The North Shore Players
Regional Community Theater for Everyone
On the North Shore of Massachusetts since 1957!
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The North Shore Players Mission
The North Shore Players Mission
To provide a platform for local and regional talent to shine, to produce high-quality theatrical productions that engage, challenge, and resonate with our audience, and to cultivate a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can explore, learn, and collaborate in storytelling through the performing arts!
Announcing "Drop Dead!" for our Spring 2026 production!
A non-stop physical comedy that turns the world of theater on its head! A cast of has-been actors plan to revive their careers in “Drop Dead!,” a potboiler murder mystery directed by “Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage” Victor Le Pewe (a psychotic, eye-twitching megalomaniac).
At the dress rehearsal the set is falling apart around them, props break, and the producer and an actor are murdered. But the show must go on! And so it does, but as the murders and mysteries exceed those in the script, the play goes incredibly wrong. The remaining thespians must save the show, their careers, solve the mystery, and somehow survive until curtain call!
For our Spring 2026 production NSP presents Drop Dead!
by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore
Show Dates: May 1st, 2nd at 7 PM
May 3rd at 2 PM
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drop-dead-tickets
Location: Hogan Regional Center Auditorium
(Click me >>>) Directions to Hogan Regional Center Auditorium
Pre show interview written by Marielle Sabbag
Is this supposed to happen or is this real?
North Shore Players (NSP) is bringing audiences a hilarious production of “Drop Dead.” The play centers around a group of has-been actors attempting to revive their careers in a new Broadway show. Several chaotic mishaps occur from technical difficulties, murder, to the horrible thought if the show can go on.
Unhinged, hysterical, and farcical. These are words the cast has used to describe the nature of North Shore Players’ upcoming show “Drop Dead.” The cast has been having an immensely fun time bringing this comical show to the stage and look forward to when audiences attend.
“Drop Dead” is directed by Tori Knight, whose passion for theater sparked at a young age through special outings with her musical-loving granny. Although she didn’t step on stage until she was 17, Knight said the experience changed her world, and now she teaches musical theater to youth performers.
Having recently moved from Seattle to Massachusetts, Knight quickly found a home with North Shore Players, where she was involved with “Sister Act” last fall. She enjoyed working with her new theater family so much that she decided to direct “Drop Dead.”
Auditions had an excellent attendance with 40 people signing up. Knight said this turnout was unexpected, but also a great thing, as audition numbers had increased since the pandemic. Ten actors were chosen for roles.
Each actor has studied their part closely, finding relatable moments. Richard White, who plays Chaz Looney has found relatable material to work with as he said both himself and his character are relatively new to theater.
“Although Chaz is just a character, I’m bringing a lot of my personality into him which makes him feel really charming and endearing,” White said.
Rehearsals have been busy with blocking, character work, and figuring out where to place all the ‘dead bodies’ onstage, according to Alison Newman, who plays Mona Monet.
The over-the-top humor is a central part of the production. Knight said they have focused on comedic timing the most. Timing has been tough to nail, but with the cast, Knight said their natural abilities have made the process easier. With much of the cast rarely leaving the stage, Knight said it has motivated the cast to make bigger challenges in acting choices.
“Because ‘Drop Dead’ moves so fast and goes so big, rehearsals have really been about finding the rhythm of the mayhem and trusting each other enough to fully commit,” said Christina Bontempa, who plays Candy Apples.
Cast members have detailed several scenes and quotes as laugh-out-loud moments.
“My favorite moments are the multiple deliveries of the word ‘Murder,’ which at times are a callback, a running gag, a declaration, or a curse,” said Michael Philbrick, who plays Philip, the stage manager within the show.
Knight said audiences should look forward to big technical elements that will enhance the show’s comical atmosphere. The props department and producers have been working hard to bring the show's many ‘deaths’ and physical gags to life.
As opening night approaches, the team hopes audiences will come ready to laugh, and maybe see a bit of themselves in the show’s exaggerated personalities.
To find out more about NSP Membership, click the "Join Us" tab at the top of the page!
Check out our "Education" and "Helpful Links" pages for some great theatre information; click on the "Main Stage" tab!
Questions? Contact NSP at northshoreplayersma@gmail.com
Fun Stuff: Link to rehearsal clip from NSP's 2025 recent Fall Production: Sister Act
Also, when you're done reviewing this page, there is a NSP various productions "Over the Years" slide show at the very bottom. Enjoy!
Do you have a play that you would like to see NSP produce? Do you have a play that you have always wanted to direct? Do you have a play that you want to be in!? It's time to start getting your suggestions in! We are accepting Play suggestions now from NSP members!
Send submission to northshoreplayersma@gmail.com
Link to North Shore Players Facebook Page for social news and tidbits
(Click me >>>) Directions to Hogan Regional Center Auditorium
Arts for All: The Vital Role of Performing Arts and the Inclusion of People with Disabilities
The performing arts, encompassing disciplines such as theater, dance, music, and more, play a pivotal role in cultural expression and social cohesion. They serve as a mirror reflecting societal values, challenges, and triumphs, providing a platform for storytelling and creative exploration that transcends language barriers. Participation in the performing arts fosters empathy, creativity, and critical thinking, while also offering therapeutic benefits, enhancing mental health and emotional well-being. Through engagement in these artistic endeavors, individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their communities, contributing to a more vibrant, inclusive society.
Inclusion of people with disabilities in the performing arts is crucial for ensuring that this vibrant cultural dialogue reflects the true diversity of human experiences. By integrating performers with disabilities, the arts become a powerful vehicle for challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. These performers bring unique perspectives and talents that enrich artistic productions, making them more authentic and resonant. Moreover, accessible and inclusive performances can inspire and educate audiences, fostering a greater appreciation for the abilities and potential of all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive differences.
Active participation of people with disabilities in the performing arts also empowers these individuals, providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Engaging in artistic activities can enhance self-esteem, improve social skills, and provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging. For many, the arts offer a pathway to professional careers, challenging the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in the cultural sector. By championing inclusivity in the performing arts, we not only enrich our cultural landscape but also take significant steps towards a more equitable society where everyone’s talents and voices are recognized and valued.
FOR MORE GREAT ARTICLES, CLICK ON THE NSP NEWSLETTER TAB AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE !!
Who ARE the North Shore Players?
Who ARE the North Shore Players?
While the North Shore Players Community Theatre organization is headquartered in Danvers, Massachusetts, NSP has cast, crew and audience members from all over the North Shore of Massachusetts and beyond!
The North Shore Players is truly a REGIONAL community theatre troupe!
NSP wants to hear from you! YOUR feedback is important!
Please go to the "About Us" tab & select "Contact Us" in the drop down menu! Thank you!
What Can You Do as a Member of the North Shore Players?
What Can You Do as a Member of the North Shore Players?
When you become part of the North Shore Players you can:
Perform on stage, become a better actor, become a better Director, try your skills at producing a show, how about writing a play!?!
We are always looking for suggestions for future plays, and welcome all to join the play reading committee.
Want to work behind the scenes and develop your set skills? Consider set decoration, costume or prop design, lighting and sound!
Last but not least, you can meet other creative people and make new friends from all over the North Shore region!
The North Shore Players is a regional community theatre troupe that offers so much to its Members & Community!
Come, discover the possibilites!
To participate in an NSP production, click the "Auditions" tab at the top of the page!
The North Shore Players are proud to be supported
by these Sponsors, Businesses and Donors!
Pauline Wright Charitable Trust September 2023 (through agency of Webster Bank, Waterbury, CT Trust Committee)
Danvers Cultural Council Grant 2020
Hoffman Trust David Fucio Mark Turnbull
And the many Annual Members who renew their Memberships every year!
Donate or Advertise with the North Shore Players ! Click the "Support Us" tab at the top of this page !
Contact the NSP at northshoreplayersma@gmail.com for details!
The North Shore Players is a supportive & fun place for creative people to explore their love of theater and the arts. Whether you love performing on stage, creating the magic back stage, or cheering from the audience, we welcome ALL to our creative family!
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