Middle School Students Take the Stage with Natick Drama Workshop

The magic of the Natick Drama Workshop (NDW) is as much in the organization’s innovative, spirited performances as it is in the connections it grows in the community. Clearly, NDW has an important role to play in Natick, as it has fostered a love of drama in generations of children for more than 50 years.
Collaborative Theatre
Natick middle school students (between fifth and eighth grade) can participate in NDW’s productions. Two musicals, a fall and a spring performance, are held in the Natick Middle Schools each year. Once students are cast, a group of 40 to 60 students is given instruction in acting, song and dance.
NDW is backed by a devoted team, including board members, professional staff and the Friends of NDW, located at 179 Boden Lane. Parents also play important roles, collaborating to create sets and costumes and handling sales and promotion so their children can focus on acting.
For David Levinson, Friends of NDW co-chair, the organization’s work has personal meaning. “NDW has been important to so many families in Natick, including mine,” he said. “It builds friendships and memories, teaches participants all aspects of stage production, and fosters connections with the community and kids from other middle schools.”
Student and Community Development
Through NDW, students of different ages and skill levels work together to create performances to be proud of. “NDW has provided an outlet for many middle school students interested in the arts,” Levinson said. “Our director skillfully makes NDW accessible for those that are comfortable on stage and for those that are trying to find their voice.”
While developing each young actor in workshop-style rehearsals, families are involved in the behind-the-scenes work that fosters bonds throughout neighborhoods and school systems. “A close community and theater family is formed, creating a wonderful experience for many kids and their parents,” NDW Director Cindy Wright said.
The organization also makes a priority of supporting the larger community by giving back. They participate in the annual Natick Service Council telethon, organize two food drives during the year, and student participants take part in multiple public events, including Natick Days, Spooktacular and Maple Madness.
Over the years, NDW has developed notable alumni who have gone on to enrich communities outside of Natick. They include Jacob Clerico, a dancer at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of American Ballet Theatre; Jimmy Larkin, a performer for a “Beauty and the Beast” national tour; and Stephanie Ebeling, a wardrobe assistant for Barter Theatre in Virginia.
From Pirates to
a New Adventure
The 2016 fall musical was the rousing comedy “The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree.” Every performance was well attended, and the last show sold out. The costumes were the highlight of the show, leading parents to create a special event for the students after the final performances.
“Each show, the parent volunteers take the sets to a new level,” Levinson explained. “Last spring, for the show ‘Flapper!,’ we created a replica plane that the kids were able to sit in and take pictures. This year we put on a parade for the kids to show off their pirate costumes.”
Registration for the spring semester is now closed, but interested middle school students should plan to register as early as possible for the 2017 fall semester. The spring show will be formally announced after auditions take place in January. Residents should look out for details about the next performances, which will be scheduled in late March and early April.
For more information about NDW, visit http://ndw.squarespace.com.