A Decade in the Making: Jessica Algard Brings "(Start) Over" to the Stage

It all takes time.

After 10 years of developing the script, Jessica Algard’s Almond Theatre Company is bringing her original play, “(Start) Over,” to Gloucester Stage Company this December. 

Algard, from Beverly, graduated from Gordon College in 2016 with a theater degree and a minor in Creative Writing. She now works at the college as the technical director and production manager. 

Theater has been Algard’s whole world since she was a kid. As a student at Gordon, Algard said she was involved in the theater program, from directing to technical courses, and writing short plays. She even attended the London trip, where her plays were performed at its festival. 

After graduating from college, she was inspired to write “(Start) Over,” a play about a Young Woman who has just moved to the big city. As she figures out a new path, she is overcome with uncertainty and fear.

“It started with big questions. I don’t know what’s happening,” Algard reflected on what to do next after graduation. 

The writing process was off and on over the years, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, marriage, and the loss of her father in 2025. 

“It was a change I never saw coming, but I had to live through it,” Algard said. 

In fall 2025, Algard said that’s when she got down to business and began editing the play, while working on her master’s thesis at Mississippi University for Women. She said it helped her reflect on the last ten years of her life. 

An opportunity arose for Algard in June 2026. She did a staged reading of “(Start) Over” at the first annual Beverly Fringe Festival with a director and a group of actors. The play was performed three times, and she received audience feedback after each performance. Algard said the conversations helped shape the play.

“There were so many conversations to relate to. Being able to feel something visceral was important to me,” Algard said.

Now, “(Start) Over” is having its professional debut at Gloucester Stage Company in December. 

Hannah Spangler, from Beverly, directs the production. After reading a draft of Algard’s play, Spangler said she felt an immediate connection with its themes. She played the part of “Girl” in the Beverly Fringe Festival.

“For this fully staged version, the director position sat vacant, and Jess asked if I’d like to direct, and here we are!” said Spangler. 

Auditions were held in August, and seven actors were cast. Rehearsals started in September at the First Baptist Church in Beverly before moving to Gloucester Stage Company for tech. 

Abigail Erdelatz, who plays Girl, said rehearsals have been collaborative. To get into her character’s mindset, Erdelatz said she has listened to her own character playlist. 

A unique part of the show is “The Gaggle” ensemble. 

“The Gaggle is the subconscious thoughts and behaviors of the Young Woman,” said Chloe Agyare, who is in the Gaggle ensemble.

Agyare added that the Gaggles are very movement-based. She said rehearsals have been experimental, playful, and reflective in conversations. 

Melinda Kalanzis, another Gaggle member, describes the characters as strong emotions the main character experiences.

“The Gaggle feels everything Young Woman feels, so in a way they’re her, but they’re more abstract and wacky,” The Wayland resident said. 

“(Start) Over” is an adult coming-of-age show. Anne Sablich, who plays Boss, believes “(Start) Over” is about choices. 

“It’s about figuring out who you are when you might still need your childhood stuffed animal nearby,” the Haverhill resident said. 

Algard looks forward to bringing her 10-year project to the stage, hoping it will influence any young adult who feels lost.

“Theater is about the collective experience of being in a room together and feeling deeply human,” said Algard. 

Almond Theatre Company’s “(Start) Over” will be at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Dec. 4 - 6. It is 75 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available online.