Who we are
who are we?
NST (pronounced "nest") is an independent, nonprofit student theatre company formerly known as Saint Joseph Summer Theatre (SJST). These groups have been a staple of Needham, Massachusetts' theatre scene for 30 years. In that time, we have always been run entirely by students. All decisions involving the directing of actors, leading of the group, creating the set, and managing the show overall are entirely made by the NST staff: all people under the age of 21. Over the years we have become very popular, attracting audiences from around the area that come back every year. This year, we are partnering with Needham Community Education (NCE) for our summer production!
What is the "staff"?
Staff is the group of students within NST that run the whole thing. The directors block scenes and direct the actors, The tech directors design and produce the set from scratch, the music directors teach the music to the cast, and so on. They are all under 21 and most are not professionally trained in whatever they are doing, however they all work together to make the show what it becomes. Staff generally consists of the most senior members of NST.
Who can join?
Our members span several towns and age groups. While we rehearse and perform in Needham, we have members from Wellesley, Weston, and other Massachusetts towns as well. We have members from 7th grade to sophomores in college, and anyone ages 13 to 20 is welcome to join us. Many have been involved in NST for years, but we get new actors and techies every year, and our members continue to return year after year. We accept all who register into the cast, and we accept all who are interested into the crew. You do not need to reside in Needham or have to be enrolled in an academic institution to be a part of the NST family!
Our mission
Taken from our bylaws, there are several important parts to our mission:
Provide an inclusive space for youth to participate in and create quality theatre
Promote interest in performing
Provide a safe space to improve theatrical ability
Give youth a space to become leaders in their community
Navigate mental and social wellness among a caring group of peers
Community
NST is more than just a group of kids getting together in the summer to do a musical, it is a great community of friends. Often, practices are just an excuse to come hang out with each other! Almost everyone in the group refers to it as a second family. If you have any questions about the program, visit the Staff page to speak to a current staff member or DM our instagram account @needhamstudenttheatre
