![\"Tenda](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/04102026_72209_The-Elementary-Spacetime-Show.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
About the Collaboration<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe production came about because of a professional relationship between Alvarez and Theatre and Dance Professor Kathleen Kelley<\/a>. Alvarez and Orling have been working on the musical for many years. \u201cIt has always been part of the plan to fully realize it with students,\u201d Alvarez says. \u201c\u2018The Elementary Spacetime Show\u2019 is meant to be a space of transformation for young people, and the brilliant young artists at Montclair are the perfect people to bring it to life.\u201d<\/p>\nThe production includes students from first-years to seniors. According to Dante Green, a New York-based director who has collaborated with Alvarez and Orling for a decade, the students brought an essential authenticity to the storytelling.<\/p>\n
“The students are incredibly talented and very mature and nuanced with their performances,” Green says. “The age of the Montclair students aligns perfectly with the characters, making it a very authentic casting and learning experience.”<\/p>\n
Green also suggests that if the show continues development, there exists \u201ca strong opportunity to continue collaborating with the students after this production is over.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why Montclair\u2019s Musical Theatre Program Stands Out<\/strong><\/h2>\nOnly 12 miles from New York, Montclair\u2019s Musical Theatre program offers students the best of both worlds: Access and opportunities to audition for productions while maintaining a mid-size campus life and small class sizes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are uniquely situated geographically, in the sense that students get a four-year career launch,\u201d Kasprzak says. \u201cThey\u2019re going to spend time in New York City, they’re going to go to auditions, see a bunch of different shows, build these creative relationships, and that’s a huge advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
That proximity and the valuable industry connections and experiences attracted both Longview, Texas native Kavuna and Jacksonville, Florida native Smith. \u201cIt\u2019s very reassuring to know that our professors are actively working. They’re in the industry. Everyday,\u201d Smith says.<\/p>\n
Montclair\u2019s Musical Theatre program has seen an 86% increase in auditions for admission over the last two years, Kasprzak says, noting that this year, 1,600 students auditioned for 20 spots.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has become extremely competitive to get into the program, so we’re really taking the top 5% of applicants,\u201d Kasprzak says. \u201cSo, while the freshmen maybe don’t have any expectations, I know how gifted they are and how talented and how unique.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Four](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/54992768203_21a7b93b11_h.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
Students Asia Nichols, Brendaliz Gonzalez, Rosie Cabelin and Elijah N. Maldonado perform in The Quilt Keepers<\/em>. (Photo courtesy of Julie Lemberger.<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nVibrant Theater Scene in the Garden State<\/strong><\/h2>\nMontclair\u2019s BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> program also offers myriad local and regional opportunities, says Head of Theatre Studies Jessica Brater, who directed a student production, a collaboration between Montclair and NJ Play Lab<\/a>, at the Vanguard Theater<\/a> in Montclair. \u201cThe Quilt Keepers<\/a>,\u201d a play written by Montclair alumni, Dania Ramos, BFA Acting \u201998, weaves a tale of Montclair’s 4th ward.<\/p>\n\u201cAlthough we\u2019re lucky to be so close and connected to the NYC theater community, there is an active and exciting professional theater world right here in New Jersey,\u201d she says. \u201cMany of those theaters have employed our students both before and after graduation because of the relationships we have built with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Vanguard Theater\u2019s Producing Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark is also an adjunct professor at Montclair. \u201cI know firsthand the caliber of talent, curiosity and heart these students bring. They have been collaborators in every sense, and their various roles of responsibility mirror the reality of professional theater in a way that a classroom alone simply can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
How Theatre Students Engage with the Local Community<\/h2>\n
Building a show from the ground up, based on an historic neighborhood for a local theater production, helps fulfill the University\u2019s larger role of benefitting local communities, Brater says. \u201cPart of the University’s mission<\/a> is to bring the resources of the University to benefit communities beyond the campus gates. This works both ways – faculty and students benefit from what we learn from communities, and it helps us in our work as a university to prepare well-rounded citizens,\u201d Brater says.<\/p>\nAs a bonus, she adds: \u201cIt demonstrates for both students and community members that the arts can be a powerful tool for activism, education and collective memory.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Student](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/54992769618_264ea52a9b_c.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
Cerese Graham as Cyrene in The Quilt Keepers.<\/em>(Photo courtesy of Julie Lemberger.<\/a>)\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAdvice for Future Theatre Studies Students<\/strong><\/h2>\nMontclair students in \u201cThe Quilt Keepers,\u201d which was two years in the making from development to production, have valuable advice for prospective theater students.<\/p>\n
\n- Elijah N. Maldonado<\/strong>, a senior Theatre Studies major, values how the major encourages students “as artists and theater makers to branch out and try new things.” He urges others to seek faculty support for guidance.<\/li>\n
- Maxwell Hollis<\/strong>, a sophomore who has explored both acting and lighting design, emphasizes that “professors are willing to work with you one-on-one” and advises students to never be afraid to ask for help to get the most out of the program.<\/li>\n
- Senior Kaitlyn Valentin<\/strong>, who gained skills in management and design, suggests students “try everything once” and volunteer for student-run shows. She believes that “a theater person can”t get a job if you\u2019re not multifaceted.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Join the Next Generation of Storytellers<\/strong><\/h2>\nAre you ready to take your craft from the classroom to the local, area or world stage? Explore our BFA in Musical Theatre<\/a>, BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> or many other programs in the College of the Arts<\/a>. Apply today<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The production includes students from first-years to seniors. According to Dante Green, a New York-based director who has collaborated with Alvarez and Orling for a decade, the students brought an essential authenticity to the storytelling.<\/p>\n
“The students are incredibly talented and very mature and nuanced with their performances,” Green says. “The age of the Montclair students aligns perfectly with the characters, making it a very authentic casting and learning experience.”<\/p>\n
Green also suggests that if the show continues development, there exists \u201ca strong opportunity to continue collaborating with the students after this production is over.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why Montclair\u2019s Musical Theatre Program Stands Out<\/strong><\/h2>\nOnly 12 miles from New York, Montclair\u2019s Musical Theatre program offers students the best of both worlds: Access and opportunities to audition for productions while maintaining a mid-size campus life and small class sizes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are uniquely situated geographically, in the sense that students get a four-year career launch,\u201d Kasprzak says. \u201cThey\u2019re going to spend time in New York City, they’re going to go to auditions, see a bunch of different shows, build these creative relationships, and that’s a huge advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
That proximity and the valuable industry connections and experiences attracted both Longview, Texas native Kavuna and Jacksonville, Florida native Smith. \u201cIt\u2019s very reassuring to know that our professors are actively working. They’re in the industry. Everyday,\u201d Smith says.<\/p>\n
Montclair\u2019s Musical Theatre program has seen an 86% increase in auditions for admission over the last two years, Kasprzak says, noting that this year, 1,600 students auditioned for 20 spots.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has become extremely competitive to get into the program, so we’re really taking the top 5% of applicants,\u201d Kasprzak says. \u201cSo, while the freshmen maybe don’t have any expectations, I know how gifted they are and how talented and how unique.\u201d<\/p>\nStudents Asia Nichols, Brendaliz Gonzalez, Rosie Cabelin and Elijah N. Maldonado perform in The Quilt Keepers<\/em>. (Photo courtesy of Julie Lemberger.<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nVibrant Theater Scene in the Garden State<\/strong><\/h2>\nMontclair\u2019s BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> program also offers myriad local and regional opportunities, says Head of Theatre Studies Jessica Brater, who directed a student production, a collaboration between Montclair and NJ Play Lab<\/a>, at the Vanguard Theater<\/a> in Montclair. \u201cThe Quilt Keepers<\/a>,\u201d a play written by Montclair alumni, Dania Ramos, BFA Acting \u201998, weaves a tale of Montclair’s 4th ward.<\/p>\n\u201cAlthough we\u2019re lucky to be so close and connected to the NYC theater community, there is an active and exciting professional theater world right here in New Jersey,\u201d she says. \u201cMany of those theaters have employed our students both before and after graduation because of the relationships we have built with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Vanguard Theater\u2019s Producing Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark is also an adjunct professor at Montclair. \u201cI know firsthand the caliber of talent, curiosity and heart these students bring. They have been collaborators in every sense, and their various roles of responsibility mirror the reality of professional theater in a way that a classroom alone simply can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
How Theatre Students Engage with the Local Community<\/h2>\n
Building a show from the ground up, based on an historic neighborhood for a local theater production, helps fulfill the University\u2019s larger role of benefitting local communities, Brater says. \u201cPart of the University’s mission<\/a> is to bring the resources of the University to benefit communities beyond the campus gates. This works both ways – faculty and students benefit from what we learn from communities, and it helps us in our work as a university to prepare well-rounded citizens,\u201d Brater says.<\/p>\nAs a bonus, she adds: \u201cIt demonstrates for both students and community members that the arts can be a powerful tool for activism, education and collective memory.\u201d<\/p>\nCerese Graham as Cyrene in The Quilt Keepers.<\/em>(Photo courtesy of Julie Lemberger.<\/a>)\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAdvice for Future Theatre Studies Students<\/strong><\/h2>\nMontclair students in \u201cThe Quilt Keepers,\u201d which was two years in the making from development to production, have valuable advice for prospective theater students.<\/p>\n
\n- Elijah N. Maldonado<\/strong>, a senior Theatre Studies major, values how the major encourages students “as artists and theater makers to branch out and try new things.” He urges others to seek faculty support for guidance.<\/li>\n
- Maxwell Hollis<\/strong>, a sophomore who has explored both acting and lighting design, emphasizes that “professors are willing to work with you one-on-one” and advises students to never be afraid to ask for help to get the most out of the program.<\/li>\n
- Senior Kaitlyn Valentin<\/strong>, who gained skills in management and design, suggests students “try everything once” and volunteer for student-run shows. She believes that “a theater person can”t get a job if you\u2019re not multifaceted.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Join the Next Generation of Storytellers<\/strong><\/h2>\nAre you ready to take your craft from the classroom to the local, area or world stage? Explore our BFA in Musical Theatre<\/a>, BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> or many other programs in the College of the Arts<\/a>. Apply today<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Vibrant Theater Scene in the Garden State<\/strong><\/h2>\nMontclair\u2019s BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> program also offers myriad local and regional opportunities, says Head of Theatre Studies Jessica Brater, who directed a student production, a collaboration between Montclair and NJ Play Lab<\/a>, at the Vanguard Theater<\/a> in Montclair. \u201cThe Quilt Keepers<\/a>,\u201d a play written by Montclair alumni, Dania Ramos, BFA Acting \u201998, weaves a tale of Montclair’s 4th ward.<\/p>\n\u201cAlthough we\u2019re lucky to be so close and connected to the NYC theater community, there is an active and exciting professional theater world right here in New Jersey,\u201d she says. \u201cMany of those theaters have employed our students both before and after graduation because of the relationships we have built with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Vanguard Theater\u2019s Producing Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark is also an adjunct professor at Montclair. \u201cI know firsthand the caliber of talent, curiosity and heart these students bring. They have been collaborators in every sense, and their various roles of responsibility mirror the reality of professional theater in a way that a classroom alone simply can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
How Theatre Students Engage with the Local Community<\/h2>\n
Building a show from the ground up, based on an historic neighborhood for a local theater production, helps fulfill the University\u2019s larger role of benefitting local communities, Brater says. \u201cPart of the University’s mission<\/a> is to bring the resources of the University to benefit communities beyond the campus gates. This works both ways – faculty and students benefit from what we learn from communities, and it helps us in our work as a university to prepare well-rounded citizens,\u201d Brater says.<\/p>\nAs a bonus, she adds: \u201cIt demonstrates for both students and community members that the arts can be a powerful tool for activism, education and collective memory.\u201d<\/p>\nCerese Graham as Cyrene in The Quilt Keepers.<\/em>(Photo courtesy of Julie Lemberger.<\/a>)\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAdvice for Future Theatre Studies Students<\/strong><\/h2>\nMontclair students in \u201cThe Quilt Keepers,\u201d which was two years in the making from development to production, have valuable advice for prospective theater students.<\/p>\n
\n- Elijah N. Maldonado<\/strong>, a senior Theatre Studies major, values how the major encourages students “as artists and theater makers to branch out and try new things.” He urges others to seek faculty support for guidance.<\/li>\n
- Maxwell Hollis<\/strong>, a sophomore who has explored both acting and lighting design, emphasizes that “professors are willing to work with you one-on-one” and advises students to never be afraid to ask for help to get the most out of the program.<\/li>\n
- Senior Kaitlyn Valentin<\/strong>, who gained skills in management and design, suggests students “try everything once” and volunteer for student-run shows. She believes that “a theater person can”t get a job if you\u2019re not multifaceted.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Join the Next Generation of Storytellers<\/strong><\/h2>\nAre you ready to take your craft from the classroom to the local, area or world stage? Explore our BFA in Musical Theatre<\/a>, BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> or many other programs in the College of the Arts<\/a>. Apply today<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough we\u2019re lucky to be so close and connected to the NYC theater community, there is an active and exciting professional theater world right here in New Jersey,\u201d she says. \u201cMany of those theaters have employed our students both before and after graduation because of the relationships we have built with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Vanguard Theater\u2019s Producing Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark is also an adjunct professor at Montclair. \u201cI know firsthand the caliber of talent, curiosity and heart these students bring. They have been collaborators in every sense, and their various roles of responsibility mirror the reality of professional theater in a way that a classroom alone simply can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
How Theatre Students Engage with the Local Community<\/h2>\n
Building a show from the ground up, based on an historic neighborhood for a local theater production, helps fulfill the University\u2019s larger role of benefitting local communities, Brater says. \u201cPart of the University’s mission<\/a> is to bring the resources of the University to benefit communities beyond the campus gates. This works both ways – faculty and students benefit from what we learn from communities, and it helps us in our work as a university to prepare well-rounded citizens,\u201d Brater says.<\/p>\n As a bonus, she adds: \u201cIt demonstrates for both students and community members that the arts can be a powerful tool for activism, education and collective memory.\u201d<\/p>\n Montclair students in \u201cThe Quilt Keepers,\u201d which was two years in the making from development to production, have valuable advice for prospective theater students.<\/p>\n Are you ready to take your craft from the classroom to the local, area or world stage? Explore our BFA in Musical Theatre<\/a>, BA in Theatre Studies<\/a> or many other programs in the College of the Arts<\/a>. Apply today<\/a>.<\/p>\nAdvice for Future Theatre Studies Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Join the Next Generation of Storytellers<\/strong><\/h2>\n