Western Mass Theatre Newsletter |
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| | | This weekend: come see Cinderella at the Academy of Music this Saturday - performances at 1 and 4:30! And take a look at all the amazing summer program offerings in the area - it’s not too late to sign your children up!
The next issue will include events from May 14 - June 3. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at westernmasstheatre@gmail.com
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| Easthampton Theater Company presents Applause June 7, 11, 12, 13, and 14 at Williston Theater in Easthampton Tickets and More Information |
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| Pioneer Valley Ballet presents Cinderella... With A Twist
May 9, 2026 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM at the Academy of Music Tickets and More Information |
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| Academy of Music Theatre Summer Musical Theatre Workshops July 13-14, July 27-31, August 3-14 at the Academy of Music Theatre Learn More and Register Here |
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UMass Amherst Department of Theatre presents RHINOCEROS
By Eugene Ionesco
Translated by Derek Prouse
Directed by Rose Schwietz Malla
May 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m.
May 9 at 2 p.m.
The Rand Theater
Rhinoceros tickets
Daily life in a small village is unexpectedly interrupted when a rhinoceros barrels through, trampling pets and crushing the social order. As the villagers spout off about the pachyderm's number of horns and racial origin, one beast becomes two, two become ten, and soon everyone succumbs to the allure of rhinoceritis: animal energy, brute force, and mindlessness. In this absurd satire of the human condition, will kind-hearted Daisy and slovenly Berenger remain steadfast in their commitment to humanist values – or succumb to the animal inside?
Content advisory: Coarse language and adult themes. Recommended for ages 13 and up
“Rhinoceros” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Tickets and pricing:
$17 general admission, $5 for students, seniors, and Card to Culture patrons, or $19 and $7 through the Fine Arts Center Box Office, which includes a $2 fee.
Season and group discounts available
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MAJESTIC THEATER TO PRESENT COME FROM AWAY MAY 7 - 31 The fifth and final play of the Majestic Theater’s current season takes the stage April 16 through May 31 when the acclaimed musical Come From Away is presented. The Majestic Theater is located at 131 Elm Street in West Springfield, MA. With book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away is a heartwarming and uplifting musical that tells the true story of 7,000 passengers who were stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after the events of September 11, 2001. The musical highlights the generosity and warmth of the real-life townspeople who welcomed strangers into their homes and hearts. Come From Away has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Its themes of kindness and community remind us of the power of compassion in the face of adversity and the shared humanity that unites us all in times of crisis. The cast includes Chelsie Nectow (Beverly/Annette/Dance Captain), Sue Dziura (Beulah), Martinez Napoleon (Bob), Will McGarrahan (Claude), Bob Mootos (Nick/Doug), Myka Plunkett (Bonnie), Destini Stewart (Hannah), Elaine Hom (Diane), Shaun O’Keefe (Oz), Ben Ashley (Kevin T./Garth), David Webber (Kevin J./Ali), and Caelie Flanagan (Janice). Russell Garrett is director/choreographer, and Elisabeth Weber is music director. Hope Rose Kelly is stage manager, and assistant stage manager is Caroline Trudell. Ryan Hickey is sound designer, and Dawn McKay is costume designer. Tickets to the show range from $35-$38 and can be purchased in person at the box office, by calling (413) 747-7797, or online at https://www.majestictheater.com/come-from-away. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Following the conclusion of Come From Away, the Majestic will begin its summer schedule of performances, including a brief return of the popular comedy Shear Madness, as well as summer concerts, children’s theater, youth workshops and more. Doors to the theater will open one hour before the start of a show, which is also when the café opens. For more information, visit www.majestictheater.com |
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Pioneer Valley Ballet
Cinderella... With A Twist
May 9, 2026
1:00 PM and 4:30 PM
Academy of Music
Pioneer Valley Ballet presents Cinderella… With A Twist on Saturday, May 9 at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved score, this lively new comedy ballet tells the story of a kindhearted Cinderella and a bookish Prince whose lives are magically transformed by a Fairy Godmother. Featuring whimsical costumes, imaginative scenery, and intricate choreography by Artistic Directors Maryanne Kodzis and Thomas Vacanti, the production includes professional dancers alongside hundreds of PVB students and community performers from across Western Massachusetts. This lively family-friendly ballet brings humor, magic, and adventure to a beloved classic. Two performances: 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
https://aomtheatre.com/aom_event/cinderella-with-a-twist/ |
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The Greenhouse: Growing New Talent Saturday, May 9th, 16th, and 23rd @ 5pm A limited run of up-and-coming improv teams in a WEEKLY show!
Enjoy four straight weeks of fresh, organic improv from two fan favorite teams:
The Marthas are a dynamic duo who make people laugh and scratch their heads in wonder. Featuring Christine Mirabal and Holly Ruderman!
When you reach into a bag of Sweet & Salty Snacks, you never know what you'll get - but it's certain to be a handful of laughter and delight! Featuring Pam Haskins, Susan Kan, Borjana Mikic, Lisa Mintz, Carolyn Sailer, and Kayla Solomon.
https://www.happiervalley.com/greenhouse.html |
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Flip the Script Saturday, May 9th @7pm We invite a local playwright to bring an unfinished script to the show; an original work that's never seen the stage. Then we read the character descriptions, cast the show, and launch into its first ever performance. Once we run out of lines, we drop the scripts and improvise the rest of the play while the playwright watches in delight (or horror!) Featuring experienced improvisers Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Scott Braidman, Moe McElligott, Laura Patrick, Pam Victor, and Kate Zak.
https://www.happiervalley.com/2nd-saturdays.html |
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Not In Charge: Improv Comedy Inspired By True Stories Saturday, May 16th @7pm Don't miss this talented group of friends in an improvised show inspired by true stories from the cast! Not In Charge is Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Sally Ekus, Micaela Foster, Derek Luthi, Allison Reding, Julie Waggoner, Jim Young, and Kate Zak.
https://www.happiervalley.com/notincharge.html |
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The Performance Project Presents Three New Works
May 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM
HOPE Center for the Arts - 150 Bridge Street, Springfield MA 01103
Performance Project Presents: Preview performances of three new physical theater works being shared with audiences for the first time. For ages 13+
Metamorphic Reverie is a short play about the fine line between being asleep and awake, falling apart and coming back stronger. The story of a woman who has not left her home in 6 months and is fighting her way back to health. Written by Fynta Sidime, directed by Julie Lichtenberg, sound design by Ailey Verdelle, and lights by Cal Doerner.
M’le bato is an original physical theater work being developed by First Generation members Moise Jackobo and Montaser Abdelrahman. The piece is about a friendship between two young men. M’le bato is being directed by Julie Lichtenberg and Jonathan Dent, choreography support by Lesley Farlow, sound design by Ailey Verdelle, and lights by Cal Doerner.
The Girl Who Planted Shadows. Through story, music, dance, and shadows Monisha Gurung shares her connection to her roots growing up in a refugee camp in Nepal and how a young person can nurture wishes into hope, and hope into empowerment. Written and choreographed by First Generation member Monisha Gurung, directed by Julie Lichtenberg, choreography support by Lesley Farlow, sound design by Tyler Gorman, lights by Cal Doerner.
https://hopecenterforthearts.org/events/performance-project/
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Playlist: Improv Inspired by Your Music Saturday, May 23rd @ 7pm A limited run on the 4th Saturday of the month!
What music speaks to you? Now let it speak to us!
We'll get an earful of songs as our suggestions for this dynamic, improvised show. Each track will inspire a world full of original characters which will start to overlap in surprising ways. Featuring Maddy Benjamin, Gabriel CiFuentes, Ben Larrison, Evi Mahon, Moe McElligott, Laura Patrick, Phoenix Rios, Pam Victor, and Sarah Zureick-Brown.
https://www.happiervalley.com/playlist.html |
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| | AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Easthampton Theater Company is currently looking for director/show proposals for our March 2027 production.
We're seeking an experienced director and/or music director who is passionate about bringing their proposed play to the stage. For this time slot we are looking for a smaller-scale musical (cast under 12) that is a marketable, known work that will resonate with Valley theater audiences. Sorry, we are not at this time looking for new works or unproduced plays, and the performance rights must be available. The choice may be modern or classic. We welcome proposals from those who may have production personnel in mind as well as experience, resources and skills to bring to our company. There is a stipend of $1000 for directors.
Submissions will be reviewed by the Board on a rolling basis, and you may be contacted for an interview. You can read more about us at easthamptontheater.com or on our facebook page @easthamptontheatercompany. Please use the form below to submit your show/director proposals.
Please submit your proposal by May 15, 2026 to
https://forms.gle/8tBPHbucnU88W58m7
Thanks! |
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Mount Holyoke College Summer Theater
Design/Tech Positions Needed for MHC Summer Theater
May 31, 2026
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College Summer Theater is looking for applicants for in the areas of Design and Technology for their upcoming 2026 summer Season!
Includes a stipend and housing provided for those who are not local, and meal plans can be arranged. |
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AUDITIONS FOR CELEBRATED STAGE COMEDY TO BENEFIT OUT NOW
Valley Players will hold auditions for Bryna Turner’s riotous comedy At the Wedding at the Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst) on June 15 and 16, 6:30pm–9:30pm, by appointment only (www.valleyplayers.org). The show will feature 7 actors across ages (20s through 70s) and of all identities. Valley Players is also seeking a stage manager and costume designer (email info@valleyplayers.org to inquire about those positions). Call-backs will be at the Bangs Center on June 18, 6:30pm–9:30pm.
Auditioners may choose to perform a one-minute monologue from At the Wedding (which will be provided) or a prepared one-minute piece of their own choice. All auditioners will then be asked to read from sides provided at the audition.
Rehearsals will be at the Bangs Center on Mondays and Thursdays, 6pm–9pm from August 17 through September 25 (not every actor will be called for every rehearsal). Tech week will be September 26–29 at the Amherst Woman’s Club.
The show goes up as a picnic-theater production October 1–4 on the beautiful grounds of the Amherst Woman’s Club, with half of net ticket revenue going to benefit the local LGBTQ+ youth support organization Out Now (www.outnowyouth.org). Rain dates for the performances are October 8–11.
Written by Bryna Turner (BA Mount Holyoke College, MFA Rutgers University, 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist winner), At the Wedding is a bittersweet, laugh-out-loud comedy about what happens when the best day of someone else's life is also the worst day for someone else. Over the course of a slowly unraveling wedding reception, the play follows Carlo as she attempts to make it through the night without drinking too much, talking too much, or trying to win back the bride.
At the Wedding premiered at Lincoln Center Theater, where it received the Laurie Foundation’s Theatre Visions Award, was a NY Times Critic’s Pick, and was featured as one of the NY Times’s 2022 “Unforgettable Theatrical Moments.” “Whimsical... laughter constantly flows, quite often outrageously so, through 70 lively minutes,” praised New York Stage Review and Theater Mania celebrated the play as “brutally hilarious.” New York Theatre Guide described At the Wedding as “bitterly funny” and filled with “wisecracking and wisdom-sharing about the unbreakable bond between love and pain.” “Fresh and trenchant,” raved the NY Times, “The lines are funny; Turner has a boxer’s sense of the two-punch rhythm of jokes... Also revivifying is the way Turner reshapes the wedding genre for our time, inviting new characters to the party.”
Valley Players’ production is directed by local theater artist Joe Van Allen. “Set just outside the reception itself, the play lingers in the liminal spaces of a familiar tradition,” Van Allen notes, “where Carlo and the other guests orbit the celebration and each other. Weddings come with rituals we all recognize, whether or not we fit into them, and while Carlo perceives this one as ‘aggressively heterosexual,’ she unexpectedly finds connection in the margins, with others navigating their own vulnerability, hope, and displacement.”
Van Allen explains that the Valley Players production will “center on the shift from standing outside the celebration to finding connection, even in the margins. At the Wedding reveals a community that is deeply human in its messiness, tenderness, and desire to belong. The play reflects the reality that these lives and experiences have always existed within and alongside our most familiar traditions. In doing so, it creates space for audiences, particularly those who are underrepresented, to see themselves not at the edges of the story, but at its center.”
Valley Players is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich the quality of life in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts by producing nimble, meaningful, and accessible community theater and donating half of net ticket proceeds to other Valley nonprofits. In its first two years, Valley Players’ productions have raised funds for Cancer Connection, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, River Valley Counseling Center, Community Aid Pioneer Valley, the Peace Development Fund, the Literacy Project, and Way Finders. More information about Valley Players, including how to donate, become a business sponsor, sign up for auditions, or join the email list, is at valleyplayers.org.
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Clown - One Day Workshop
May 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Northampton Karate, 320 Riverside Dr Florence MA
In this 4 hour workshop we will begin to explore the comic world of the clown. Through a series of movement exercises, improvised songs and group games we will bring our bodies and imaginations to life, and reignite our appetites for pleasure and play - all in service of making people laugh!
To be clear - this not a workshop in which you learn how to juggle, make a balloon animal and head off to the big top. NO! This is a workshop in which you will have the opportunity to step away from your adult responsibilities and play like a kid again, to reclaim your unbridled curiosity and virtuosic delight, and to fall in love with everything that makes you YOU. Simply put, this is not a workshop about being funny - it’s about being human.
https://www.gabriellevey.com/service-page/intro-to-clown-one-day-workshop?referral=service_list_widget |
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| | | Shakespeare & Company announced its 2026 Summer Shakespeare Intensive, a four-week, in-person training program designed for undergraduate theater students, recent graduates, and early-career acting professionals. The program will take place May 27 through June 21 during the company’s summer performance season in Lenox, Massachusetts. Modeled after Shakespeare & Company’s internationally recognized January Month-long Intensive, the Summer Shakespeare Intensive offers a rigorous training schedule six days a week. Participants engage in a progression of physical, vocal, and text-based work, including Linklater voice training, monologue and scene study, movement and dance, stage combat, play, and exploration of the actor-audience relationship. “This program offers emerging artists the opportunity to train by exploring the depth of their artistry while immersed in an active producing environment,” explains Senior Workshops Director Susan Dibble. “The intensive is structured to support individual growth while fostering a strong ensemble experience that reflects the collaborative nature of professional theater.” The intensive culminates in final presentations open to company members, family, and friends. Tuition is $5,850 and includes double-occupancy housing and daily breakfast. A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional fee. An early payment discount is available: participants who pay full tuition by March 15 will receive $500 off. For more information and to apply, visit shakespeare.org/actor-training or email training@shakespeare.org. Photo Caption: Participants in the 2023 Summer Shakespeare Intensive; photo by Oskar Ahlstrom
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Majestic Theater Announces Apprentice Program West Springfield’s Majestic Theater announces a summer apprentice program, seeking to provide emerging artists in the Pioneer Valley and beyond with professional performance experience and educational offerings from industry professionals.
Majestic Theater Apprentices will perform in one or both Majestic Children’s Theater productions. The 2026 season is announced as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!: The Musical! and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Additionally, apprentices will have non-performance responsibilities in administration, technical theater, front of house, and/or theater education. Program benefits include educational workshops led by Majestic Theater staff and other industry professionals, and a $250/week stipend. Limited housing may be available. Program runs approximately late June through mid-August.
This program is open to college-aged young professionals, current college students, and recent graduates with a declared major in a related field and/or relevant experience in theater performance. The Majestic Theater welcomes and encourages applications from artists of all genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Applications will go live on the website (majestictheater.com/apprentice) February 2, 2026, followed by an interview/callback process for selected artists.
For more information, visit www.majestictheater.com/apprentice. For any additional questions, please contact Program Director, Chelsie Nectow, at education@majestictheater.com. |
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Bread and Wine Theatre Company
Something Eternal: Thornton Wilder on Time, Death, and Faith
Jun 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
199 Main Street Northfield, Massachusetts 01360 United States
Announcing Something Eternal: Thornton Wilder on Time, Death, and Faith. This two-day conference includes lectures from Scott Key (PhD) and world-class Thornton Wilder scholar Lincoln Konkle (PhD) as well as readings of two of Wilder's most profound plays (Pullman Car Hiawatha and The Long Christmas Dinner). Set in the historic “Green Pastures” home built in 1887 in Northfield, MA, we hope to see you this June 12th and 13th! More conference information is available at https://greenpasturesstudycenter.org/2026-cslsc-conference-theme-statement/
https://donorbox.org/events/918451/steps/choose_tickets |
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Community Music School of Springfield
Summer Musical Theater Camp
June 29-July 10th 2026 from 9-4
Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State St, Springfield, MA 01103
Join us for our second annual CMSS Rocks Broadway Musical Theater Camp! This camp is facilitated by the Community Music School of Springfield. Step into the spotlight this summer at Musical Theater Camp! Whether you love to sing, dance, act, or do it all, this immersive two-week camp will help you develop performance skills, build confidence, and have a blast bringing characters & song to life. $700 for the two-week camp FINANCIAL AID & PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
https://communitymusicschool.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=52476
Whether you love to sing, dance, act, or do it all, this immersive two-week camp will help you develop performance skills, build confidence, and have a blast bringing characters & song to life.
Hone your acting techniques, vocal training, choreography, and stage presence all while rehearsing for a final production! From scene work and improvisation to costume and set design, students will get a full behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a show. No previous theater experience is required. The camp culminates in a live showcase for family and friends! Taught by teachers with advanced degrees in performance. Our performance hall is air-conditioned. |
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Academy of Music Theatre
Academy Youth Productions Summer Musical Theatre Workshops
July 13-24, 9am-3pm; July 27-31, 9am-3pm; August 3-14, 9am-3pm
Academy of Music Theatre
There are still spots available for the Academy of Music's summer musical theatre workshops for kids! All workshops run 9am-3pm, Monday through Friday (no weekends), at the Academy of Music.
Second Act! is a two-week session for ages 10-12, July 13-24.
Second Act! EXPRESS is a one-week session for ages 10-12, July 27-31.
Encore! is a two-week session for ages 13-16, August 3-14.
https://aomtheatre.com/workshops/ |
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| | | Play Incubation Collective Summer Program Theatrical Toolkit July 27-31 9am-3pm Rising 2nd-5th graders Instructors: Tracy Einstein and Richie Barshay Theater lovers unite! In this one-week workshop, you’ll get to build your skills as a performer and join a supportive community of creative kids. Through theater games, movement and scene improvisations, songwriting and prop and set design, you’ll explore key elements of performance and ensemble building. The work will culminate in an end-of-week sharing where you’ll get to showcase your theatrical toolkit! |
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| | | Play Incubation Collective Summer Program |
Playmaking Journey August 3-14
9am-3pm Rising 2nd-5th graders Instructor: Brianna Sloane This fun-filled two-week workshop will guide participants through all of the elements of theatrical storytelling as you get to create your own original play. The first week will be spent building our ensemble and exploring theater, improv, and movement games in order to generate stories, dialogue, and characters. Inspired by all of that idea generation, the director will create a script for the second week and participants will experience all aspects of the rehearsal process culminating in a short performance on Fri Aug 14th. Through it all, there will be lots of space for collaboration, imaginative play, learning new skills, and making new friends!. |
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| | | Play Incubation Collective Summer Program |
Improvise & Devise August 3-7 9am-3pm Rising 6th-9th Graders Instructor: Anna Fox Enjoy making things up on the spot, working as a team, and creating your own performances? Whether you’re new to improv or very experienced, this session welcomes all skill levels and will provide plenty of opportunities for growth We will spend the mornings each day playing comedy improv games, and then apply those skills and concepts to our afternoon sessions, working as an ensemble to create (devise) our own original performance. The exciting part of improv is that it’s all made up, so while the games have structures and rules, we won’t know what will happen until we’re all in the room exploring together. So let's take risks, laugh and figure it out as we go! |
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| | | Western Massachusetts Theatre Companies |
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