About Us

Enriching Our Youth…on and off the stage since 1980

Our Story

In 1980, members of the community theatre group Newport Player’s Guild realized there was a lack of performing arts for children and families in Newport, and formed Newport Children’s Theatre, originally with adult actors. The following year, NCT started the very successful Summer Theatre Workshop Program, forging a relationship with St. Michael’s Country Day School that lasted almost two decades.

Impressed with the creativity of the young actors, and seeing how popular the end of session performances were, NCT officially became a “youth theatre” and began holding open auditions for young actors aged 8 and over for productions in the spring and December. By 1992, up to 90 children auditioned for each show, and Newport County Teen Repertory (NCT Rep) was formed to give experiences teen actors the chance to continue learning about theatre through a series of advanced workshops, touring performances to schools, libraries and community centers, and technical theater opportunities.

Artistic Director

Tara O'Hare

Tara has performed professionally nationwide on numerous equity stages, but it was during her time working and living in NYC that she discovered her true passion for teaching and directing while volunteering at Harlem’s Children Theatre. This volunteerism led to her 15 year-long career as Artistic Director for Newport Children’s Theatre (NCT) in Rhode Island. Over the years, she has directed and produced over 60 main stage productions, 50 intensive training workshops, and countless educational programs for nearly 3 generations of children. Her students have gone on to study theatre at NYU Tisch School of the ArtsEd, Bard College, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, ArtsED, Berklee College of Music, Pace Musical Theatre program, The New School, and her alma mater, Wagner College, where she received a degree in Theatre & Speech, to name a few.

Tara's Vision

When I went to college, I had no formal training, and I often felt lost—like I was five steps behind everyone else. From that experience, I made it my mission to create a place where young people could truly learn what it takes to be an actor and to pursue this work professionally. Whether they’re in a beginner class or an advanced one, I want them to experience the joy of performing while also understanding the discipline, collaboration, and purpose behind the craft.

My goal has never been to put children onstage simply to recite lines in a costume for their parents & friends. I want them to leave the program having learned meaningful lessons—skills they can carry into their lives far beyond the theater. I reinforce this every day by reminding them that, in our space, they are not “kids”; they are actors, and with that comes a standard for how we work together.

I’m intentional about avoiding the typical “cookie-cutter” children’s theater model. I don’t want the work we create to feel juvenile or superficial. I want the program’s image and environment to reflect the depth and seriousness of our mission—something that sets us apart from other places.

I believe that’s why so many of the older students return and stay connected. They understand that what we do goes deeper than memorizing lines. They’re exploring their emotions, learning to listen and respect one another, and discovering why theater is such a vital part of the human experience. They recognize that by engaging in this work, they’re not just becoming better performers—they’re becoming people who can contribute something meaningful to the world.

Tara K. O'Hare

Artistic Director, NCT