Main Stage

 North Shore Players Audition Notices ! 

The North Shore Players invites you to audition for our Shakespeare in the Park production of 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

Auditions will be held at Hogan Regional Center in Danvers, MA on Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, May 18 at 7:00 PM. Callbacks will be Wednesday, May 20 if necessary.  Please sign up for one audition slot only. 

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA4A622A7FFC52-63870526-amidsummer

Recent Rehearsal Photos from Drop Dead!

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.

For the 2027/2028 season:  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! 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

NSP's most recent production was "Sister Act" (a musical)

which was performed on November 21, 22 and 23rd, 2025

Link to rehearsal clip from NSP's 2025 recent Fall Production:  Sister Act