We make
COOL THINGS
WITH COOL
ARTISTS

Rock Rising is an artist-focused nonprofit organization. We produce live events, original theater, podcasts and more.

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our mission

Connect communities, amplify artists, and spark collaboration.

Rock Rising is an artist-focused, nonprofit production company based in Astoria, Queens. We produce theater, develop new works of theater, and we are opening a theater at 23-56 Broadway in Astoria!

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Our Tuition-Free
Theater Program

At Rock Rising, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to shine on stage. That’s why our youth theater program is entirely tuition-free, a rarity in New York City. Since launching our youth programming in late 2023, we’ve grown from a cast of 13 in our first production (Everyday Charlie) to over 60 actors auditioning for our shows. We have produced six tuition-free productions. Check out our production gallery to see photos from our past productions!

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Production Gallery

Peter Pan Jr. Production

Matilda Jr. Production

Finding Nemo Jr. Production

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Up Next / Events

Rock Rising Season Calendar

March 2026-December 2026

Willy Wonka Tickets

March 5-March 29

Weekly Workshops / Classes

Jan 2026-May 2026

"Everyday Charlie" Auditions

February 13-March 18

TYA Audition Submissions Due

6-Dec

Frozen Jr. Auditions

July 8, 2025 through August 15, 2025
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SOME WORDS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

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My journey with RR has been such a special and sweet one. My first experience performing with this amazing company was in 2021, then I got to intern for them, and now get the privilege of creating alongside them as a staff member. Rock Rising has been such an influential part of my theater experience, and they have given me so many opportunities to learn, grow, and do what I love. RR firmly believes in equally working hard and playing hard, and inspires young people to try new things while being their authentic self!
Rachel Ninah
My son joined the Rock Rising crew in 2024 and has been obsessed with being in musicals ever since. He is motivated to sing, dance and act well because of all the positive reinforcement and energy Julie, Michael and the whole RR team brings to rehearsal. It's inspiring to see such devoted investment in the next generation's ability to imagine and express well. Not only did Luca find a great outlet to perform, he found an adept community of friends to sharpen eachother's skills on and off stage. RR encourages empathy, joy, creativity, wonder, strength, decisiveness, flexibility, movement, quick thinking, I COULD GO ON! I'm just thankful for this crew and everything they're doing in Queens!
Marissa Rosano
As a young performer, I absolutely would not be where I am today without Julie and Michael's guidance and personal care for me. Since I got involved in 2021, Rock Rising has created so many opportunities and learning experiences that I wouldn't trade for the world, and continues to pave the way for more. The kid’s musical program was groundbreaking for me as I got to experience the world of professional theatre before actually becoming a part of it, both onstage and off! And the community built by RR is truly astounding. I've made so many lovely and talented friends in casts, crews, and creative teams in RR programs, and am so grateful for each and every one of them and the lessons I've learned through them. RR has seriously changed my life!
Liviya Hoskinson
Rock Rising is laying the groundwork for a better theater culture. Michael and Julie’s commitment to the union of aesthetic and cooperative values stimulates the interweaving of community, artistry, and educational engagement in the New York scene. They value family, they prioritize good art, and they are wonderful to work with. Rock Rising is an organization that has every intention of continuing to develop and increase its impact, and the future will certainly be bright.
Johnny Rabe
As a fellow producer for over 30 years, you learn to recognize something special when you see it. I knew Julie and Michael were special upon meeting them both. Then I met their work. There is such great care in not only what they produce, but how they produce. Creativity, joy, professionalism, curiousity, integrity, and great love. These are at the core of what make Rock Rising such a needed member of our community. It all starts with Julie and Michael and is infectious to those around them. I look forward to seeing how these fortunate young artists take what they've learned with them. It will make our work, our craft, our world a better place. As renters at Court Square Theater, I only wish we had a dozen Rock Risings.
Judson Jones
People should support Rock Rising because it’s the best theater program! I love being with my friends and getting to do theater-- it makes me so happy!
Gracie Sutton (age 7)
Rock Rising is more than an organization, it is a home. They not only took a chance on me as a young actor, but continued to put me under their wing and give me space to grow. Shortly after my run in Everyday Charlie, I was offered the opportunity to be Rock Rising's Featured Artist. This brought me so many opportunities to branch out as I was no longer simply carrying out someone else's vision, but crafting my own. Michael, Julie, and the entire RR family has continued to support me in all of my endeavors and their love is always felt. There is no better place to grow as an artist than Rock Rising. When you work with them, you become more than just a collaborator, but a true friend. I've continued to find joy in all that they do, whether I perform myself or am fortunate enough to witness one of their brilliant productions.
Hannah Carter
Rock Rising has become an incredibly important part of our family’s life. Our oldest daughter, Gracie, has been involved since RR's very first youth theater production and has eagerly participated in every performance since! What began as a program for her has become a place for all of us. We’ve made new friendships, strengthened old ones, and had the privilege of watching not only Gracie, but so many other students, grow tremendously over the past several years. The program is both rigorous and excellent-- without ever sacrificing kindness, encouragement, or inclusion. We’re so grateful for the community Rock Rising has built and the way it continues to inspire our children and families alike.
Andie Sutton
Rock Rising is an incredible organization and I mean that! Michael, Julie, and the whole team have created something truly special. I’ve been a fan and friend of RR since the beginning and seeing them build this wonderful community has been phenomenal. They truly CARE about what they do. These young actors are all fantastic and the shows never cease to amaze me. PLUS - they do so much more! Workshops, podcasts, talent shows - they do it all and they do it all PERFECTLY. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to witness the awesomeness that Rock Rising continues to create!!
Brian Patterson
It’s rare to see productions of such high quality that are also completely tuition-free and open to children of all ages, but Rock Rising’s team is able to marshal the talent and support of a vast, largely Queens-based community of families to create productions that consistently top the one that came before. So much theater that happens in New York City feels fleeting and intended for an industry audience; Rock Rising’s model is all the more refreshing for being sustained, deeply engaged community-based theater.
Alex Hare

MEET OUR AWESOME TEAM

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Michael Alan Johnson
Creative Director
Julie Drexler Johnson
Executive Director

Podcast Library Archive

On the night of their parents' funeral, three brothers gather in the living room of their family home and try to reckon with what has happened to them. Written by Matthew Gasda & directed by Charlie Munn.

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On each episode of Fan Fiction, Alyssa Davis, Reilly Willson, and one hilarious guest perform dramatic readings of real fan fiction from deep corners of the internet and try to figure out what in the world is going on?!

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Mary and Julie invite a guest to recount the plots of some of the most famous movies and TV shows. The twist? They’ve only ever seen the last 90 seconds. Listen as guests butcher the plots of some of the most beloved stories of all time.

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Gina Stevensen and Steven Moskos analyze the films, television, and music that have shaped our culture to determine… Should We Keep This? 1969-2009 available now wherever you podcast!

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HOLA HOLA HOLA! Jamison, your new virtual Spanish teacher, will try his darndest to teach Michael - MIGUEL - as much conversational Spanish as he can in one summer! Follow @ifailedspanish to participate in our exciting activities!

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Looking for Artists is an ongoing dialogue with the artists from all disciplines in and around our community. Hosted by Michael Johnson. Rock Rising is interested in artists like you! Let's get connected.

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Book space

We are opening a theater at 23-56 Broadway in Astoria with spaces available to rent by the hour and theaters available for weekly or monthly buyouts! Check back with us soon to read more about renting space with us. We are committed to providing high quality, low cost space to the artists in our neighborhood. Our plans now include a 170-seat Theater, a flexible blackbox space that seats up to 70, a large studio space big enough for a dance class, and several smaller studio spaces. Keep in touch as we make progress to open - we can't wait to share space with you!

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