When you walk around Winchester, do you ever see posters or standees advertising a musical? I know I do– all the time! And I’d like to talk about 3 of the theaters located in Winchester.
For starters, we have Kidstock! Creative Theater, located at 50 cross street. I’ve been going to Kidstock! myself for about two years (9 shows!) and I think it’s been great! With supportive cast members and staff, along with a wonderful show result each and every time, I find it to be a great place for those wanting to start theater. They offer improvisation classes along with full scale musicals where upon sign up everyone receives a speaking role; they do three summer shows and two in the school year. One pro I’d like to share with you is that you can meet lots of kids from all around Middlesex! From Medford to Arlington, you can make so many long lasting friendships. As for a con? It’s kind of a multiple in one, whereas they don’t post flyers, and they don’t have things like microphones or a curtain. But, despite that, it is just a WONDERFUL experience. With one show comes dance lessons and song coaching. I can personally say that from starting Kidstock! My singing has improved, and I’ve made many long lasting memories and friendships.
Secondly, Winchester Cooperative Theater, casually known as Co-op. I’ve only recently started Co-op, with The Lion King being my first show. But with my first impressions, shows that ive seen and reports from my friends who are more experienced here? It’s absolutely wonderful, and I can bet that you, the reader, has at least ONE friend or classmate in Co-op. (Ticket selling plug) and I’d bet that same friend would love you to see their show. But now is definitely not the time for that. For first impressions, Co-op is definitely more advanced and stricter than Kidstock! But that’s not to say Kidstock! is bad, just different. Co-op has flyers and standees all around, with microphones and amazing sets. But, what a pro is for Kidstock! is a con for Co-op, hence being named “Winchester cooperative theater” you’ll really only meet kids living in Winchester. But we are a great town, so that’s not horrible. I myself do invite you to see a show with us!
Finally, we have the Winchester high school theater. Because I’m in 6th grade, I’ve obviously never been in a show with WHS, but I recently saw their production of Bye Bye Birdie and oh my word was it amazing. The set was wonderful, the dancing and singing was amazing, and judging by how many cast members I saw crying after the show (I saw closing night), it definitely has created some long lasting memories for those involved it it. For anyone reading this who are currently involved in theater or want to get into it, you totally should try the high school theater when you can. And if you’re not one for the stage but still want to be involved? It’s amazing that they have a tech crew that students can be involved in.
In conclusion? I find that the theater community in Winchester is definitely thriving, and I’d hope for it to continue to grow. And I do suggest joining one of the communities I’ve talked about if you have the interest and the chance. Links for Kidstock! and Coop are below. (The high school theater sadly doesn’t have its own website.)
https://www.kidstocktheater.com/
Coop
https://winchesterchildrenstheatre.com/