On February 13-15, 2025, at Hampstead Hill Academy, the Hampstead Hill Players will present the musical Finding Nemo, Jr.

The show is performed and presented by the 4th through 8th grade actors and crew members in the afterschool club. It represents hundreds of hours of dedication and work since October, 2024, when the club called for auditions open to any student from 4th grade and up. 

Hampstead Hill Academy’s (HHA) has presented an annual school musical for nearly 25 years, starting in 2002 by Wayne Larrivey, who now works as a special educator at HHA’s sister school Govans Elementary School. This is the 8th year for Matt Cobb, HHA’s Academic Coach, who directs the show.

It’s a labor of love for Mr. Cobb, who did theater as a middle and high school student. “Theater is something I love to do,” he says. “It’s a really good outlet for kids. We audition for the show, but everyone gets a part, so it’s not high stakes like a high school or college production. With Wicked being so popular now, it’s a fun time to be able to expose them to theater.”

Students are involved in every aspect of the production, from the lighting and sound to the design and build of the set. The annual production is overseen by Michelle Kaminaris, Pre-K teacher, and Meghan Bierley, 1st Grade teacher, who have been involved since the first show in 2002. Several other Hampstead Hill educators help, including Kindergarten Para-Educator Rebekah Nicholson and retired Special Educator Tony Berry, among others.

“It takes a hard working group of adults to put a show like this together,” Mr. Cobb says. During “Production Week,” parents assist with make-up and feeding and managing the cast and crew of nearly 45 students. Past shows have included the “Jr.” (or school) versions of Legally Blonde, High School Musical, Into the Woods, Shrek, Hairspray, and others. 

 Mr. Cobb makes sure that each actor knows that there are no little parts, and that every student sees the big picture of what they are accomplishing together. “We make a big point about commitment and teamwork with the kids,” says Mr. Cobb, who also directs Hampstead Hill’s unique middle school leadership program, Leaders Go Places (LGP).

“We talk about how it’s a commitment to the group of people that you’re working on the show with, but also to yourself to give your best work,” he adds. “We include cast and crew to make sure our tech crew feels included.”

Read his reflections on developing leaders in the BCP blog.

Auditions began in October, with rehearsals starting in November. This month, Saturday rehearsals are added in addition to afterschool, and the tech crew joins the production. 

To buy tickets, visit the Hampstead Hill website or the ticketing website directly at 

https://our.show/53dwgtr532

Break a leg, Hampstead Hill Academy Players!

About the Baltimore Curriculum Project

Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) is the largest operator of local neighborhood, public charter schools in Maryland. We create safe, supportive learning environments for children PK-8 by providing innovative, research-based educational strategies, intensive teacher training and extensive support for administration and staff. We support our local neighborhood needs by tailoring our resources and support through community partnerships.

As one of the longest-running charter operators in Maryland, our schools are regularly recognized as some of the most highly acclaimed neighborhood charter schools in the state. 

Pimlico Elementary / Middle School

Sign up for our email newsletter

Translate »