Judy DePerla is a beloved Rhode Island educator, theatre director, and community arts leader whose career has spanned decades of inspiring children, teens, and adults through theatre education and performance. Known throughout the state for creating inclusive, imaginative, and transformative opportunities for young people, she has devoted her life to helping students discover creativity, confidence, and community through the performing arts.

For many years, Judy taught in the East Providence Public Schools, where she combined classroom teaching with innovative theatre education. She founded and directed the Martin Theater Company at Martin Middle School, guiding generations of students in productions that celebrated collaboration, communication, and self‑expression. Her programs welcomed participants of all backgrounds and experience levels, fostering safe, encouraging spaces for artistic growth. After retiring from public education, Judy co‑founded JDP Theatre / East End Theatre and Performing Arts, a community organization dedicated to providing affordable, enriching theatre experiences for children and teens. Through musical productions, workshops, and seasonal programs, she continued mentoring young performers and expanding access to theatre education across East Providence.

Her work has extended beyond the classroom and stage, encompassing directing, acting, stage management, and technical theatre. Judy has collaborated with numerous Rhode Island theatre organizations, including the Players at Barker, and Bayspring Community Center’s Reflections in RI,  touring statewide with Cat Collyer. She has also developed low‑cost and no‑cost vacation and summer programs for youth, ensuring that theatre remains accessible to all.

In 2022, she was celebrated as one of East Providence’s Remarkable Women, a testament to her vision, leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of creativity to build community. Judy’s lifelong dedication to the arts has earned her widespread recognition. Recently, the stage at Martin Middle School  was named in her honor and now bears her name — The Judy DePerla Stage — honoring her enduring impact on theatre education.

“Teaching theatre is not simply about performance — it is about helping young people discover courage, imagination, empathy, and their own unique voice.”