arts & entertainment
The popular Backstage Access classes return for the 2025-2026 season with an expanded schedule. These series of adult courses take a closer look at the professional and youth productions being presented at the Theatre with additional courses focusing on the business side of running a regional theatre.
Kevin Quillinan, Director of Theatre Education, will lead the classes that are production oriented with Jon R. Moses, Executive Producer/CEO leading the classes that focus on the business aspects of Riverside’s productions. This year, Adam Schnell, Director of Dance Education will join a few classes to talk about Riverside Theatre’s Community Engagement Programs and Partnership with Ballet Vero Beach.
“Along with all the great programming we have for young people, we wanted to continue our educational opportunities for adults,” says Mr. Quillinan. “We explore theatre as an art form by examining specific plays on Riverside’s calendar, studying the show’s history, and learning about our production through visits with guest artists. This year, we’ve added a more comprehensive look at business aspects of producing theater as well as engaging with various organizations in the community.”
Backstage Access classes are part lecture, part seminar, part participation, part discussion, and seek to build a greater awareness of the many facets and collaborations involved in mounting a show.
Classes meet regularly on Thursdays from 10am to 12 noon. (NOTE: Some classes will meet at different times due to opportunities to view dress rehearsals.)
The classes and schedules are as follows:
Little Shop of Horror Class(3 consecutive weeks)
Little Shop of Horror – This class will focus on the history of the show, the movie, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s music, and puppetry.
Course Dates: October 9, 16 & 23. Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
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Alice in Wonderland Jr. Class(3 non-consecutive weeks)
Alice in Wonderland Jr. – This class examines the history of the famous story, the Disney movies, and past children’s theatre productions.
Course Dates: October 30, November 6 & 20. (No class on November 13th. Hours for the November 6th class are 4:30-6:30 to watch rehearsal). Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
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Nutcracker on the Indian River Class(2 consecutive weeks)
Nutcracker on the Indian River – This class explores the history of the ballet, Tchaikovsky’s music and the evolution of Ballet Vero Beach’s production.
Course Dates: December 4 & 11. Class taught by Kevin Quillinan & Adam Schnell.
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Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder Class (3 classes in 2 consecutive weeks)
Gentleman’s Guide – This class examines the history of the show, background on the writers and composers, and the intricacies of farce.
Course Dates: January 8, 9 & 15. (January 9th class starts at 1pm). Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
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Producing Theatre Class (4 weeks, most non-consecutive)
Producing Theatre – A comprehensive overview of what it takes to run a professional regional theatre.
Course Dates: January 22, February 12, March 12 & 19. Class taught by Jon R. Moses.
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Mauritius Class(2 consecutive weeks)
Mauritius– This class explores the show’s history and the background of playwright Theresa Rebeck.
Course Dates: January 29 & February 5. Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
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Jesus Christ Superstar Class(3 consecutive weeks)
Jesus Christ Superstar – This class will examine the concept album, backgrounds of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, and Riverside’s production.
Course Dates: February 19, 26 & March 5. (February 26th class starts at 1pm.) Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
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Almost, Maine Class(2 consecutive weeks)
Almost, Maine – This class explores the show’s history and the background of playwright John Cariani.
Course Dates: March 26 & April 2. Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
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9 to 5 Class(3 consecutive weeks)
9 to 5 – This course will look at the history of the show, the 1980’s film, the leading ladies of the movie, and the history of Dolly Parton.
Course Dates: April 9, 16 & 23. Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
ADDED BONUS:
Anyone who signs up for one of the Backstage Access Classes, will be invited to the Junior Theatre Festival Class (JTF).
Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) Class
JTF – Learn about the Junior Theatre Festival, it’s history and Riverside’s participation, then stick around to watch rehearsal.
Course Date: December 18 (hours are 3pm to 6:30pm). Class taught by Kevin Quillinan.
Tuition for each two or three-week class is $75. Class sizes are limited. Patron Producers and Upper Level donors are entitled to some free entrance for the classes. Call the Box Office for details. To purchase, call 772-231-6990 or go online at www.riversidetheatre.com.
Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
Indian River Guardian 