Celebrating 20 Years of Theater for Children

This summer, is celebrating its 20th season educating local children in theater arts.

“I wanted to create a program that fostered an inclusive experience where an audition is not necessary,” said Brian Milauskas, who noted most other children’s theater programs were exclusive, requiring auditions. He wanted Kidstock! to focus on the creative process. The program includes drama, dance, art, and music, as well as an “equal role in the backstage developmental process.”

Each week, the students are given a theme ranging from Shakespeare to Glee. They then create and mount a stage production based on that theme.

“We start with an idea,” Milauskas said. “From that springboard, students cast themselves in the roles they’ve created. Our focus is always on the process rather than the burden of competition.”

Children as young as four may need a significant amount of help to create their show, but older students are given a great deal of creative independence. At the end of the week, each age group performs its original stage production.

Milauskas said theater is a valuable experience for children of all ages.

“Theater develops imagination, public speaking, and gives kids a chance to challenge their academic experience, which is so black and white,” he said. Because creating a theater production allows children to see the world from different viewpoints, he added, “Ultimately, I think theater for a child builds a more tolerant adult.”

Milauskas started Kidstock! with only nine third- and fourth-grade students. The program has grown significantly since then: this summer, it will serve over 1,500 students. Milauskas now serves as Creative Director and oversees a permanent staff of five and a summer staff of 30.

A native of Winchester, Milauskas participated in theatre camp as a kid himself, participating in the Magic Circle Theater at Tufts University, where he later attended college and graduate school, eventually becoming director of Magic Circle. When he decided to create his own program, he knew it had to be in his hometown of Winchester.

“I believe in the values of a small-town community,” Milauskas said.

At first, he operated Kidstock! from the basement of a dry cleaner, then moved across the street to a former tanning salon space. Kidstock’s next-door neighbor there was the . Milauskas and BAC Director Debbie Boyle soon realized the potential for collaboration, and together they opened the NextDoor Center for the Arts at its current Cross Street location.

What keeps Kidstock! fresh for Milauskas, even after 20 years? “Every day, a child comes up with an idea or a proposal that I haven’t considered,” he said. “It’s always exciting when you realize your own ideas can be expanded on.”

Kidstock! still has space in some of its summer programs, and is also taking registrations for fall classes. Check their website for full details. To find out about Kidstock’s public performances, visit the NextDoor Center for the Arts.