The Boxcar Story

We’re Stephen, Laura, Andrew, and Caitlin — a team of best friends who have spent over a decade working together in theater education.

In 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found ourselves back in Boston after years apart pursuing careers in New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New Haven. With live theater on hold, we came together to work with a group of teenagers on a socially distanced, masked production of Into the Woods. Though the show would never be performed for a live audience, we treated it like any full-scale production — complete with sets, costumes, and lights.

In the midst of such a challenging time globally, that production gave all of us — students and educators alike — a way to connect, create, and find joy. It reminded us of theater’s unique power to build community and help young performers unlock their confidence and potential. Most importantly, it rekindled our passion for working together.

From that spark, the dream of Boxcar Stage Company began. We spent countless brainstorming sessions fueled by Dunkin’ cold brew, late nights sketching ideas on a whiteboard, and meals shared over takeout from Mr. Chan’s, mapping out what this company could be.

Milton High School Theatre & Our Growth

In Fall 2022, before our official company launch, we took over the drama program at Milton High School — a pivotal step that allowed us to bring our collaborative approach, creative energy, and inclusive vision directly to a larger, thriving community of students.

Since then, we’ve been fortunate to direct and produce a wide range of productions at Milton High School Theatre, working alongside incredible students, families, and staff:

• Fall 2022 — Beauty and the Beast

• Winter 2023 — Badger — Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) State Championship Finalist

• Spring 2023 — Mamma Mia

• Fall 2023 — Seussical

• Winter 2024 — Six: The Musical

• Winter 2024 — Norah’s Lost — Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) State Championship Finalist

• Spring 2024 — Footloose: The Musical — Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) Award Nomination for Best Overall Production

• Fall 2024 — Once Upon A Mattress — Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) Award Nomination for Best Overall Production

• Winter 2025 — Too Many Daughters — METG State Championship Winner

• Spring 2025 — Grease

Official Company Launch & Community Impact

In March 2023, Boxcar Stage Company officially launched — creating a vibrant, welcoming space where young performers can find their voice, develop their skills, and experience the magic of theater.

Alongside our Milton High School work, we’ve been honored to receive support and recognition from the community that inspires us every day:

• 2024 — Milton Neighbors Choice Award for Favorite Local Activity for Kids

• 2025 — Milton Scene Neighbors Awards:

  • Favorite Local Theatre Experience

  • Favorite Local Activity for Kids

We view these acknowledgments not as individual achievements, but as reflections of the dedication, talent, and heart our students, families, and collaborators bring to every project. They remind us how much can be accomplished when a community comes together to create something meaningful.

Looking Ahead

Over the past five years, our journey has been guided by collaboration, creativity, and the incredible support of our friends, families, and communities.

As we look ahead, we remain deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us and committed to keeping Boxcar Stage Company a welcoming place for all who wish to create, connect, and discover. Thank you for being part of our story — and welcome to Boxcar!