About The Freelance Players

The Freelance Players engages youth in the creation and performance of original, issue-oriented musical theater performed for audiences of all ages. Participants gain skills in acting, singing, dance, and improvisation while working collaboratively and discovering empowered self-expression. Five Freelance Troupes each produce two original musicals a year, performed throughout Greater Boston.

Our ensemble approach fosters imagination, artistic growth, and self-confidence. Freelance programs uphold our organizational values of social justice, creativity, respect, cooperation, empathy, and positive social change. Students leave the program with a greater knowledge and practiced skill in the holistic study of theater, performing arts and drama. They will have exercised their social-emotional muscles through collaboration, discussion, and exploration of the play’s story and characters, which results in a greater awareness of the self, their community, and beyond.

Since 1974, The Freelance Players teaching artists, music directors and directors have been writing and publishing original musical theater shows – many of which are available for purchase and licensing for teaching artists and educators everywhere. Themes include climate crisis, gender identity, self-esteem, othering, power dynamics, and capitalism. Freelance Players original musicals are appropriate for ages 8-16, can accommodate large or small casts of any ability, are gender and color-conscious, and explore issues relevant to school-age students and their communities. 

For more information about The Freelance Players – including volunteer, internship opportunities, and our catalog of available plays – contact Mary Torpey, Creative Director.