The 30-Minute Shakespeare Series

Nick Newlin has work as a Folger Education Teaching Artist since 1996 in the DC Public Schools, where he has brought an English class to their feet, performing an edited version of a Shakespeare play on the Folger Elizabethan stage. This book series presents lively versions of Shakespeare plays that keep the original language and add stage directions.


Folger Education

Nick Newlin has collaborated with Folger Education for two decades as a teaching artist, as well as performing and facilitating their annual Secondary School Shakespeare Festival. Nick and The 30-Minute Shakespeare now have a mission to expand the enjoyment of Shakespeare’s work to the elementary level. Children grades 3-5 can bring Shakespeare’s plays to life through a performance-based fun learning experience.


Zydeco Jed

Nick is an accomplished pianist, accordionist, vocalist and songwriter, and he brings all these skills to Zydeco Jed, an irrepressible sextet of musicians who combine rock, jazz, Cajun country, roots music and Grateful Delta into a delightful musical experience that will keep you dancing!





SpeakeasyDC/Story District

Nick Newlin has been telling true stories to audiences in DC and around the area since 2008, thanks to his association with this great storytelling organization. You can find videos of Nick Newlin’s stories on YouTube and Vimeo.


Blue Sky Puppets

Since 1974, one of the finest touring children’s theatres on the east coast. I can’t say enough about this great company and their influence on me both professionally and personally, as an example of how to live, perform, teach, and give.


Happenstance Theatre

Nick performed with this amazing troupe at Capital Fringe Festival, and has been a great admirer of their work as well as a dear friend for many years. They produce and tour original performer-created visual, poetic theatre.


Faction of Fools

This amazing company celebrates Commedia dell’Arte in Washington, DC and around the world: theatre at its best: discipline, imagination, energy, and wonder.


Taffety Punk

This is a wonderfully dynamic ensemble of actors, dancers and musicians who ignite a public passion for theatre by making the classical and the contemporary exciting, meaningful and affordable.


Mutts Gone Nuts

A comedy dog act and so much more! This duo brings skill, comedy, and heart to a show that will leave you laughing till your sides ache!


The Black Swamp Creek Land Trust

Joanne Flynn has started a land trust to preserve open spaces and foster appreciation for rural heritage. They hold events locally to build community and awareness of the importance of our natural world. Plant Swap, Pasture Party, and more, and Nick plays music for these events in The Swampy Bottom Boys.

Nick and Joanne and Nicolo Whimsey believe in a balanced life, strong community, positive values, and the joy in hard work and learning, all the while enjoying our many blessings!