About Theatre UP
A Place for Everyone to Shine. Onstage, Backstage, and in the Audience.
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Theatre at the Heart of the Community
Theatre UP is the premier Community Theatre in the North Country specializing in both production quality and access to our patrons, now in its 46th season and having grown to become an essential part of the arts programming in our area.
UP performs at the Littleton Opera House, easily visible from anywhere in downtown Littleton. The theatre company provides the community with a combination of musical and non-musical productions, modern and classical theatre, adult and youth programming, and many opportunities for local talent and volunteers to contribute.
OUR HISTORY
The Early Years
Theatre UP began in 1978 following a community production of The Mikado in Lisbon, NH. That spark of creativity led to the formation of the Upstage Players, a grassroots theatre group driven by volunteers, educators, and students. By 1981, the group had officially incorporated as a nonprofit in New Hampshire and, in 1991, became a 501(c)(3) organization—marking a new chapter of growth and professionalism.
Early performances were held at the Lisbon Town Hall, but productions soon expanded across the region, including road shows and community collaborations. Notable moments include a 10-year tradition of A Christmas Carol, a revival of Way Down East for Lisbon’s town hall centennial, and a 2004 staging of Pollyanna during Littleton’s historic celebration, helping revive interest in restoring the Littleton Opera House.
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From UPstage Players to Theatre UP
After a handful of years of relative hibernation with the occasional variety show or the occasional small musical, the players were in need of new leadership and new energy. Frances Day took on the presidency of the board in 2011 and wanted to find a way to see that the organization could grow and sustain into the future. Fran rallied the small board to produce a season of shows and begin planning for the future. Barbara Ashley, another board member, and Fran Day had asked Andrew Lidestri, an actor & director who had recently relocated to the area, to participate in a production of 1776. After the success of that musical, the organization gained momentum and began to pick up steam. Dick Alberini, another long time board member, was instrumental in getting the players to shift operations to the Littleton Opera House where audiences could more easily attend productions and the organization could get more exposure.

Over the next few years, the board and the offerings increased, Andrew Lidestri was hired as the organizations first Artistic Director, providing vision and consistency to the players offerings. Fund raising and grant writing were added into the make up of the organization. Ultimately, through this process, the Upstage Players also rebranded and became Theatre UP, both honoring their roots and looking ahead to the future.
Theatre UP Today
Today, Theatre UP draws participants and audiences from across northern New Hampshire and Vermont. Generations of families have performed, volunteered, and grown through UP. With performances now held at the Littleton Opera House, our mission remains rooted in community, creativity, and education, and continues to rise UP.
Up has expanded to be both a community theatre and youth theatre, with the community branch offering 3 productions a season and our youth production doing 1. UP offers classes and workshops and puts a focus on theatre education and excellence.
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Why our company members love being part of the UP Family.
Meet Our Staff
LEVEL UP EDUCATION STAFF
Meet Our Board
President
Vice President
TREASURER
SECRETARY
Support the next generation of performers, designers, and leaders
At Theatre UP, education is central to our mission. Your support ensures that every student, regardless of background, can access the training, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive both on and off the stage.
Our Supporters
