Ridley Performing Arts Program Launches Season Four

Discovery Through Theatre, Community, and New Works

Ridley Park, PA — September 15, 2025

Artistic Director Ethan McKellar announced at RPAP’s Season 4 Kick Off Event on September

15th that the Ridley Performing Arts Program (RPAP) is entering its 4th Season, with a theme of DISCOVERY. The new season will feature a vibrant mix of productions, new musical development, community programming, and special events that continue to expand RPAP’s impact in Delaware County and beyond.

This year’s productions include Bye Bye Birdie: Youth Edition, directed by Program Co-Founder Kyleigh Bleacher, which will showcase students in grades 3–8 with performances running February 5–7, 2026. RPAP’s MainStage Company will present Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock musical Tick, Tick…Boom!, directed by Artistic Director Ethan McKellar, with performances running February 26–March 1, 2026. In May, audiences will enjoy a thrilling concert staging of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by a soon-to-be-announced guest director, with performances May 1–2, 2026. In addition, RPAP’s Show Choir, featuring 18 talented students, will perform throughout Ridley and surrounding communities, bringing Broadway hits, pop favorites, and holiday classics to local audiences.

Alongside its mainstage productions, RPAP will continue to develop original work through its New Musical Development Project, an initiative dedicated to supporting the creation of original musicals by and for the community. RPAP is also proud to introduce Wonder World, a new children’s entertainment series that blends filmed content with a live-touring puppet show. Wonder World will visit schools and libraries across the region, inspiring young audiences with stories of kindness, curiosity, and imagination.

RPAP’s commitment to community engagement continues with special events throughout the year, including the RPAP Adult Bingo Fundraiser on November 8, 2025, Wicked Movie Night on November 16, 2025, and the new annual Christmas Community Celebration on December 20, 2025. These gatherings offer fun, accessible opportunities for families and community members to come together in celebration of theatre and the arts.

Season Four also marks a turning point for RPAP, with a major Summer 2026 program featuring multiple productions set to be revealed in Winter 2026. This announcement will kick off RPAP’s largest season yet, reinforcing its commitment to growth, accessibility, and artistic innovation.

“This season embodies discovery — for our students, our audiences, and our organization,” said Ethan McKellar, Artistic Director of RPAP. “From the energy of Bye Bye Birdie to the raw honesty of Tick, Tick…Boom, and the community-impact of our Wonder World program, RPAP is building opportunities for performers of all ages to create, learn, and lead.”

About Ridley Performing Arts Program

Founded in 2022, the Ridley Performing Arts Program (RPAP) is a nonprofit theatre company dedicated to making the arts accessible through productions, classes, community events, and leadership opportunities. RPAP has grown rapidly since its founding, establishing its first permanent office and rehearsal space in Ridley Park and raising over $45,000 in funding to ensure sustainable programming.

Press Contact:

Kayleen Park, Office Administrator, Email: office@ridleyperformingartsprogram.com

Website: www.ridleyperformingartsprogram.com