The Boxcar Story
We’re Stephen, Laura, Andrew, and Caitlin – a team of best friends who have spent over a decade working together in theater education.
In 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found ourselves back in Boston after years apart pursuing careers in New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New Haven. With live theater on hold, we came together to work with a group of teenagers on a socially distanced, masked production of Into the Woods. Though the show would never be performed for a live audience, we treated it like any full-scale production – complete with sets, costumes, and lights.
In the midst of such a challenging time globally, that production gave all of us – students and educators alike – a way to connect, create, and find joy. It reminded us of theater’s unique power to build community and help young performers unlock their confidence and potential. Most importantly, it rekindled our passion for working together.
From that spark, the dream of Boxcar Stage Company began. We spent countless brainstorming sessions fueled by Dunkin’ cold brew, late nights sketching ideas on a whiteboard, and meals shared over takeout from Mr. Chan’s, mapping out what this company could be.
After officially launching in March 2023, that dream has become a reality. Boxcar Stage Company has grown into a vibrant and inclusive space where young performers find their voice, develop their skills, and experience the magic of theater. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and excited to continue building something special for our students and our community.
The Boxcar Team
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Laura Markarian
Artistic Director
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Stephen Markarian
Artistic Director
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Andrew Smith
Creative Director
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Caitlin M. Dutkiewicz
Managing Director
Why Boxcar?
In the original Boxcar Children story, four orphaned siblings turn an abandoned boxcar into their home. After losing their parents, they hold tight to each other and begin to build the next chapter of their lives. Their creativity and love animate the boxcar, helping them collectively find hope amidst grief.
To us, the boxcar feels like a beautiful analogy for theater - where a blank stage becomes the container for stories and for connection, where imagination creates endless possibility.
As we start this next chapter of our own lives, we couldn’t imagine a better grounding image than the boxcar to always keep us dreaming.