Who we are
DownStage Centre (DSC) is an inclusive arts organization based in the New Hampshire Seacoast area, dedicated to inspiring creativity and confidence through the performing arts. We offer dance classes, voice lessons, and instrumental instruction for all ages and experience levels.
DSC is also home to a dynamic winter guard team as well as the home of JoyFit, our signature aerobic dance class designed to bring movement and joy together.
Whether you're stepping onto the stage or discovering your passion for the first time, DownStage Centre is here to help you grow, express, and shine.
Meet the co-creatives
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FounderJo Meallo is an American dancer, dance instructor, choreographer and director specializing in musical theatre dance, tap, jazz, and lyrical. The are best known in Northern New England for their work at The Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Prescott Park Arts Festival, The Palace Theatre, The Rochester Opera House and The University of New Hampshire. They have directed and choreographed hundreds of productions. Locally they have taught Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Lyrical Dance and Color Guard at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy (Kingston, NH), Dance Visions (Manchester, NH), UNH (Durham, NH) and Simmons College (Boston, MA). Jo received a BA in Theatre from The University of New Hampshire in 2006. In 2018 Jo Co-Founded DownStage Centre for the Arts, a safe and creative environment for teens and adults to explore the art of live musical theatre production.
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Samuel Tolley graduated from Plymouth State University with degrees in musical theatre and music education. After seven years in South Korea he returned to the states in 2022. With ten years of teaching music under his belt Samuel has a deep passion for inspiring people to express themselves creatively. Samuel loves to teach voice, music direct theatrical productions, and act on stage.
Our Mission
At DownStage Centre, our mission is to cultivate and foster a lifelong love of the arts by creating joyful, inclusive, and empowering experiences in dance, music, and performance. We believe that artistic expression should spark happiness, build confidence, and foster community. Through high-quality instruction and creative exploration, we help individuals of all ages discover their unique voice and celebrate the pure joy of the arts.
At DownStage Centre, one of our biggest dreams is to have a physical home of our own—a vibrant, welcoming space where creativity can thrive. We envision a dedicated facility where we can hold our dance classes, voice and instrumental lessons, and rehearsals all under one roof, as well as stage for theatrical productions. This space would be more than just a studio—it would be a hub for learning, expression, and connection, where students of all ages feel inspired to grow, perform, and experience the joy of the arts together.
Our Dream
Make a donation
Support our dream of opening up our own space!
Contact us
Please reach out with any questions about what DownStage Centre offers!
info@downstagec.com