arts & entertainment
The popular Backstage Access classes return for the 2026-2027 season. These series of adult courses take a closer look at the professional 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.
“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:
My Vaudeville Man! Class
A heartfelt two-person musical inspired by the real-life story of vaudeville performer Jack Donahue and his devoted mother, Mud. The show captures the push and pull between a young man’s yearning for stardom and his mother’s desperate attempts to shield him from the pitfalls of show business.
Class Topics: History of vaudeville, discussion of creating new works of theatre, details of Riverside’s production, and meet the writers.
Class Dates: Thursdays, October 8, 15 & 22
Class Times: 10am – 12pm (except October 15 – watching tech rehearsal in the afternoon).
Clue Class
Clue is a fast-paced stage farce and murder mystery inspired by the 1985 cult film and the classic board game. Set in 1954 at the remote Boddy Manor near Washington, D.C., six eccentric guests arrive for a dinner party hosted by the mysterious Mr. Boddy. When it’s revealed that each guest is being blackmailed, Mr. Boddy distributes the famous weapons and proposes murder to keep their secrets hidden.
Class Topics: History of the game, discussion of creating new works of theatre, and details of Riverside’s production
Class Dates: Tuesday, January 5 and Thursdays, January 7 & 14
Class Times: 10am – 12pm (except January 7 – watching tech rehearsal in the afternoon).
The Mouse and the Mustache Class
WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION
In 1946, Walt Disney and Salvador Dalí—two icons from distinctly different worlds—met in Hollywood and began an extraordinary creative collaboration on the animated short film Destino. Both men were intrigued by the challenge of merging Disney’s imaginative animation with Dalí’s surrealist art.
Class Topics: History of Walt Disney and Salvador Dali, discussion of creating new works of theatre, details of Riverside’s production, and meet the writers.
Class Dates: Thursdays, January 21 & 28 and February 4
Class Times: 10am to 12pm (except January 28 – watching tech rehearsal in the afternoon).
Producing Theatre Class with Jon Moses, Executive Producer/CEO
Class Topics: . Step behind the curtain and be part of the excitement on how we built the 2027–2028 season. This exclusive backstage access class puts you at the center of the action, offering insight into how artistic visions become unforgettable productions. Experience the buzz of planning and decision-making during a transformative moment for our campus, as a major capital project reshapes our creative future. From early concepts to final selections, you’ll get an insider’s view of the ideas, innovation, and ambition driving what’s next on our stage
Class Dates: Thursdays, February 11 & April 1
Class Times: 10am to 12pm
On The Town Class
A musical theatre classic. Three sailors—Ozzie, Chip, and Gabey—arrive in New York City for 24 hours of shore leave, looking for fun and romance. Music by Leonard Bernstein. Book & Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
Class Topics: History of the show, Leonard Bernstein, Comden and Green, and Jerome Robbins and details of Riverside’s production
Class Dates: Thursdays, February 18 & 25 and March 4
Class Times: 10am – 12pm (except February 25 – watching tech rehearsal in the afternoon).
The Light in the Piazza Class
A CO-PRODUCITON WITH PALM BEACH DRAMAWORKS
The story of a mother and daughter traveling through Italy in the 1950s and the daughter’s instant attraction to a young Italian, but their attraction sets off a chain of encounters in this lyrical, romantic musical.
Class Topics: History of the show, discussion of co-productions (“co-pros”) with other theaters, and details of this joint production.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 11, 18 & 25
Class Times: 10am to 12pm
Hairspray Class
Set in 1962 Baltimore, the award-winning musical follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, an upbeat, plus-sized teenager who dreams of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show.”
Class Topics: History of the movie, Jon Waters, the musical, and details of Riverside’s production.
Class Dates: Thursdays, April 8, 15 & 22
Class Times: 10am – 12pm (except April 15 – watching tech rehearsal in the afternoon).
Cost: $75 for each class session
$300 for classes to ALL sessions
Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, is the largest professional producing theatre in small-town America, operating in association with Actors’ Equity Association, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, United Scenic Artists, and IATSE Local 500. Under the leadership of Jon R. Moses, Riverside serves as a premier cultural and lifestyle destination on Florida’s Treasure Coast, offering Broadway-caliber productions alongside hospitality and community engagement. The Theatre produces a year-round season of musicals and plays and theatre arts education for youth and adults, and expands its programming through the Distinguished Lecturer Series, concerts, and civic events that enrich the region’s cultural life. The campus experience includes Star Suites, Riverside’s owned and operated extended-stay hotel for visiting artists, guests, and general public, and The Loop Kitchen and Bar, featuring outdoor dining, live music, and curated cuisine under the oaks. Riverside is committed to arts education, providing no-cost programs for Indian River County students, and partners with leading local organizations to make its campus a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community connection. Learn more at RiversideTheatre.com.
