the mission
This summer in Ashland, Oregon, a group of super-smart misfits will defy gravity and expectations in Kids in Space—an original rock musical blasting off for its very first phase of development in partnership with ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. Equal parts brainy and bizarre, this five-week journey invites middle schoolers to explore science, music, and the magic of make-believe, all culminating in a public showcase (venue TBD).
The Premise
When a ragtag crew of precocious kids discovers a forgotten rocket schematic, they do what any self-respecting 12-year-old geniuses would do: build it. What follows is a charmingly chaotic voyage to Mars filled with friendly Martian, existential pizza cravings, time portals and the discovery that our greatest superpowers might just be the things that made us feel weird on Earth.
Contact us for more details and join the mission where big dreams take flight.
the team
Ness Hopkins, also originally from Los Angeles, is an award winning multidisciplinary artist. Ness
has been a lifelong performer and director with deep roots in dance, theater and film. In her 20s,
she fronted several bands, bringing her dynamic stage presence and love for music to live
audiences all over the world.
Ness has years of experience teaching and coaching folks of all walks of life. She was the
dance and yoga teacher at The Boys and Girls Club in Venice Ca, and The Yoga and Acting
for Camera teacher at PHAME Academy in Portland, a creative arts school for developmentally
challenged adults. She was also the founder of Portland’s beloved Two Wolves Theater
School (for kids), which had to close in 2020.
She has done marketing for several Non Profits over the years, and has a passion for
supporting community growth and engagement.
Now based in Ashland, Ness is the founding artistic director of her film company
www.LifeisShortFilms.com, Her art gallery and creative space in The Historic Railroad District
www.The-A-Space.com and founder of The Human Stage & School, a new contemporary
theater company and educational space launching this summer.
Kevin Levy is a musical creator originally from Los Angeles. His passion for both science
and community has led him to some pretty cool places—he’s worked with NASA/JPL and the
Griffith Observatory in LA, educating curious minds about the wonders of the cosmos. He’s
also the creator and co-host of the insightful radio talk show Country Dog - City Dog, where he
brings a bit of rural charm to urban life.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Kevin is deeply committed to community engagement. He
served on the board of the Portland Ultimate Frisbee Federation and coached youth sports,
all while founding The Revolution Choir, a social justice choir dedicated to using music to
inspire change.
When he’s not creating or coaching, you can find Kevin working as a licensed Realtor in
Portland Oregon, where he helps people find their perfect space to grow and where lives with
his wonderful wife and two awesome kids.
His most exciting adventure? Kids in Space—a musical about the first-ever group of kids to
travel to the stars, no adults allowed. A project that’s been years in the making and is finally
ready to blast off!
