Director at Kidstock! Creative Theater
Emma Stewart is a community-focused arts educator with expeirence in youth theater programs, and community connection. She is dedicated to building spaces where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
