Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Jr.Location: The Philipstown Depot TheaterAge: Rising 4-7th gradersPMP Directors: Louise Denehy, Gem Sabin, and James Llewellyn*Supervisors: Thai Dodge and PMP Professionals
Musical Director: Daniel KellyDates: Weekdays starting 6/29- 7/23, 9am-2pmPerformances: 5 shows, 7/23-7/25Cost: $750Class size: 15-25Join us at the Depot Theater for our summer youth production of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Jr! Based on the beloved children's book, this joyful musical tells the story of a brilliant, courageous girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda uses her wit, intelligence and special powers to inspire her classmates and teach some nasty grown-ups a lesson. This show features a robust, active ensemble and a variety of imaginative roles, so there’s sure to be something for everyone!
We hope you’ll join us for a summer of theatrical exploration, learning, and performance!
*This unique theatrical opportunity offers a chance for budding thespians to work with, and learn from, seasoned Depot teens through our Professional Mentorship Program (PMP). Beginning in 2015 and reimagined in 2025, our PMP offers teens who are interested in the theater arts (directing, stage managing, choreography, and more) an opportunity to learn these skills from professionals, and then implement them by directing, designing, and managing the Depot Youth summer production.
Daniel Kelly is a pianist and composer whose work brings music into conversation with literature, visual art, and storytelling. Through acclaimed programs such as Shakespeare in Jazz: All the World’s a Song, Blind Visionaries, and Rakonto, he creates dynamic, interactive performances that invite audiences into the creative process.
Daniel’s teaching and artistic practice center on collaboration, imagination, and community. He has performed at performing arts centers and concert halls nationwide and served as Music Director for Hudson Valley Shakespeare's production of Penelope and last summer’s student productions at the Philipstown Depot Theater (Music Man Jr. and Curtains). He's thrilled to return to the Depot this summer!
Be More Chill
Location: The Philipstown Depot Theater
Age: Rising 8-12th graders
Director: Natalie Arneson
Musical Director: Daniel Kelly
Dates: Weekdays starting 6/29-7/30
Time: 2:30pm-5:30pm full cast (5:30pm-6:30pm select performers, as needed)
Performances: 5 shows, 7/30-8/2
Cost: $595
Class size: 13-25
Join the Depot Theater for our summer teen production of Be More Chill! This rocking, modern sci-fi musical is about growing up, high school, and what we’re willing to do to get what we want. Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about “The Squip,” a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular guy in school worth the risk? A hit on Broadway and in the West End, Be More Chill is based on the novel by Ned Vizzini.
With so many fun, creative roles and an involved, active ensemble, this show has something for everyone. We hope you’ll join us for a summer of theatrical exploration, learning, and performance!
Natalie Arneson is a director, actor, singer, and anime voiceover artist. She won the 2016 Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets Award for Best Female Debut for her original show “Mama Drama.” In New York she has appeared onstage with Playhouse Creatures, MCC, and The New York Musical Festival, and headlined at The Metropolitan Room, The Duplex, and Don’t Tell Mama. She graduated from the Guildford School of Acting in England with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She appears regularly at 54 Below in “Sondheim Unplugged” and is featured on the Sondheim Unplugged album series that was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards. In addition to her work on the stage, Natalie has spent over 20 years cultivating the next generation of artists. Most recently, she has worked with young people at Garrison Union Free School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Croton Academy of Arts, Arlington High School, Philipstown Depot Theater, James I. O’Neill High School, Haldane Elementary, and New Era Creative Space. Her students have been accepted to performing arts high schools and colleges, appeared in national television commercials, and performed both off and on Broadway. Her favorite thing in the world is helping young people find their voice, whether onstage or off, and she is immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with your children.
Daniel Kelly is a pianist and composer whose work brings music into conversation with literature, visual art, and storytelling. Through acclaimed programs such as Shakespeare in Jazz: All the World’s a Song, Blind Visionaries, and Rakonto, he creates dynamic, interactive performances that invite audiences into the creative process.
Daniel’s teaching and artistic practice center on collaboration, imagination, and community. He has performed at performing arts centers and concert halls nationwide and served as Music Director for Hudson Valley Shakespeare's production of Penelope and last summer’s student productions at the Philipstown Depot Theater (Music Man Jr. and Curtains). He's thrilled to return to the Depot this summer!
Sing-Away Camp
Location: The Philipstown Depot Theater
Age: Rising 1-3rd graders
Instructors: Anna Malinoski Stephens and Annie Claffey
Dates: 8/3-8/7, 9am-2pm
Cost: $400
Class size: 8-15
The Depot’s Sing-Away Camp, for our youngest thespians, will center around creating a musical ensemble with singing and dancing galore! Performers will learn several musical numbers from different Broadway shows. After rehearsing together for the week, they’ll present those songs in a joyous performance for friends and family. A great way to dip your toes into what it might be like being in a full show! Join us for a fun-filled week of theater games, singing, dancing, crafting, creative play, and more!
Anna is so excited to be back with Annie for another fun summer at The Depot! Anna has worked in the theatre as an actor, educator & facilitator for the past 25 years with places such as Primary Stages, Prospect Theater Company, Pittsburgh CLO and TheatreworksUSA. She lives in Cold Spring with her husband and three kids.
Annie is excited for another fabulous summer with Anna at the Depot Theater! Recent credits include: Shrek the Musical (Artistree Community Theatre), Something Rotten (ACT), Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (Artistree), Mrs. Potiphar in Joseph…Dreamcoat (Artistree). Annie can be seen around Westchester performing with Rock and Roll Playhouse. Fave role is Mom to Metta and Van.