The Freelance Players Summer Program is a three-week arts program for youth ages 8-16. At the end of the session, campers will produce and perform an original musical. In addition to learning their part in the musical and honing their acting, singing, and dancing skills, there are opportunities throughout the session to engage in the entire theatre process! The summer program is a collaborative project dreamed up and supported by both Rehearsal for Life and the fantastic team at Bellforge Arts Center. Final performances of the summer take place at Bellforge Art Center’s incredible outdoor stage.
Every participant is cast in the show, and no experience is necessary to attend. Auditions are held on the first day to help find the best place in the cast for your child.
For Participants: Please prepare 16 measures of a song of your choice and a spoken piece.
Please contact Mary Torpey or Cooper Evello if you have any questions.
Dates for Summer 2026: Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 31, 2026
United Church of Christ, 496 Main St, Medfield, MA
Tuition: $1,850 – Sliding scale options are available
Daily Sample Schedule
8:45-9 Carpool + Check in
9-9:10 Announcements
9:15-10:10 Period 1 (music, choreography, blocking or production)
10:15-10:30 SNACK
10:35-11:25 Period 2 (music, choreography, blocking or production)
11:30-12:20 Period 3 (music, choreography, blocking or production)
12:25-12:55 Lunch
1:00 -1:30 NOON TIME SHOW / FESTIVAL PERIOD (campers perform for each other or play improv games, work on sets, help with costumes, etc)
1:35-2:30 Period 5 (music, choreography, blocking or production)
2:35-3:30 Period 6 (music, choreography, blocking or production)
3:35-3:45 Check-out & Carpool
What to bring
- A labeled refillable water bottle
- Nut free lunch
- Extra snacks
- Weather appropriate clothes
- Shoes you can dance in
Camp Staff
Mary Torpey
Camp Director
Mary has been a director, teaching artist and creative collaborator in the Boston area for many years. She joined Rehearsal for Life in 2003 as assistant director with Freelance Players and teaching artist with Urban Improv and has been directing Freelance Players troupes since 2011. She is endlessly motivated by the collaborative, inclusive and expressive work she sees in the young artists and her colleagues. Originally from Maine, Mary graduated from Indiana University with a B.A in Theater and Drama and studied movement, voice and acting at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Cooper Evello
Camp Director
Cooper studied music production and composition at the Cambridge School of Weston, Hampshire College, and the Berklee School of Music, and joined Rehearsal for Life with a background in music production, performance, arranging and composition. His work with Rehearsal for Life, allows him the opportunity to create music that helps make Boston youth’s time in school a little better and helps them process their feelings and struggles. Outside of work, Cooper can be found composing and recording music in his home studio, and performing around New England in his bands (ADDIE, Bog Berries, Hush Club, and Naomi Westwater).
*This camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health.*