Dance Nation

An amateur production of Clare Barron's Dance Nation, a sharp comic drama about teen competitive dancers.

Progress Theatre stages Dance Nation by Clare Barron, directed by Imogen Lilley, running from 12 to 17 October 2026. Set in Ohio, the play follows a group of fiercely competitive pre-teen dancers preparing for a National Dance competition under their coach Dance Teacher Pat, with the group vying to be chosen to dance the lead role as Gandhi. The show is funny and sharp but tackles mature themes, including the dancers' growing awareness of sexuality and frank language around it, so it suits an older teenage and adult audience rather than young children. It's presented as an amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French, Inc, and forms part of Progress Theatre's long-running strand of staging American drama.

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Progress TheatreA small community theatre where 7 to 18 year olds can join youth theatre sessions, from theatre games to backstage skills.Reading · accessible toilet · hearing loop · food on siteSee full listing →