Boston, October 22, 2025
News Summary
AJ Aversano and Nate Kelleher, seniors at Suffolk University, have founded Revolution Stageworks to enhance opportunities for emerging artists in Boston. Launched in May 2025, the company aims to bridge the gap between collegiate and professional theater, providing a platform for original and locally written plays. Their inaugural production, ‘Career Man,’ received tremendous support, highlighting the community’s dedication to local theater. Revolution Stageworks intends to continue its mission of fostering artistic growth despite challenges faced due to budget cuts in the university’s theater department.
Boston — AJ Aversano and Nate Kelleher, seniors at Suffolk University, are the founders of Revolution Stageworks. The production company was launched in May 2025 with the goal of creating more opportunities for emerging artists in the Boston area and bridge the gap between collegiate and professional theater.
What happened
Revolution Stageworks began as a student-led effort to provide practical, professional-level theater opportunities for Suffolk University students and recent alumni. The idea of starting their own production company developed over time and became a reality in January 2025, and the company formally launched in May 2025. Founders focused initial work on producing original and locally written plays that could serve as stepping stones from campus productions to the broader Boston theater community.
Key details and early productions
Their first major production was “Career Man,” co-created by Aversano and Sam Hackett, which is described as a “dramedy unpacking identity, love, and ambition.” That production served as a test run to determine whether the founders could deliver professional theater with emerging artists. The first production received overwhelming community support from Suffolk students and faculty, and the success of the show was attributed to the hard work and dedication of their fellow students. After “Career Man,” they committed fully to establishing Revolution Stageworks.
Their most recent production was “The Statue,” an original play by Boston University graduate Paul St. Cyr, with a cast and crew consisting entirely of Suffolk students and alumni. Fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe for “The Statue,” were used to cover production costs and are expected to remain important to the company’s sustainability.
Founders’ background
Aversano and Kelleher met during their freshman year at Suffolk University in the second semester while working on the Spring 2023 production of “WORKING: A Musical.” Aversano chose theater as their major just before this production, and Kelleher was an assistant stage manager backstage. Their early collaboration on campus productions sparked a desire to continue working together on future creative projects and ultimately led to forming Revolution Stageworks.
Team and roles
Staffing for productions has relied heavily on Suffolk students and recent graduates. Murphy Ryan, a Suffolk Public Relations graduate, serves as the Creative Marketing Coordinator and has been credited with significant contributions through campaign strategies and outreach. The company has emphasized giving space for students who balance day jobs and artistic commitments to participate in professional-style productions.
Challenges and institutional context
Revolution Stageworks operates against a backdrop of budget pressures within the university’s theater department. The founders acknowledged the importance of the theater department staff to student success, specifically mentioning Emily O’Sullivan, who was recently laid off due to budget cuts. Aversano noted significant impacts on the theater community due to budget cuts and loss of faculty. The layoffs have been described as emotionally difficult for students, and founders have framed some of their work as a response to reduced institutional support.
Outlook and mission
Despite challenges, the company intends to continue producing new work, building community ties, and creating clear pathways for emerging artists to enter Boston’s professional theater scene. Access to opportunities for emerging artists and those balancing day jobs is a key part of Revolution Stageworks’ mission. Founders encourage future theater students to support each other, engage with faculty to learn from their experiences, and seize opportunities to gain practical production experience.
FAQ
Who founded Revolution Stageworks?
AJ Aversano and Nate Kelleher, seniors at Suffolk University, are the founders of Revolution Stageworks.
When was the production company launched?
The production company was launched in May 2025.
When did the idea become a reality?
The idea of starting their own production company developed over time and became a reality in January 2025.
What is the goal of Revolution Stageworks?
The goal of Revolution Stageworks is to create more opportunities for emerging artists in the Boston area and bridge the gap between collegiate and professional theater.
What was their first major production?
Their first major production was “Career Man,” co-created by Aversano and Sam Hackett, which is described as a “dramedy unpacking identity, love, and ambition.”
Who took part in their most recent production?
Their most recent production was “The Statue,” an original play by Boston University graduate Paul St. Cyr, with a cast and crew consisting entirely of Suffolk students and alumni.
How did the Suffolk community respond to early productions?
Their first production received overwhelming community support from Suffolk students and faculty.
Who serves as Creative Marketing Coordinator?
Murphy Ryan, a Suffolk Public Relations graduate, serves as the Creative Marketing Coordinator.
What fundraising methods have been used?
Fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe for “The Statue,” are crucial for the company’s sustainability.
How have recent university decisions affected students?
Emily O’Sullivan, who was recently laid off due to budget cuts. Aversano noted significant impacts on the theater community due to budget cuts and loss of faculty.
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | AJ Aversano and Nate Kelleher, seniors at Suffolk University |
| Company launch | The production company was launched in May 2025 |
| Idea realized | The idea of starting their own production company developed over time and became a reality in January 2025 |
| First major production | “Career Man,” co-created by Aversano and Sam Hackett; described as a “dramedy unpacking identity, love, and ambition.” |
| Most recent production | “The Statue,” an original play by Boston University graduate Paul St. Cyr, with a cast and crew consisting entirely of Suffolk students and alumni |
| Mission focus | Create more opportunities for emerging artists in the Boston area and bridge the gap between collegiate and professional theater |
| Marketing lead | Murphy Ryan, a Suffolk Public Relations graduate, serves as the Creative Marketing Coordinator |
| Fundraising | Fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe for “The Statue,” are crucial for the company’s sustainability |
| University impact | Emily O’Sullivan, who was recently laid off due to budget cuts; Aversano noted significant impacts on the theater community due to budget cuts and loss of faculty |
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Additional Resources
- The Suffolk Journal: AJ Aversano and Nate Kelleher Launch Revolution Stageworks
- Wikipedia: Theater in the United States
- Theater Mania: The Statue by Paul St. Cyr
- Google Search: Boston theater scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
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