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Adirondack Explorer Features Success of 2026 Depot Theatre Academy

Depot Theatre Academy

Our thanks to Annette Stephens of the Adirondack Explorer for writing a great feature on the expansion of the Depot Theatre Academy this year!

Instead of the equity actors who typically grace the main stage at Westport’s Depot Theatre, this season the lights came up on a group of local teens. A veteran cast from communities around the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley took on “Hadestown: Teen Edition.” This was a full-adaptation of the musical written by Anaïs Mitchell, a Vermont-native. […]

Following the success of “Hadestown: Teen Edition” as part of the Depot’s Dark Night Series, Academy seniors performed “Ride the Cyclone,” concert-style, on July 17 and 18. A concert-style performance of a show entails reading and singing through a script on stage, typically without scene-blocking or choreography. […]

“Being on the same stage as equity actors physically and using the same space brings a level of maturity to my own performance,” Lobdell said. “It makes me realize how real a future career in theater could be. It makes me want to do the best that I can and encourage my castmates to also be doing what they can to have the best show possible.”

Next up for Lobdell? Co-directing the Academy junior program’s run of “Seussical Jr.” with Cooper Halloran, a castmate in “Ride the Cyclone.” Lobdell and Halloran, a writing major at Ithaca College, grew up together in school and on the stage.

Read more in the full article here. 

Depot Theatre Academy Announces Cast for Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition) Concert Performances

The Depot Theatre Academy is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its upcoming concert presentation of Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition), presented as part of the Depot Theatre’s Dark Nights series.

Following the success of the Depot Theatre Academy’s acclaimed production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, the Academy’s summer season continues with two Main Stage concert performances of Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition), showcasing seven remarkable young performers alongside a live band of professional musicians.

The cast includes:

The Amazing Karnak – Cooper Halloran
Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg – Ella Lobdell
Mischa Bachinski – Parker Scanio
Noel Gruber – Lee Fay
Ricky Potts – Nathaniel DeBoos
Constance Blackwood – Olive Borrette
Jane Doe – Lindsay Haner

The production is directed by Gigi Mason, with music direction by Aaron Jodoin and associate music direction by Calvin Marshall.

The creative team also includes Bonnie B. Brewer (Lighting Design), Natalie Cohn (Projections), Jim Carroll (Sound), Marley Ihne (Assistant Audio), and costumes by Gigi Mason.

Performances feature a live band led by Aaron Jodoin, with Grace Sayward (Keyboard 2), Calvin Marshall (Guitar), Anastasia Pratt (Bass), and Stu Pray (Drums).

Presented in concert, Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition) brings Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell’s unforgettable musical to life through an extraordinary score, unforgettable characters, and the talent of some of the region’s rising young performers.

Performances take place Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, at the Depot Theatre in Westport.

Tickets are available at DepotTheatre.org.

Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition)
 Book, Music & Lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell 

Read this in Broadway World.

Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H Expand Youth Programming with Live Talkback and Behind-the-Scenes Workshop

DepotTheatre_Youth Hadestown bannerThis June, the Depot Theatre Academy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County’s 4-H program continue their growing partnership with two new opportunities designed to bring young people closer to the creative process, both onstage and behind the scenes.

On Friday, June 12, following the evening performance of Hadestown: Teen Edition, the Depot Theatre will host a youth-focused Depot Dialogue, a post-show conversation created with area students in mind. The talkback will offer a chance to reflect on the performance, ask questions, and explore the themes and storytelling choices of the production in a setting that is welcoming, informal, and youth-centered.

To support access, 4-H will sponsor a block of reduced-price tickets for Essex County youth, helping make the experience available to more students while creating a natural connection to 4-H programming throughout the year.

“This partnership is about creating meaningful entry points for young people,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. “Experiences like this don’t just introduce students to the arts, they open the door to continued engagement, connection, and growth through 4-H.”

The following weekend, on Saturday, June 20, the Academy will host its next Theatre Pop-Up Workshop: Inside the Build: Set, Production, and Process at the Depot Theatre.

Timed between productions of Hadestown: Teen Edition and Tick, Tick…Boom!, the two-hour workshop invites students into the working environment of a live theatre in transition. Participants will have the opportunity to observe scenic and production elements up close, engage with aspects of the build process where appropriate, and gain insight into how a professional production comes together.

The workshop is designed to be hands-on, flexible, and grounded in real-time learning, offering students a chance to explore not only artistic roles but also the planning, coordination, and problem-solving that underpin every production.

“Theatre is one of the few places where art, logistics, and people all collide at once,” said Aaron Jodoin, the Depot Theatre’s Artistic Director. “This partnership is about opening that world up and giving young people a way to step inside it, ask questions, and see where they might fit.”

These June programs build on the partnership launched earlier this year between the Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H, which focuses on communication, mentorship, and creative skill-building for Essex County youth through theatre-based experiences.

Additional workshops and youth programs are planned throughout the summer. For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, email essex4h@cornell.edu or visit https://bit.ly/Depot4H.

You can also see this article in the Sun Community News, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, or Press Republican. 

Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H Bring Youth Workshops and Career Programming to New County Facility

April workshops launch the first public event in Essex County’s new Youth and Agriculture Building, with expanded career-focused programming to follow.

The Depot Theatre Academy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County (CCE) will continue their county-wide 4-H youth partnership this spring with a new series of workshops in Essex County schools and community spaces.

The program will host an afterschool session on Friday, April 17 at the Mountain View Campus through OASIS, with a companion regional workshop scheduled for Saturday morning, April 18 at the newly constructed Essex County Youth and Agriculture Building at the Fairgrounds in Westport.

The April 18 workshop will mark the first public program held in the new facility, located at 6 Fairground Way, representing a significant moment for youth programming in the county.

In addition to the April workshops, the partnership will continue this spring and summer with a series of career-oriented theatre workshops open to 4-H and area youth, exploring careers in set building and carpentry, lighting and design, sound and acoustics, casting direction, and production management.

A Depot Dialogue post-show Q&A event will also be held in conjunction with Hadestown: Teen Edition on Friday, June 12, offering 4-H and area youth the opportunity to engage directly with artists and production staff in conversation about theatre-making and creative careers.

The partnership between the Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H is designed to support youth development through theatre-based communication, mentorship, and experiential learning aligned with the 4-H Thrive Model.

“Programs like this are about creating space for young people to find their voice,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. “Through the 4-H Thrive framework, we focus on positive youth development, helping young people build confidence, connection, and competence. This partnership expands those opportunities in a creative and engaging way.”

The April sessions will be led by theatre artists Tyler Nye and Mason Barber, local professionals who are both part of the Depot Theatre community and whose work spans performance, directing, and youth arts programming.

“This is exactly the kind of work we hope to see happening through the Academy,” said Scott Gibree, President of the Depot Theatre Board of Trustees. “Creating opportunities for young people to build confidence and communication skills, whether at the theatre, in schools, or in new community spaces, is central to how we think about our role in the region.”

Together, these initiatives represent a multi-layered approach to youth development, combining communication skills, mentorship, and creative exploration within a supportive community setting.

For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, email essex4h@cornell.edu or visit https://bit.ly/CCE_DT.

About The Depot Theatre / Depot Theatre Academy

The Depot Theatre, located in Westport, New York, is a professional producing theatre dedicated to artistic excellence, youth education, and community engagement. The Depot Theatre Academy provides training, mentorship, and performance opportunities for young artists throughout the region.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County provides research-based programming in youth development, agriculture, and community well-being. Through 4-H, CCE supports experiential learning, skill exploration, and leadership pathways for young people across the county.

See this article in the Sun Community News.

Depot Theatre and 4-H Launch County-Wide Theatre-Based Communication & Mentorship Program

The Depot Theatre / Depot Theatre Academy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County (CCE) have formalized a new county-wide partnership to bring theatre-based communication skills, career exploration, and mentorship opportunities to 4-H and regional youth across Essex County.

The partnership will launch this spring with a series of Pop-Up Theatre Workshops designed to help students build presentation skills, confidence, and leadership capacity through structured, experiential learning.

Beginning March 30, professional teaching artists from The Depot Theatre will facilitate 60–90-minute after-school sessions for the middle & high school students of Boquet Valley Central School, with the objective of expanding to other county schools this year.  

School-based sessions will be supported by regional half-day Saturday morning workshops in Westport, open to middle & high school aged youth from multiple districts. Registration information for the first Saturday workshop on April 18  can be found here. 

Beyond in-school programming, the partnership includes a series of career-oriented workshops introducing youth to the many professional pathways within theatre production, including set building and carpentry, lighting and projections, sound and acoustics, casting direction, and production management. 

A special Depot Dialogue post-show Q&A event in conjunction with Hadestown: Teen Edition in early June will invite area youth into conversation with artists and production professionals.

In addition, the agreement establishes a framework for optional one-to-one mentorship collaboration, aligning with successful mentoring models already active in Essex County. 

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that communication is a life skill,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. “The 4-H Thrive Model emphasizes experiential learning and youth leadership development. By integrating theatre-based methods into that framework, we are expanding how young people practice clarity, confidence, and collaborative problem-solving in ways that are both rigorous and engaging.”

“Theatre offers young people something increasingly rare — focused presence,” said Gigi Mason, Director of The Depot Theatre Academy. “When students practice speaking with intention in a supportive environment, they aren’t just performing; they are learning how to advocate for themselves, lead projects, and communicate clearly in school and beyond. These are transferable skills that last.”

“This initiative sits squarely within several of our core strategic pillars,” said Scott Gibree, Chair of The Depot Theatre Board of Trustees. “The Academy has long been a training ground for young artists on our stage in Westport. This partnership expands that reach, bringing our educational programming directly into schools and into communities across the county. It reflects our commitment to making the arts accessible as a tool for growth and opportunity.”

The collaboration will run through December 2026, with potential for annual renewal, and is supported through funding administered by CCE.

Additional information & registration for upcoming workshops can be found here. 

About The Depot Theatre / Depot Theatre Academy

The Depot Theatre, located in Westport, New York, is a professional producing theatre dedicated to artistic excellence, youth education, and community engagement. The Depot Theatre Academy provides structured training programs, performance opportunities, and mentorship for young artists throughout the region.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County provides research-based education and programming in youth development, agriculture, and community development. Through 4-H programming, CCE supports youth leadership, experiential learning, and lifelong skill-building. 

See this in the news from Sun Community News and Press Republican. 

Depot Theatre Announces 2026 Season of New Voices, New Energy, and Expanded Creative Pathways

New Artistic Director Aaron Jodoin and long-time Academy Director Gigi Mason bring fresh perspectives to a season that bridges professional and educational work

WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre, the Adirondacks’ first and oldest professional Equity theatre, has announced its 2026 season—a vibrant blend of new voices, beloved music, and intergenerational storytelling that reflects the company’s continued artistic evolution and deep community roots.

The 2026 season marks the first under the artistic leadership of Aaron Jodoin. A familiar face to Depot Theatre audiences and artists alike, Jodoin brings Broadway-level experience alongside a strong commitment to arts education and the Westport community. Having served as music director for past Main Stage and Academy productions, he has worked closely with Academy Director Gigi Mason to mentor young performers and cultivate the next generation of theatre artists. His collaborative approach and passion for developing artists at every level strengthen the Depot Theatre’s creative community and reinforce its commitment to excellence in performance and education.

“I’ve made theatre in a lot of different rooms, it’s a gift to build a season in a community that feels like home and I’ve come to love. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life at the Depot Theatre and grateful for the trust in me from Sarah and the Board of Directors,” said Jodoin.

Aaron Jodoin at the keyboard

Aaron Jodoin at the keyboard

2026 Season Highlights

The season opens with the Depot Theatre Academy’s production of Hadestown: Teen Edition by Anaïs Mitchell, a licensed youth adaptation presented under agreement with Concord Theatricals. The production places young artists at the center of a contemporary musical story, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to professional-level training and ensemble-driven work.

The Academy will also present two Main Stage concert performances of Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition) by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell in July. The musical’s darkly comic tone and ensemble-driven storytelling make it a natural fit for Academy performers.

The Main Stage season continues with Tick, Tick… Boom! Jonathan Larson’s inspiring, semi-autobiographical musical about creativity, persistence, and the courage to follow one’s artistic dreams. 

Mid-summer brings Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help by Katie Forgette, a heartfelt and hilarious look at family, faith, and survival.

The season concludes with Ring of Fire, created by Richard Maltby Jr., a high-energy celebration of Johnny Cash’s music that closes the summer with rhythm, grit, and heart.

“This season is a powerful reflection of where the Depot Theatre is headed,” said Sarah Wilson, executive director. “We’re deepening our artistic range, strengthening our Academy’s visibility, and building bridges between professional artists, students, and audiences. The result is a lineup that’s as entertaining as it is meaningful.”

Academy 

Under the guidance of Academy Director Gigi Mason, the Depot Theatre Academy continues to grow as a regional leader in performing arts education—offering professional-level experiences for students while building audiences of the future.

“Our young performers are fearless,” said Mason. “They bring fresh energy and authenticity to every story we tell. Seeing them step onto the Main Stage in Hadestown: Teen Edition will be a thrilling way to open the summer.”

The Academy will continue with its August Junior Program at the Whallonsburg Grange as well. 

New Programming

In addition to its Main Stage and Academy productions, the Depot Theatre will launch Dark Nights programming—offering intimate concerts, new play readings, and special performances between productions. These limited engagements will spotlight regional talent, Academy performers, and emerging artists, strengthening the Theatre’s role as a year-round creative hub. The series also revives the spirit of the Depot Theatre’s earlier Intermezzo series, offering intimate performances that echo a beloved tradition while looking ahead to new creative possibilities.

The Dark Nights series will be developed under new artistic producing oversight, with Artistic General Manager Amy Fitts helping shape its concerts, readings, and small-format performances.

”The Depot Theatre’s mission has always included developing artists at every level,” said Scott Gibree, President of the Board of Trustees. “This season brings that commitment into clearer focus by more fully connecting our Academy with the Main Stage. With Aaron’s leadership, we’re strengthening that partnership while continuing to deliver the high-quality work our audiences rely on.”

Gift certificates for the Depot Theatre’s 2026 Main Stage season are now available at https://depottheatre.org/gift-certificates/. 

Visit DepotTheatre.org and subscribe to our email list or follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with season detail announcements, including when season passes and ticket sales begin.  

See this in the news from Sun Community News and BroadwayWorld. 

Depot Theatre’s Radio Play of A Christmas Carol is a Story of Hope and Forgiveness

The 2024 Performance of a Christmas Carol, Presented by The Depot Theatre Academy & Whallonsburg Grange Hall. (Credit: Official Show Photography by Betsy Bacot)

The 2024 Performance of a Christmas Carol, Presented by The Depot Theatre Academy & Whallonsburg Grange Hall. (Credit: Official Show Photography by Betsy Bacot)

“The holidays are a time to revisit old classics, whether it’s your favorite Christmas movies or annual performances of the Nutcracker. This Sunday, the Depot Theatre Academy in Westport is revisiting the Charles Dickens tale, ‘A Christmas Carol.’

It will be the 4th annual presentation of the story in the form of a radio play, written by Philip Grecian and performed at the Whallonsburg Grange. The play is co-directed by Amy Fitts and Gigi Mason and begins at 3 pm.

Mason spoke with Emily Russell about the performance, which will raise money and collect food donations for local pantries.”

(Link to full NCPR interview here.)

Depot Theatre Academy Celebrates Holiday Season with Festive Events

The Depot Theatre Academy is celebrating the holiday season with two special events bringing together community, creativity, and the rising young artists who are shaping the Academy’s future. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A RADIO PLAY

On Sunday, Dec. 21, the Depot Theatre Academy and the Whallonsburg Grange Hall invite audiences to gather for a heart-warming Adirondack holiday tradition: the 4th Annual presentation of A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play by Philip Grecian, based on the much-loved novel by Charles Dickens.

Co-directed by Gigi Mason and Amy Fitts, this live radio-style performance blends period-inspired storytelling, Foley sound effects, and a spirited cast of Academy alumni and local artists. Together, they conjure the world of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in a way that is both nostalgic and freshly engaging.

Enjoy refreshments at 2 p.m., performance begins at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted to support area food pantries.

New this year, audiences will be able to tune in live and share in this holiday storytelling tradition, with streaming available on the Depot Theatre’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

MISCAST CABARET: A NEW YEAR FUNDRAISER FOR THE ACADEMY 

The Depot Theatre Academy ushers in the new year on Friday, Jan. 3, with an intimate, supper-club style Miscast Cabaret, featuring Academy alumni performing songs and scenes they’d never be cast in—unexpected, playful, and full of heart.

Held at The Mill, with food and beverages available for purchase from The Knock, this special evening brings together families, friends, and supporters in a celebration that directly benefits the Academy’s 2026 summer season.

The night will include a short but impactful paddle raise, supporting scholarships, production costs, and the opportunities that help young performers grow.

“This cabaret is pure joy,” co-director Mason said. “It’s a chance to watch our alumni stretch, surprise us, and have a blast—while everyone in the room makes a real impact on the opportunities we can offer next season.”

Doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m. at The Mill in Wadhams. Tickets $50; visit depottheatre.org/academyjan3.

“These two events reflect what makes the Depot Theatre Academy so special — the creativity of our young artists, the generosity of our community, and the shared belief that storytelling can bring people together,” said Sarah Wilson, Executive Director of the Depot Theatre. “We’re grateful for everyone who supports the Academy’s mission and helps us nurture the next generation of performers, technicians, and creative thinkers.” 

See this in the news: Sun Community News. 

Depot Theatre Academy Announces 2025 Programs

2025 Season Begins with Performance Opportunity for Experienced Student Artists

Westport, NY —The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce its 2025 Academy outreach and education programs, beginning with a main stage performance opportunity for experienced student artists.

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.

Following a successful inaugural program in 2024, the Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program will once again open the theatre’s main stage season, this time with a production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with four performances on the Depot Theatre stage during the weekend of June 12-14, 2025.

This special opportunity is for young artists ages 13 and older enrolled in school, inclusive of home school and college. The program will feature the same process that professional artists experience on the main stage, with competitive auditions and demanding rehearsals, culminating in performances on the Depot Theatre main stage.

The program will be led by a team of experienced professional teaching artists. It will be directed by Gigi Mason, Depot Theatre’s Director of Outreach and Education, live musical direction and accompaniment will be provided by music and drama educator Kim Weems, choreography by Jackie Robertin, and assistance from theatre educator and actor Amy Fitts, and workshops by a number of visiting professional artists throughout the rehearsal period.

Auditions for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE will be held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall on Sunday, March 30, from 10am – 1pm. There is no cost for participation. Interested participants should contact Gigi Mason at gmason@depottheatre.org to access audition preparation information.

2025 ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAM

The Depot Academy will once again offer a three week Junior program for artists ages 8-18. The summer program will be held July 21-August 7, culminating in three performances of THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION on August 8-10 at the Whallonsburg Grange.

For the second time, The Depot Academy will again offer a program for new younger performers this summer. Lovingly dubbed “Munchkin Camp,” this opportunity for 5-8 year olds new to theatre will be a two week experience from July 28-August 7th at the Whallonsburg Grange, culminating with students performing with the Junior program as Munchkins in THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION on August 8-10.

Details and registration forms for both age groups for the summer program will be available online at the depottheatre.org beginning April 15th.

“We’re thrilled to offer these three programs again this year,” said Gigi Mason. “From ages 5 through college, our young artists will have access to professional expertise on stage, and there will also be workshop opportunities for those interested in learning about various off-stage careers in the arts, such as technical disciplines.”

Tickets for the Academy performances of DROWSY CHAPERONE will go on sale on May 15 and will be available online or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449. For more Depot Theatre programming information and news, visit depottheatre.org.

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The Depot Theatre Academy program for experienced student artists, with performances of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, is sponsored by THE MILL.

ABOUT THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce.

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical,” THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.

ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.”

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage. DepotTheatre.org

Cast Announced for Depot Theatre Academy’s SPELLING BEE

The Depot Theatre Academy is pleased to announce the cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. This special production features experienced student artists from the Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program. Performances will be on the Depot main stage on Friday, June 7 at 7pm, Saturday, June 8 at 7pm and Sunday, June 9 at 3pm. TICKETS are available online or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449.

Meet the Cast

Jocelyn Bessette (Logainne Swartzandgruibenere or Swartzy): Jocelyn is 15 and is currently in grade 9 at Peru Central School. Previous shows include ONE STOPLIGHT TOWN (police officer), BRIGHT STAR (clerk), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette), MEAN GIRLS (Cady), all with Peru Drama Club. Jocelyn loves singing, swimming, and of course performing as well as watching other shows. Jocelyn is not sure of her future plans but knows that she wants to perform for the rest of her life.

Aydan Christensen (William Morris Barfee/Leaf’s Dad): Aydan is 18 and is in 12th Grade at Au Sable Valley Central School. Previous shows include GUYS AND DOLLS (Nicely-Nicely), OKLAHOMA! (Andrew Carnes), and SUESSICAL JR (Mr. Mayor). Aydan’s interests include Geology, music composition, and production and drama. Aydan likes caramel and dislikes people who eat or breathe too loudly. Aydan’s future plans are to major in Environmental Geoscience at SUNY Plattsburgh and to audition for Artistry Community Theatre’s Fall Production of JEKYLL AND HYDE.

Lindsay Haner (Rona Lisa Peretti/Olive’s Mom): Lindsay is 17 and is currently in the 12th Grade at Au Sable Valley Central School. Previous shows include CHICAGO (Roxy), GREASE (Jan), and GUYS AND DOLLS (Sara Brown) with the Au Sable Valley Players, and ensemble roles with Artistry Community Theatre in DAMN YANKEES and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other than performing, Lindsay’s interests include painting, crocheting, baking, and swimming. Her future plans are to major in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia!

Cooper Halloran (Vice Principal Douglas Panch): Cooper is 17 and a senior at Bouquet Valley Central School. Previous shows include PETER PAN, JR., LITTLE MERMAID JR., SEUSSICAL JR., MADAGASCAR JR., WILLIE WONKA JR., LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE BOYFRIEND, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, LITTLE WOMEN, TREASURE ISLAND, and DEPOT ACADEMY’S CABARET.  Cooper enjoys his dog Skipper, writing, being humble, and being the coolest person ever.  Cooper dislikes his dog Skipper, and learning his lines.  His future plans include something fun (hopefully).

Ella Lobdell (Olive Ostrovsky): Ella is 17 and in the 12th Grade at Boquet Valley Central School. Previous shows include THE ADDAMS FAMILY (ancestor), MATILDA JR (Trunchbull), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Ronnette), and many more! Ella loves basketball, sports, music, hanging with friends, making clime, playing fortnite with Aja and Lawrence, and sleeping. Ella’s future plans are to attend Utica College in the fall where she will play on their basketball team and major in accounting.

Parker Scanio (Chip Tollentino/Jesus/Olive’s Dad): Parker is 16 and goes to Lake Placid High School. Previous shows include Flounder in LITTLE MERMAID, Mr. Green in CLUE, Pugsley in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Edward Markley and Dr. Von Sochocky in RADIUM GIRLS, and Trunchbull in MATILDA. Parker loves musical theater, food, tennis, and nordic skiing. His future plans are to major in Musical Theater in college.

Addie Stanley (Marcy Parks/Carla Mom): Addie is 17 and is in the 12th Grade at Au Sable Valley Central School. This is Addie’s 25th show! Favorite roles include GUYS AND DOLLS (Miss Adelaide), GREASE (Rizzo), CHICAGO (Velma), JUNGLE BOOK (Tabaqui), and the WIZARD OF OZ (Wicked Witch). Addie likes reading, hanging out with her cat, and sustaining her two year old Duolingo streak. Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and major in Criminology.

Grace Stephens (Mel Mahoney/Dani Mom): Grace is 17 and is a Senior at Keene Central School. Previous shows include THE LITTLE MERMAID, SEUSSICAL, THE LION KING, MADAGASCAR, WILLY WONKA, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, Depot Academy: A Cabaret, EURYDICE, SPAMALOT, and THE NUTCRACKER. Grace loves dance, canoeing, and reading. She will be attending Delphi University in the fall to pursue a BFA in Dance.

Madeline Young (Leaf Coneybear): Madeline is 15 and is currently in the 9th Grade at AuSable Valley Central School. Previous shows include GUYS AND DOLLS and GREASE with the Ausable Valley Players. Madeline likes running, baking and reading. Her future plans: MORE THEATRE!!

CREW
Co-Directed by Gigi Mason and Amy Fitts
Music Director – Kimberly Weems
Choreographer – Gigi Mason
Assistant Choreographer – Grace Stephens
Costume Design/Props – Amy Fitts.
Costume Assistant – Sadie Burgess.
Lighting/Scenic Design – Bonnie Brewer.
Sound Technician/Design – Jack Schoonover.

ORCHESTRA
Kimberly Weems, Music Director – piano.
Aaron Jodoin, keyboard/synthesizer.
Stu Pray – percussion. Felix Haskins – cello.

Our Mission & Vision

Mission: The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

Vision: The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.

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Recent News

  • Meet the Depot Theatre’s Cast of RING OF FIREAugust 10, 2026 - 4:34 pm

    The final production of our 2026 Main Stage season brings the extraordinary music of Johnny Cash to the Depot Theatre with five actor-musicians and more than two dozen songs that helped define an American musical legend. Returning to direct and choreograph is Michael Santora, who helmed last summer’s Million Dollar Quartet. The company features Hannah […]

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The Depot Theatre receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

With special thanks to the following for their support of the Depot’s ongoing strategic objectives: Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, Cloudsplitter Foundation, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Adirondack Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Rogers Carroll Family Foundation, Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

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