The Nantucket Dreamland is expanding access to its summer youth theatre program through a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Nantucket, helping more children participate in this season’s fully staged production of Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.
Through the collaboration, fifteen Boys & Girls Club members are joining other young performers in The Dreamland’s summer production. The partnership includes scholarship support, transportation to and from the Boys & Girls Club during rehearsals, and additional access resources designed to remove common barriers to participation.
“Every child deserves the chance to discover what happens when they step into the spotlight, and this partnership makes that possible for so many of our members,” said Jamie Foster, CEO of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between The Dreamland and the Boys & Girls Club to create more opportunities for children to participate in meaningful arts experiences on Nantucket. By helping remove barriers such as program cost and transportation, the collaboration helps ensure that every Club member who signed up could take part.
“We are so excited to welcome new faces to the Dreamland stage this summer,” said Jordana Fleischut, Director of Arts and Education at The Nantucket Dreamland. “One of our biggest goals is to make sure every child feels engaged and involved from the moment they arrive at rehearsal. Whether they are on stage, learning choreography, working on character, or exploring what happens behind the scenes, each rehearsal is built to keep young performers active, included, and part of the creative process.”
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration we hoped to build through our Arts & Education program,” said Alicia Carney, Executive Director of The Nantucket Dreamland. “Jordana’s collaborative spirit, deep island relationships, and leadership were the catalyst for this partnership, and it is exciting to see that vision come to life. The Dreamland brings its stage, teaching artists, and production expertise. The Boys & Girls Club brings deep relationships with Nantucket families and young people. Together, with the support of generous donors, we are making it possible for more children to walk through the door, take the stage, and experience the confidence and connection that come from being part of a production.”
The summer youth production is designed to give young performers meaningful roles, individual attention, and the experience of being part of a fully staged musical. Nantucket audiences can expect a joyful production complete with sets, costumes, choreography, and technical elements, brought to life by children participating in Dreamland’s summer theater program.
In addition to performing on stage, participants also have the opportunity to take part in a technical theater track, learning about lighting, sound, props, and stage management. The program is structured so that children remain actively engaged throughout the rehearsal process, whether they are learning music, choreography, character work, or the backstage elements that bring a production to life.
Tickets are on sale now at nantucketdreamland.org for performances July 25 through August 1.
The Nantucket Dreamland is Nantucket’s year-round nonprofit film and cultural center, dedicated to enriching the island through film, live performance, arts education, community programming, and shared cultural experiences. Through its Arts & Education Department, The Dreamland inspires young people through the transformative power of the performing arts, helping children find their voice, build confidence, and discover their place in a creative community.
The Boys & Girls Club of Nantucket provides a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where Nantucket’s young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Through year-round programs, mentorship, and community partnerships, the Club helps children and teens build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their full potential.
