In Summer, The Show Must Go On
The curtains may be closed for summer at Kimball Union Academy, but the school’s theater students are still pursuing their passions.
A pair of rising seniors and one recent alumnus chose to hone their skills through Northern Stage’s Summer Musical Theater Intensive (SMTI), a five-week professional-level training program for middle- and high-school aged students. The trio, Alex Hoyt ’25, Emmett ’26 and Elliot ’26, each played significant roles in the program’s production of Amélie, performed over four nights from July 30 to Aug. 2 at the theater’s Vermont stage.
“The SMTI is so important in my opinion because it’s treated as a professional show by the creative and tech teams,” said Emmett, who played the role of Nino in his third summer production with the program. “As students, we gain an experience that’s reflective of what it’s like to do a real show in the industry.”
Emmett, who appeared in six productions in his first three years at KUA, said a lot of that professional atmosphere is rooted in the behind-the-scenes work put in by the entire cast and crew. As an ensemble show, Amélie required all-hands on deck during each rehearsal, which were held 36 hours a week over the course of three weeks. And that was before sound and lighting were added, which required an additional week of 10-hour days to fully coordinate.
For students like Hoyt, who will study musical theater at New York University in the fall, that type of professional experience is invaluable. Hoyt credited both his time at KUA — where he performed in more than 20 shows — and Northern Stage for shaping the actor he is today.
“I would not be going where I am with the confidence and excitement I have if it weren't for all of my mentors and experiences,” said Hoyt, who played the role of Joseph in what was his third SMTI performance. “KUA has given me incredible guidance and opportunities, and Northern Stage has given me the space of a professional theater to become acquainted with what being a real actor is all about.”
Elliot’s backstage role proved even more time consuming.
As a member of the production’s wardrobe crew, Elliot arrived at the White River Junction facility at least one hour prior to rehearsal to help with laundry and prepare costumes. Once the actors arrived, they’d assist with makeup and microphone placement, and, following rehearsal, help with costume removal. When all was said and done, even the shortest days were between 11-and-12 hours long.
Even so, Elliot — who’s helped with set production, makeup, and wardrobe for numerous KUA productions — echoed the sentiment of Emmett and Hoyt that the experience gained far outweighed the rigor of long days and evenings.
“I love getting to experience the intensity and dedication that theater costuming requires in a professional setting,” said Elliot, following their second summer in the SMTI. “Every show I do, I fall more in love with the art of it. Getting to work in a wardrobe crew in a professional setting has given me a good idea of what it would be like to go into theatre as a future career.”
Both Elliot and Emmett said they are excited to build on the experiences they’ve gained this summer and implement lessons learned in what will be their final year at KUA. And while their remaining high-school productions may lack some of the professional elements of the SMTI, Hoyt was quick to stress the importance of performing — no matter the role — in front of a welcoming community.
“As soon as I stepped into Flickinger Auditorium, I knew that that was where I wanted to be,” he said. “KUA has definitely furthered my love for theater, but more than that, it challenged me and shaped me to become the actor I am today. I’ve played the villain, the jokester, a parent, in drag, and the lover. KUA theater has let me experience such a range and has really prepared me for my next steps. I am so grateful, and I can’t wait for what’s next.”
