By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The Saax Bradbury Mission:
The Saax Bradbury Teen Players (SBP) have been an active youth theatre group at New Bern Civic Theatre since the mid-1980s. Its purpose is to empower teens with leadership opportunities through hands-on education and experience in theatre. The end game is the performance of a play or musical each summer–directed, acted, designed and technically supported by the teens themselves. They are currently in rehearsals for Around the World in 80 Days, which runs from July 18 to July 27.
Abbey Lewis has been guiding the program for the past year: “Mentoring the Saax Bradbury Teen Players has been a joy and an inspiration. This teen-led program empowers young artists to take full ownership of their creative process—from monthly workshops to running every aspect of a fully staged summer production. Watching them lead their rendition of Around the World in 80 Days has been nothing short of incredible. They’ve taken on this fast-paced, hilarious adventure with so much confidence, energy, and heart. It’s been amazing to see how they support each other, take risks, and grow as both artists and leaders. When teens are given the space to lead, they rise to the occasion—and it’s so rewarding to be part of that journey,” says Abbey.
“It’s not just about putting on a show; it’s about building confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. The mission here isn’t just to train future artists—it’s to nurture compassionate, capable leaders who understand the value of their ideas and the strength of working together. Theatre teaches so much more than lines and stage directions—it builds skills that teens carry with them into every part of life. Whether it’s learning to communicate clearly, work as a team, adapt in the moment, or approach challenges with creativity and confidence, these are tools they’ll use far beyond the stage. Theatre gives young people a voice, a sense of responsibility, and the courage to take initiative—and that translates beautifully into school, work, relationships, and everything in between.”
A number of young actors in the New Bern community have used the Saax Bradbury as an early training program to launch their professional theatre careers.
Nora Blalock, who was active in the Saax Bradbury Program from 2013-2019, went on to spend four years in NYC to study dance at Hunter College: “My years in the Saax Bradbury program taught me the importance of an environment that allows you the space and freedom to fail, and then to succeed. We were guided by excellent mentors who gave us the tools to grow, while making sure that we felt safe to experiment with our ideas and creativity. Working closely with peers gave us a sense of independence that was vital to mounting full shows and seeing what we were capable of. I believe I can speak for my generation of Saax Bradbury players when I say that we felt seen in a way that pushed us to achieve wonderful things, and set us up for success in so many aspects of life.”
Another SBP alumni, Tevondre Kemari Bryan is currently touring with Book of Mormon in Australia, and says: “The Saax Bradbury Program gave me a place to be surrounded by peers who were ready and willing to do work, and a strong set of mentors who were willing to support our ideas and dreams. Teenage years are a core moment in any person’s artistic journey, and the Saax Bradbury program provided me with the tools towards building my own artistic community and believing in my own artistic process.”
Around the World in 80 Days:
Jules Vern’s Around the World in 80 days is set in 1872 and is a sweet story about a great journey, filled with struggles and successes. The themes of the value of imagination, friendship and love have made this a classic tale.
Dylan Muse is the 17-year-old Co-Director of Around the World in 80 Days and he says this about the process of directing and his interpretation of the show: “It took time to build my confidence, because this is the first time I’ve ever done something similar to this – being in a production team. I’ve only been on stage and I’ve done tech like once, so this is completely new to me. And at first it was difficult trying to find that balance between being a friend and being a director and being a leader to everybody here. The more that I’ve gotten to know everybody, it’s gotten a lot easier,” he says. “I think this show is important because it encourages people that whenever you fall down, get back up and keep on going. This show has made me realize that if you truly believe in yourself, you can go anywhere and do anything you want to.”
River Durham is also a Co-Director, at 18-years-old. He talks about what the production means to him: “It’s a story about personal growth and allowing yourself to change as a person because of the people around you, because of your loved ones and the found family you’ve created. I feel like it’s kind of a message that everyone can learn from.”
Many of the actors have discovered that they enjoy working with younger directors and comment: “It’s different from what [I’ve] been in before, and I think it’s really great. It goes to show you don’t necessarily have to be [an adult] to be able to create pieces of art or work that is impactful” – Maddie, 13, ensemble
“They’re much easier to talk to and communicate with. Because adults, no matter what, to people who are younger, are intimidating. But when you have teen directors, people close to your age, people that are your friends, they’re much easier to talk to, and you most likely will be on the same page.” – Chloe, 16, costume designer
“I feel like with Saax Bradbury shows we get to add more of ourselves. We get to have more ability to do what we want in scenes. Because when we have [adult] directors, they’re like, this is exactly what I want, which is fine, but with our [teen] directors, we have a lot of room for movement in the stuff that we do, and that’s really cool. And also we can have an insane amount of fun, but still, we’re about to put on a great show.” Lainey, 14, ensemble
“For my first lead role, I’m glad that it’s with teenagers, because I feel like if it was with adults, I’d be super [in my head] and I wouldn’t be out there… with teenagers, I feel like I can suggest things, and they’ll actually take it to heart and then put it in [the show] and see how it works out. And if it doesn’t work out, at least I tried, you know, but I feel like, with adults, I would not suggest things at all. I’d be too scared.” – Lilliana, 15, Mrs. Aouda
One of the challenges of this particular production is that some of the ensemble members play as many as 8-10 characters in each performance!
“Well, it was very difficult in the beginning trying to figure out how to differ the characters, but now exploring all their different personalities is so much fun.” – Lainey, 14, ensemble
“[It] has been so nice, because I get to play like a mix of these big characters that have these big personalities and then, you know, more minor ones, and it’s just a nice mix, and I’m having so much fun with it” – Moth, 17, ensemble
Overall, the feedback from the cast was that they feel that their experiences have been very valuable in terms of learning about theatre, but also connecting with other like-minded peers in their community:
“Number one, it’s a learning opportunity. And number two, you meet like people your age and feel like you can relate to them with the arts and the theater and with music… And I just feel like that’s good to be able to know that you have peers that have the same passions.” – Mallory, 15, props manager
“It gives you a way to find a lot of independence, especially when you’re going through your upper class years in high school, where you are about to move out, you’re about to go to college and figuring your own life out on your own. It helps you find a little bit of a sense of independence, because you have some help, but then you also get to find ways to do things on your own.” Chloe, 16, costume designer
“It’s great to be around people that are around your age and have similar interests and likes and dislikes. You can really relate to them and be open and not be afraid to share anything or act silly or goofy on stage. And I don’t know, you get to be yourself without fear of judgment.” Maddie, 13, ensemble
A New Executive Director for the Civic Theatre: Bradley Moore
BRADLEY MOORE has spent most of his life working in the theatre, with a very exciting decade sabbatical into the music business, just for good measure. A Maryland native, he received his undergrad in Theatre Performance from Winthrop University in South Carolina, where he also achieved his master’s in Arts Administration. Bradley spent 17 years as a Nashville resident and worked on the road as a Tour Manager and Production Coordinator for LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, India Arie, among others. His work with these artists allowed him to travel all over the world including Europe, Japan, & Africa.
Getting back to his theatre roots, in 2009 he started Music City Theatre Company in Nashville. Bradley is the recipient of the Broadway World Award for Best Director of a Musical for the regional premiere of American Idiot (2016) & the First Night Award for Best Director of a Musical for the regional premiere of Mamma Mia! (2018). Other favorite directing credits include: Sister Act, the regional premiere of Freaky Friday: The Musical, the Tennessee premiere of Matilda, Peter & The Starcatcher, and August: Osage County. He has worked with many theatres up and down the East Coast including Studio Tenn, Expression City, Chaffin’s Barn, where he spent time as the Assistant Artistic Director, and Cumberland County Playhouse in East Tennessee.
Bradley is also an actor, having performed in over 120 productions in his lifetime, and a playwright who is the author/co-author of several original musicals, including the Broadway World Award winning Casey Stampfield: The Musical and a recent new musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Recently, Bradley has directed Ragtime, [title of show], Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, A Christmas Carol, Heathers, Kinky Boots, Bye Bye Birdie, Rent, POTUS, and the world premiere of Lithium & Xanax & All of My Friends. He was recently nominated for five Metrolina Theatre Association Awards in Charlotte, NC for his work last season at Piedmont Players in Salisbury, NC.
“I’ve been an actor since I was five and a director since I was sixteen,” says Bradley. “My passion for both disciplines continues to grow. I actually love it more and more every single day. I love creating. I love watching artists be given the space and opportunity to use their talents and shine. Collaboration is key; inspiration should not be ignored. When I direct, I am constantly telling my casts to be present, listen, and have fun. I try to live my life that way as well.”
Bradley is looking forward to the growth of the SBP at NBCT: “There’s something truly magical on the horizon for Saax Bradbury Players — we are developing more classes, more creative workshops, and fresh projects that grow with our teens. We have built a space where young voices can stretch, play, and shine. If your teen loves any part of theatre, join us — come be part of the story!”
“Around the World in 80 Days is more than a race against time — it’s a journey of friendship, courage, and wonder. At every stop, we’re reminded that the world is wide, beautiful, and full of unexpected kindness.”
“New Bern Civic Theatre will continue to be a living stage where stories take root and voices rise; where imagination finds a home. We believe that theatre is a mirror, a lantern, and a gathering place — illuminating who we are and who we might become, together.”