Specialties
Riverside Theatre Works is a non-profit performing arts center dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Hyde Park and the surrounding communities by producing professional, family-oriented theatrical productions that are entertaining, challenging and educational, as well as offering instruction to children and adults in music, dance, and theatre arts.
We strive to reach a diverse community through affordable ticket rates, scholarships and outreach programs all while nurturing the talents of local artist through training, employment and development opportunities in an organizational environment that honors every person.
History
Established in 1981.
Riverside Theatre Works was founded in 1981 when Marietta Phinney, a lifelong Hyde Park resident began teaching music and drama in her backyard. At the time, the program was small but filled an essential need. Marietta saw that there was a lack of opportunity in the performing arts for most of the Hyde Park community and opened her home to provide it. Her leadership and passion have been the driving force at Riverside Theatre Works for more than 30 years. The small backyard program has grown to be one of the main attractions in downtown Hyde Park. We serve approximately 350 students each year with programs designed to engage not only in the theatre but in the community as a whole. Offering a school of the performing arts, mainstage and youth company shows Riverside has become a cornerstone for the arts in Hyde Park, and will be for generations to come.
Meet the Business Owner: Marietta P.
Marietta Phinney is a graduate of Nazareth High School in South Boston. During her youth she studied classical piano with Mary Walter of the New England Conservatory. Ms. Phinney was the Musical Director of St. Anne Parish in Readville from 1959 through 1981. She was church pianist and choir director and produced a series of variety shows as part of parish activities. In 1981 St. Anne School asked her to direct a Cultural Arts Program. This began four year's of music and drama that would culminate each year with a community performance by the students: Godspell, Annie, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Fiddler on the Roof. During this period of time Marietta also gave private piano lessons while she pursued her own piano education with Robert Chestnut of Berklee College of Music. Starting with 15 students learning music and drama in her backyard, Ms. Phinney expanded a full performing arts centre serving over 300 students and the community surrounding.
