The theater world is known for being diverse, subjective and full of surprises. When you take a seat and the lights dim before a show starts, you know that each time you will have a unique experience. Revolution Stageworks is no exception to this natural rule, and Suffolk University seniors AJ Aversano and Nate Kelleher are the minds behind the magic of each production this company puts on.
Aversano and Kelleher launched their production company, Revolution Stageworks, in May 2025. They say the goal of the company is to create more opportunities for emerging artists in the Boston area, as well as to bridge the gap between collegiate and professional theater.
“We are creating the change that we want to see,” said Kelleher.
Aversano and Kelleher are both theater majors here at Suffolk who met in the second semester of their freshman year.
Aversano, originally from Flemington, New Jersey, always had an underlying passion for theater, but had only chosen it as their major just before performing in Suffolk’s Spring 2023 main-stage production of “WORKING: A Musical.” It was there, during tech week, that they met Kelleher, who was working with the backstage crew as an assistant stage manager.
“Everything kind of starts as silly gestures or jokes backstage right before they go on,” said Kelleher.
Aversano expressed that though the production was stressful for the two, afterwards, they both knew they wanted to collaborate on their future creative endeavors.
“After that, we were like, we need to work together immediately,” said Aversano.
After working together on a few shows for a while, the idea of starting their own production company became more than a thought — it slowly but surely brought itself into reality.
Aversano’s creative and organizational skills, combined with Kelleher’s extensive experience in the theater industry, proved to be the perfect formula for the two to build this company from scratch.
They say that although they had been discussing it for the past few years, it all truly began this past January when the two decided to take a leap of faith and take the production into their own hands.
A few months later, they co-produced “Career Man,” a play co-created by Aversano and Sam Hackett, described as “a dramedy unpacking identity, love and ambition.” The two say they see it as being their ‘test-run’ show.
“We kind of made the decision that if “Career Man” went well, we could go ahead with it,” said Aversano. “It was a concept that we could create professional theater with emerging artists only.”
This test run proved to be a rousing success for the two, with what they say is an overwhelming amount of support from the community, from students to faculty. Besides their own hard work and dedication, Kelleher and Aversano credit the success of the production to their fellow students, who took the time and effort to make the show what it was.
“It was an incredible experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Aversano. “People came out of the woodwork to be involved in it, it’s an all hands on deck situation.”
Following the performance of “Career Man,” Aversano and Kelleher went all-in on starting their own company. Their most recent project was their production of “The Statue,” an original play written by local Boston University graduate Paul St. Cyr. The cast and crew consisted entirely of current Suffolk students and alumni, which only enhances the sense of community that Revolution brings to campus.
Alongside the tireless dedication from students to this project, Aversano and Kelleher credit much of their success to the theater department staff.
They say that taking on higher production roles, a task which is usually reserved for seniors at Suffolk, was no easy feat. They would not have gotten anywhere near where they are now without support from staff such as Emily O’ Sullivan, the current operations manager of the Modern Theater, who was recently laid off due to budget cuts to the theater department.
“The faculty of the theater department are indispensable,” said Aversano. “They go above and beyond every single time to make sure that the students are cared for, that the students are taught well, that the students are supported.”
The past few weeks have been heartbreaking for not only Aversano and Kelleher but many in the department — witnessing some of their most significant role models and crucial pieces to the well-oiled machine that is the Suffolk theater program lose their jobs and be forced to walk away from the students that look up to them. They say the budget cuts have begun to slash their community apart.
“It feels like we have taken a very hard hit,” said Aversano. “[O’Sullivan] was an integral part of us producing ‘The Statue.’”
The way O’Sullivan went above and beyond for the Revolution Stageworks team — going in at odd hours to help set things up, making sure everything was laid out the best way it could possibly be — will not be forgotten by Kelleher and Aversano. Kelleher says that goes for the entire faculty as well.
“Their passion is truly making sure of and seeing to each and every one of our success,” said Kelleher. “Our management staff, our office staff, our theater operations staff, they care so much about making sure that we feel seen and heard and have opportunities to grow.”
Despite the current hardships in the theater department, Aversano believes this is a time that brings their community even closer.
“The community shows up for itself even when things get discouraging,” said Aversano.
And as much as the students give to the theater department, their dedication pays off.
Kelleher, who has experience not only in college theater but the professional world as well, says the Boston theater scene loves Suffolk students and is willing to give them opportunities outside of their academic career, an invaluable opportunity for many.
“A big part of our mission is access to opportunity,” said Kelleher. “Specifically for emerging artists and people that work day jobs and really like acting and want an opportunity to do that again.”
Fundraising is a huge part of any small business venture, and Revolution Stageworks is no exception.
Murphy Ryan, a recent Suffolk Public Relations graduate and the company’s Creative Marketing Coordinator, made much of that possible with her campaign strategies, such as the GoFundMe for their production of “The Statue,” which is still accepting donations.
“She was an immeasurable help and an awesome third person to have ideas from,” said Kelleher.
Revolution Stageworks would not be possible without the students involved, and for future students who are interested in the theater industry, Kelleher and Aversano have a world of wisdom to pass on.
“Do everything and support one another,” said Aversano. “You are nothing without your neighbor, you are nothing without your peers and if you care about something you should do it. There is no shortage of opportunities.”
“Watch and listen to what the faculty has to say,” said Kelleher. “Take the time to sit with them and ask, ‘How did you get where you are?’”
