Founded in 1980, The Un-Common Theatre Company is dedicated to producing quality productions performed by aspiring young actors, singers and musicians and supported by aspiring young technicians. We are one of the few children's theatre companies in New England that provides an opportunity to work under the guidance of theatre professionals and perform in professional theater houses. Our vision is to develop the life skills of youth through the professional theatrical experience. The Un-Common Theatre Co. seeks to develop children’s confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and effective life skills in a safe environment in which creativity and appropriate risk-taking are encouraged. We also provide opportunities for children to learn from young adults and adults and for young adults and adults to mentor children. We welcome and encourage adults to join our volunteer crews which are an integral part of each production. Joining us is a sure-fire way to enrich young lives, enhance your own life, and ensure the on-going success of The Un-Common Theatre Company.

The Executive Board is comprised of Nancy DiPietro and Amy Van Dell (Co-Presidents), Lisa Armstrong (Treasurer), Sue Fice (Secretary) and Matt Reingold. The Adjunct Board includes Clara Blodgett, Kathy Dowd, Christine Eddy, Barbara Fitzgerald, Lynne Forti, Nancy Fullerton, Gavin Fraser, Shelley Goverman, Anne Marie Kelley, Chris Lowey, Joyce Parlapiano, Nancy Pickard, Sue Resnick, Rick Sitte, Doreen Tighe and Beverly Vita.

Un-Common performs three to five shows a year at various locations. CLICK HERE to see what shows we have produced in our previous seasons.

Our fall show kicks off our season and is our Fall Family Production (November) with a cast of all ages. Past shows have included kids, young adults, parents and even grandparents! It has been a fantastic way for young and old to learn from each other and encourage cross-generational mentoring relationships. What better way to enjoy a shared experience with your child or teen! This show is performed at The Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro utilizing many professionals to give our cast and audiences a very professional theatre experience.

Our Young Performers Production (YPP) (March) casts children in grades one through six and is directed and choreographed by high school students, offering a unique experience for the creative team, the cast and our audiences. Younger performers are given an opportunity to play larger, more substantial roles in a full musical production. This show is also an ideal introduction to the theatre for brand-new performers. This more relaxed and nurturing atmosphere allows first-time performers to learn from and develop their skills with their peers and allows older cast members the opportunity to mentor.

With this show, Un-Common also seeks to offer parents and grandparents an age-appropriate venue to introduce kids to the live theatre experience. We choose material that will appeal to a young audience and allows this audience to enjoy theatre for kids by kids. Our hope is to begin to instill an appreciation of the arts in a new generation. This show is performed at the Qualters Middle School in Mansfield.

Our regular Spring Production (April) seeks to showcase the talents of middle and high school students. Inthe past we have presented musicals as well as straight plays and we were recently awarded the 2011 Moss Hart Award for our production of “The Secret Garden”. This show is performed at The Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro.

In 2004, we developed our Young Adult Company Production (July). This production offers an opportunity for 16 through 21 year olds to perform very cutting-edge material. In addition to their acting duties, cast members are exposed to the overall production demands through required participation in behind the scenes activities. This experience gives them a greater appreciation of all the work that is necessary to create a quality theatre experience for the audience.

Past shows have included "Rent – School Edition" (the 2006 Moss Hart Award winner), "Spring Awakening" (the national debut for a community theatre group), and many other shows that actors of this age don’t normally have an opportunity to participate in. This show is performed at The Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro.

Our improvisational comedy troupe, Improv Soup, performs monthly throughout the school year at the Burrell School in Foxboro and at other local venues. Comprised of 13-15 high schools students, this group develops important team building skills and learns to work as a unit and support each other during the process. We also offer an Improv Soup, Jr. workshop to open up this experience for middle school students each spring.

For those who do not seek the spotlight of acting on stage, we offer a Tech Workshop which teaches the ins and outs of all aspects of behind the scenes of a production. A seasoned professional shares their knowledge of lighting design, set design and construction, costume design, sound design and stage management, giving participants experience with a wide range of skills. They then have the opportunity to use these newly acquired skills in one of our upcoming productions.

Our casts are made up of kids and adults from dozens of towns in Massachusetts such as: Abington, Attleboro, Bellingham, Berkley, Boston, Cambridge, Canton, Dedham, Easton, East Bridgewater, Foxboro, Framingham, Franklin, Hingham, Hopkinton, Lexington, Mansfield, Middleboro, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Milton, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Norwood, Raynham, Roslindale, Sharon, Stoughton, Sudbury, Walpole, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Westborough, Westwood and Wrentham; Nashua in New Hampshire; and Rhode Island towns including Cranston, North Pawtucket, Providence & Rumford.

We welcome all who enjoy introducing young people to the theater. If you'd like to volunteer with The Un-Common Theatre Company, please contact us at uncommontheatre@verizon.net or (508) 698-3098.