Newtown Arts Company’s Backstage Buzz

Every story begins somewhere. As Newtown Arts Company's 2026 Stars of Tomorrow program brings A Colonial Tale to life during America's 250th anniversary, we asked one simple question: Why do we tell stories? The answers became a story of their own.

Lisa Reiser & Michelle McNamara, Producers

Alyssa Wiltbank, Director

Mike Dettra, Music Director

Malloree Neuman, Costume Director

Jim Banar, Playwright

For more on Newtown Arts Company, visit www.newtownartscompany.com.

Newtown Arts Company's Backstage Buzz returns with a trip down the yellow brick road as we revisit the Stars of Tomorrow youth program — one year later. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on an original adaptation of The Wizard of Oz and hear directly from the student performers, volunteers, and creative team who bring the magic to life in just five days. From first rehearsals to final bows, it’s a whirlwind of teamwork, talent, and theatrical transformation.

Stars of Tomorrow Performance

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 2: 00 p.m.

Newtown Theatre, 120 N State St, Newtown PA 18940

Purchase tickets for the production HERE.

To learn more about Newtown Arts Company, visit www.newtownartscompany.com.

Newtown Arts Company's Backstage Buzz goes on set with Stars of Tomorrow 2024 as they rehearse their production for their first summer session: Snow White and the Many, Many Dwarves. We hear from from volunteers and students about what its like being a part of Stars. A special shout out to the production team:

Lisa Reiser, Production Manager

Interested in the program? Learn more here.

Want tickets to see the show? Follow this link to purchase tickets.

In this episode, we catch up with performer Kevin Ogborn about his recent run in Newtown Arts Company's production of Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical just as he was preparing to emcee and perform at the company's 40th anniversary celebration along with gearing up for a few other projects. Tune in to learn what roped Kevin into his growing involvement with the Newtown Arts Company.

For more on Newtown Arts Company, visit https://newtownartscompany.com.

There is just something about the Newtown Theatre. In this episode, an interview with Andy Smith, Executive Director of Newtown Theatre, gets to the heart of why Newtown Theatre has stood the test of time as the heart of Newtown, Pennsylvania. 

For all the latest happenings at Newtown Theatre, visit their website at https://www.thenewtowntheatre.com.

Interested in becoming a member, visit: https://www.thenewtowntheatre.com/members.

Want to donate? More information can be found here.

In this episode, we chat with performer Kevin Ogborn about everything from his role in Newtown Arts Company's production of Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical to his experience producing multiple Guinness World Records. He also offers his secret on how he finds time to enjoy perfecting his performance career with opportunities like Master Class Monday while running a number of businesses and volunteering for causes that matter to him. 

Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical runs from April 18-21, 2024 at Newtown Theatre. Don't miss out! Get tickets to see the show here.

In this episode, we welcome actor, improviser and writer Shannon O'Neill to the show. Shannon has been a part of the Legendary Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC for more than 20 years. You have seen her on High Maintenance, The Other Two and Broad City amongst other projects. She has been an instructor for Newtown Arts Company's Master Class Monday. We chat with Shannon about her experiences teaching improv and she even walks host Emily Advani through an improv exercise on air. 

Check out some of Shannon's improv at RaaaatScraps.com.

You can see all things Shannon on her website, and join Shannon and the other Master Class instructors at Master Class Monday hosted by Newtown Arts Company and the Newtown Theatre.

In this episode, we welcome Alexis Bronkovic to the show. Lexi is an actor, singer, producer, director and teaching artist. We hear from Lexi about her exciting career which got its start on stage right here at Newtown Arts Company, and about a first-of-its-kind series, Master Class Monday, she is bringing to life at the Newtown Theatre.