Our History

It began when two young women from the Midwest, Zoe Bradford, and Jordie Saucerman, teamed up and moved to Boston with a vision to create and tell stories. Originally they coached for a Boston-based children’s theatre but, encouraged by a group of young performers, they soon formed their own non-profit theatre company.

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In 1978, in a church basement, with a budget of $50, Bradford and Saucerman produced their first production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Company Theatre (TCT) was born. The theatre quickly outgrew this basement home and moved to a 600-seat Weymouth school auditorium to accommodate the sell-out crowds. Peter Pan put TCT on the map when the two directors collaborated with officers from the South Weymouth Naval Air Station to create flying rigs for the actors. Grease put a convertible sports car on stage. The choreography was so precise and elaborate with the production of Oliver! that it set the standard for all future TCT shows. The high-energy performance of A Chorus Line had patrons seeking tickets from scalpers in the parking lot!

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Bradford and Saucerman’s creative team was greatly enhanced when they hired Michael Joseph, a multi-talented musician, to musically direct West Side Story in 1984. Joseph’s combined talents to conduct, musical direct, and vocal coach performers allowed TCT to take on epic and challenging musicals and the theatre’s popularity exploded.

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Realizing the need on the South Shore for arts programs, the three directors created the Academy of the Company Theatre (A.C.T.). This outlet for ages five to adult has become an acclaimed training center for the performing and visual arts. 

While continuing to produce three shows a year, the directors took on the task of writing an original musical. In 1990, Gloryland won the prestigious Moss Hart award and received critical acclaim. Over 20,000 people experienced the spectacular pageantry of this original production. It was ironic that a show about our country’s homeland was written and produced at a time when The Company Theatre itself was homeless.

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With strong community support, the goal to purchase their own space was realized in 1992 when a downpayment was made on an existing theatre complex in Norwell. With newfound opportunity, TCT began its quest to improve all technical, artistic, and educational aspects of their theatre. 

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TCT now produces eight shows a year, hosts outside talent, and offers over 70 classes in the performing and visual arts for ages five through adult.  Many of our former students perform professionally on Broadway, in national and international tours, regional theatre, television and film.

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Over the years, Bradford and Saucerman have been honored with many prestigious awards, including 7 Moss Hart awards for Best Production in New England, 2 IRNE Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Recognition from the New England Theatre Conference. TCT is also proud to consistently produce award winning new works, with Paragon Park being awarded the Moss Hart award in 2012.  BORN TO DO THIS: The Joan of Arc Rock Opera, written by the team of  Zoe Bradford, Melissa Carubia (resident TCT Youth Musical Director), and Michael Hammond (TCT Managing Director) won multiple Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical in 2023. 

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 In 2020, Covid stopped theatre productions in their tracks. Instead of “ sheltering in place”, TCT adapted by creating immersive outside theatre for students and other new journeys such as Haunted Hingham in partnership with the Hingham Historical Society. 

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The pandemic challenge was compounded a hundredfold when TCT experienced the profound loss of co-founder, Jordie Saucerman. Beloved by her peers, staff members, families, and especially her students, Jordie’s southern hospitality, generosity, and sense of humor drew people to her as she welcomed them into the theatre family. Jordie played a critical role in developing the Company’s mission and bringing our motto of  ‘we are a family’ to life both on and off stage as she created a safe haven of acceptance and a lasting legacy.

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New board members have joined the dedicated, talented, and professional Board of Directors. Notably, Sally Ashton Forrest (Company Manager, Resident Choreographer) took over as Vice President after Saucerman passed away. Forrest continues her creative direction and choreography while taking responsibility for the fiscal management. TCT is experiencing an exhilarating revival!

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TCT is extremely grateful to the passionate actors and musicians, directors, knowledgeable tech and stage crew, costume designers, choreographers, artisans and stage managers who are integral in the quest for excellence and establish TCT as a true treasure of Boston’s South Shore. Most of all, The Company Theatre’s success is possible because of the continued support of sponsors, donors, and loyal patrons.