Western Mass Theatre News February 6, 2025

Your source for theatre events in Western Massachusetts.

Western Mass Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser February 6-26, 2025 In case you missed the news from Chester Theatre: they are welcoming new co-artistic directors Christopher Baker and Michelle Ong-Hendrick! Congratulations to them and to the whole team at Chester.  The next issue will include events from February 13-March 5. 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 Submit Your Theatre Event The Wedding Jester  February 9 at the Yiddish Book Center Tickets and More Information Junkyard Shakespeare presents Sweet Prince February 21 and 22 at The Workroom, 33 Hawley St. Tickets and More Information The Westfield Woman's Club presents Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater February 18 at Westfield Woman's Club Tickets and More Information YOUR EVENT HERE $5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing! Email me to reserve your dates. Click to Access: Western Mass Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet PERFORMANCES Eggtooth Productions & MASS MoCA KID5PACE: BY THE NUMB3R5 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday through August! MASS MoCA, North Adams 7-11 year-olds are invited to join 11 year-old project manager Pax on an headphone-guided adventure to finish a MASS MoCA installation that only kids can complete!  Designed for 1-2 kid participants at a time, caregivers join their children in Kidspace at MASS MoCA for this 40-minute romp as they play a supporting role in this immersive experience where kids take full agency of the piece.  Free admission, along with full access to other Kidspace activities at MASS MoCA massmoca.org Created by Eggtooth Creative Director John Bechtold & collaborator Alli Ross. Music by Sam Perry. Featuring Pax Belmonte. Co-produced by Eggtooth Productions, Greenfield, MA. MAJESTIC THEATER PRESENTS INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP FEBRUARY 6-16 West Springfield’s Majestic Theater will present Incident at Our lady of Perpetual Help, a comedy by Katie Forgette, onstage January 9 through February 16. Set in 1973, this play is a wild and tender comedy that focuses on the cash strapped O’Shea family. 19-year-old Linda O’Shea, the narrator of the story, tells the story of a family crisis of biblical proportions when a simple conversation between her and her younger sister, about the birds and the bees, was overheard by the parish priest. It was the most turbulent day in her life, and just might turn into a parish-wide scandal—if only her family would quit interrupting. The play will be directed by Rand Foerster.  Danny Eaton is producing director, and Sue Dziura is associate producing director and stage manager.  Stephen Petit is production stage manager, and the associate production manager is Aurora Ferraro.  Matt Whiton is the scenic designer, and the lighting designer is Daniel Rist.  Costume design is by Dawn McKay and Alan Schneider is technical director. The cast includes Sandra Blaney (Jo O’Shea), Cate Damon (Terri Carmichael), Jenna Burns (Linda O’Shea), John Baker (Mike/Lovett/Betty), Maggie Hamel (Becky O’Shea), and understudies include Christine Voytko (Terri and Jo), Julia Solecki (Linda), and Mark Dean (Mike/Lovett/Betty). Tickets to the show range from $35-$38 and can be purchased in person at the box office or by calling (413) 747-7797.  Box office hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  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 Valley Players Love Letters February 7-15, Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30pm Black Birch Vineyard, 108 Straits Road, Hatfield, MA The Valley Players present A. R. Gurney’s award-winning play of romance-by-post, LOVE LETTERS. The show goes up February 7–15, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, at Black Birch Vineyard (108 Straits Road, Hatfield MA).  As part of the Valley Players’ mission to support the community through community theater, half of net ticket revenue from the show will be donated to River Valley Counseling Center, a nonprofit community-based mental health agency serving the Valley for over 70 years.  Simple by design but moving in effect, Love Letters takes the form of two characters sharing the letters they have written each other from second grade through their golden years, relating their struggles and triumphs, dreams and fears, and setbacks and second chances. Over the course of the evening, the often complicated, deeply touching, always messy story of their evolving love unfolds against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of the mid- to late-twentieth century.  The Valley Players production features two different Valley actors on each evening of the run. Chip Roughton, of Florence, and Kimberly Salditt-Poulin, of Amherst, play the roles of “Andy” and “Melissa” for opening night on February 7. David Bull, of Hadley, and Becca Greene-Van Horn, of Amherst, take the stage the next night, on February 8. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, the cast features Paul Rothenberg and Katie Hertel, both of Amherst. The closing night show will be performed by Lisa Parker, of Suffield CT, and Konrad Rogowski, of Chicopee. The show is produced and directed by Matteo Pangallo, of Shutesbury.  Tickets for Love Letters are available on a pay-what-you-can system starting at $15. Before the show and during intermission, audience members will be able to purchase fine wine by the glass from Black Birch Vineyard and a selection of sodas from Harmony Springs of Ludlow. A delectable spread of light bites will be available for purchase as well, including a grazing bar of custom-crafted charcuterie boards and pre-ordered snack boxes from E Silver Charcuterie of Westfield. Black Birch wines will also be available for purchase by the bottle to take home.  Seating is limited, so advanced booking is strongly recommended. The show runs one hour and forty-five minutes, with a fifteen-minute intermission, and includes adult language and themes that may not be appropriate for all ages. The doors open at 6:30pm each evening and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. www.valleyplayers.org Now in its 6th year, YPF is a FREE opportunity for youth artists ages 8-18 to create original performance pieces under the guidance of mentor artists in the fields of music, dance, theater, poetry/spoken word, and animation/video. YPF centers the creative agency of young artists, and is committed to supporting them as they discover their own creative processes. This year’s festival will feature the work of 46 youth artists, from towns all throughout the Valley, who have worked with a talented team of mentor artists in Springfield and Northampton over 7 weekends to develop their original work. We welcome all community members to join us for this celebratory arts festival bringing together many generations.   Tickets:$5-25 Sliding Scale Get Tickets Here! Happier Valley Comedy Flip the Script Feb 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy, 1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley Flip The Script 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!) Inspired by The Script Tease Project created by Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus.  Featuring experienced improvisers Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Scott Braidman, Moe McElligott, Laura Patrick, Pam Victor, and Kate Zak, with frequent special guests joining the fun!  NEXT SHOW:  Saturday, February 8th at 7pm  Happier Valley Comedy Theater  1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley  Tickets are available online and at the door for $15 https://www.happiervalley.com/2nd-saturdays.html The Wedding Jester with John Feffer Join us in person on Sunday, February 9, 2025 @ 2:00 p.m., at the Yiddish Book Center In 1970, in a small village somewhere in Croatia, a stand-up comedian confronts the director of Fiddler on the Roof over errors in the film’s script. In a former life, the comedian was a badkhen, a jester who served as the emcee at Jewish weddings, and he’s familiar with shtetl life in ways that Fiddler’s non-Jewish director couldn’t possibly know. Along the way, The Wedding Jester—an original one-man show written and performed by John Feffer and directed by Josh Perlstein—traces the history of Jewish comedy from the weddings of the Old Country to the Borscht Belt of the United States. It challenges our notions of authenticity and of what is “too Jewish” or “not Jewish enough.” And it does what any good badkhen must do—it makes audiences laugh and cry.  Runtime: The performance is 60 minutes followed by a 30-minute Q&A.  Tickets and More Information New Springfield Community Theater Launches Valentine’s Week with Love Letters Performed by Mayor Sarno & Brenda Garton-Sjoberg / Kathy Tobin & Steve Hays The new nonprofit, Springfield Community Theater of MA, is the brainchild of Vana Nespor, artistic director, and Angela Park, executive director of  52Sumner. The group will offer its first five performances of Love Letters on Valentine's Week, February 13-15, featuring well known community leaders. Nespor invited Mayor Domenic Sarno to perform in the hilarious, touching show with media icon Brenda Garton-Sjoberg on Thursday and Friday nights, February 13 and 14, in a dinner theater setting. AND, media celebrity Kathy Tobin and the Drama Studios’ legendary Steve Hays to take over the roles at matinees on Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15, and with a special Saturday evening, Feb 15, dinner theater finale.   “A special Valentine to our communities,” Nespor insists. Nespor and Park chose Love Letters for the group's fund raiser sendoff. “In this play, two friends read hilarious, poignant letters they wrote to each other throughout their lives. It reminds us to embrace love and life,” says Park. The idea really took off when the team reached out to four local leaders and television celebrities who immediately volunteered to help. Doors open at 6 pm for the dinner theater performances and at 1 pm for the matinees. The group worked with Nosh Restaurant and Café owner Teri Skinner to create elegant, high quality family style three-course dinners for the evening and towers of snacks for the matinees. Seating is at round, eight person tables. Wine, beer, and soft drinks will be available for purchase. For more information and tickets go to the websites for Springfield Community Theater of MA https://www.springfield-community-theater-of-ma.org/   and 52Sumner.com Join us for LISTENING FOR LOVE, Silverthorne Theater Company’s 2nd Annual Valentine's Cabaret! February 15th - Performances at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm at The Blue Room, CitySpace, 43 Main Street, Easthampton, MA. We’ll sing musical theater favorites on the theme of love, including some favorites of our founder, Lucinda Kidder, in memory of her collaborative, curious spirit. Lucinda passed away in November 2024. Her joyful listening will always be the heart of Silverthorne. The Cabaret is a fundraiser for our 2025 Season – which we will publicly announce for the first time at the Cabaret. Come bask in the love on Valentine's Day Weekend! Our wonderful singers include Frank Aronson, Stephanie Carlson, Willow Cohen, Tahmie Der, Michael Garcia, Gina Kaufmann, Rose Schwietz Malla, Aaron Mancaniello, Chris Rohmann, and Sam Samuels, accompanied by Lauren Bell on piano. Get Tickets for Listening for Love The Westfield Woman's Club Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater February 18th 11am and 2pm Westfield Woman's Club 28 Court Street, Westfield MA 01085 A day of puppetry! The Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater will be stopping by for one day only. Two shows: 11am 'The Mystery of the Cookie Thief' and 2pm 'Rylie's Rotten Day'. Each performance is followed by a behind the scenes workshop. Make a puppet of your own to take home! Tickets and more info.  Tickets are $10 for one show, or $15 for both. Children 2 and under are free. This show is the first event in the 'The Sounds of Westfield' series, an interactive and educational music series brought in part with help from grants provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Junkyard Shakespeare Sweet Prince February 21, 2025 at 8pm February 22, 2025 at 2pm and 8pm The Workroom, 33 Hawley St., Northampton, MA 01060 Junkyard Shakespeare presents Sweet Prince, a one-woman adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet that challenges the audience to take a stand. Tickets and more info. Read more and help us pay our team a living wage. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES The ZOOM Casting Call for 'Macbeth' is here! Join the Montague Shakespeare Festival 'Macbeth’ mainstage performances: March 28, 29, 30 April 4, 5, 6 Shea Theater Arts Center Turners Falls, MA Join the MSF open Zoom casting call for Macbeth and bring Shakespeare’s dark masterpiece to life! YouTube: Open Zoom Casting Call Video Link The Montague Shakespeare Festival invites you to be part of something extraordinary through our entirely virtual casting process. We're seeking passionate performers of all kinds – actors, musicians, artists, and performers of all ilk– to bring Shakespeare's dark masterpiece, Macbeth, to life in the heart of Turners Falls. Following the tremendous success of last year's A Midsummer Night's Dream, we're thrilled to announce our upcoming production at the historic Shea Theater, under the direction of Nia Lynn. With her extensive experience from The Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Globe - London, Nia brings unparalleled expertise in voice, text, and performance to our community. To ensure we create the strongest possible ensemble, we've designed a unique three-workshop virtual casting process, conducted entirely over Zoom that will allow everyone to showcase their talents while learning and growing together. Zoom Casting Schedule: Important Note: Attendance at all three workshops is highly encouraged, if at all possible, as these sessions will lead to the final casting decisions for MACBETH.  Chemistry Casting - 'Macbeth' (Session #3) Registration Sat, February 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM In this session, we’ll try a few versions of casting to see who matches each other best. The following day, you’ll receive casting, the edited script, and the dates for online character coaching and development prior to our first in-person rehearsal on March 15th. Once you’ve received your casting, you will have four weeks to learn your lines before rehearsal. You will be expected to be ‘off book’ by March 15th. Feb 8 Register Here These interactive sessions are more than auditions – they're opportunities to explore Shakespeare's world, connect with fellow artists, and become part of a vibrant cultural community. Additional outreach performance opportunities will also be discussed during our first workshop. www.montagueshakespearefestival.com Holyoke Community College Theater Auditions  True West By Sam Shepard  Directed by Tim Cochran  Leslie Phillips Theater [Fine and Performing Arts Building] 303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke MA 01040 Thursday February 6th 2-5pm  Auditions will consist of cold readings.  Auditioners do not need to prepare monologues.  Anyone is welcome to audition.  Callbacks if necessary will be held Friday February 7th 2-5pm.  Performance dates April 16th-19th  Audition for at this link mwhiton@hcc.edu for more info facebook.com/hcctheater/ MOSSO – Springfield Chamber Players Audition Notice: Soprano Needed Feb 10, 2025 52 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA SOPRANO with musical theatre experience needed to perform with the Springfield Chamber Players in their BROADWAY WITH STRINGS ATTACHED concert, to be held at 52 Sumner in Springfield, MA on Saturday, April 26. The concert includes excerpts from Fiddler on the Roof, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals and more. Rehearsals will be held the week of April 20 in Springfield, MA. Honorarium provided. Applicants should submit a short video with two songs from any of the above, one a ballad, and one up-tempo, along with a resume, before January 31. Call backs to be held in early February. Send materials to: spfldmachamberplayers@gmail.com The Director of Scenic Art provides leadership and support in all aspects of scenic making including planning, technical design, creation and maintenance, as well as storage of scenic elements and stage properties for the Department of Theater’s main stage production season and related events. Specific responsibilities will focus on all prop-making and the finishes of all scenery and properties. The Director of Scenic Art will also serve as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate scenic students, designers, and technicians. Salary Range: 49,364 – 73,990 Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and at least 4 years of related work experience in scenic fabrication, theater technology, and mentoring within a shop or lab environment at a secondary or post-secondary educational institution. Skilled in fabricating unique designs using diverse materials, including wood, metal, plastics, fabrics, and both traditional and innovative materials. Proficiency in advanced scenic automation equipment, rigging installations, and precision finishing techniques. Ability to create, read, and interpret technical drawings, renderings, models, and research materials for accurate execution. Demonstrated artistic creativity and imagination. Proven experience managing multiple projects, building schedules, and meeting deadlines. Knowledge and application of project management tools and techniques. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a production team while modeling professional practices and maintaining a safe production environment. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail. Demonstrated work ethic and commitment to high-quality results. Valid driver’s license required. How To Apply: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by the priority deadline of February 10, 2025 to ensure full consideration. To review the full job description and apply through the UMASS application portal, go to: https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/525990/director-of-scenic-art UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action. Apply by: February 10, 2025 Salary: $49,000 - $73,000 / About this Organization: We create and produce high-caliber, professional, artistic creations on stage, telling human stories that connect audiences and performers in our increasingly media-centric world. We model and practice professional theater-making at every level of our teaching and production process. WAM Theatre looks forward to holding Equity Principal and General Auditions for our 2025 Season on February 9-11, 2025. Auditions will be hosted by Artistic Director, Genée Coreno and Associate Artistic Director, Aimée K. Michel and held in person at WAM's Creative Hub on February 9th and 10th and virtually on February 11th. "WAM is dedicated to creating theatre for gender equity, empowering diverse voices, and engaging in philanthropy to support women and girls," Artistic Director Genée Coreno remarked, "This season, we’re building on that mission with bold, inspiring work, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!"  The season will begin in March with a screening of The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause at WANDER Berkshires and a panel of Berkshire women leaders at Berkshire Community College. Then, WAM will be at Hot Plate Brewing Co. for our Fresh Takes Play Reading Series which will feature three works. Finishing our season strong, we will have a Summer main stage production and a Fall main stage production. The entire season will be announced in February. WAM Theatre works under an AEA Small Professional Theatre Contract.   AUDITIONS: All days: 1 PM - 7PM. In person: Sunday, February 9th and Monday, February 10th. Virtual: Tuesday, February 11th.  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  E-mail: casting@wamtheatre.com to set up an appointment.  WHERE: WAM's Creative Hub and Offices, 55 Main Street, Lenox, MA (ground floor of the Church on the Hill Administrative Office and Chapel).  Free street parking is available.  Space is wheelchair accessible. Free onsite childcare will be offered on a as needed basis.   PREPARE: 1-2 minute contemporary monologue. Auditions will be scheduled in 10-minute slots. Please note that we are especially interested in meeting local actors. AEA members may request an appointment by emailing casting@wamtheatre.com with “2025 Season Auditions” in the subject line. Please indicate any time limitations otherwise you will be assigned the first available slot. Deadline to submit for in person is February 7th and February 12th for virtual. All AEA actors who request an appointment will receive an appointment until slots are filled. Additionally, AEA actors may be seen as walk-ins on the day of if time permits. Non-Equity actors will also be seen as time permits and should submit a photo and resume and indicate their non-union status in their request. A NOTE ON INCLUSIVE CASTING AT WAM THEATRE We welcome all actors who are interested in our theatre and our mission to audition for present and future casting opportunities. Language around gender is ever evolving. At WAM, woman is defined as cisgender, woman, transwoman, and all others who identify as woman. Research indicates that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while individuals from historically oppressed communities tend to apply only if they meet every requirement. WAM Theatre is committed to creating, maintaining, and learning about a diverse and inclusive working space and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  OTHER EQUITY NOTICES An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions. *If you are planning on using the onside childcare, please note in your email the number of children and their ages, so that we can prepare. Shakespeare & Company of Lenox, Mass., has announced the return of the Tina Packer Women of Will Directing Fellowship, launched in 2024 to further the development of early-career directors who identify as women and have a passion for Shakespeare. Created in honor of Shakespeare & Company’s Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer, the fellowship was conceived and funded by actor and Shakespeare & Company training alumnus John Douglas Thompson, with matching funds from an anonymous donor. Additional gifts were also made by a group of women directors whom Packer mentored at Shakespeare & Company. “Fellows will join in creating a legacy of Women of Will mentoring others in the field, bringing a contemporary and culturally diverse female gaze to Shakespeare’s plays and the theater community,” said Thompson. The Women of Will Fellow is in residence at Shakespeare & Company during the summer rehearsal period of a Shakespeare production helmed by an experienced woman director, both observing and serving as Assistant Director throughout the process. The Fellow receives a stipend, housing, and travel reimbursement. Following their time at Shakespeare & Company, Fellows continue to receive support through continued access to their Mentor Director, the members of an advisory committee of women directors, and other members of the Company. The inaugural Fellow was Lauren Davis of Baltimore, Md., who assisted director Kate Kohler Amory with the production of The Comedy of Errors, and observed Packer directing a staged, enhanced reading of The Winter’s Tale. The 2025 Women of Will Fellow will assist and observe the production of The Taming of the Shrew, co-directed by Packer and Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. Fellowship dates are Monday, July 21 through Saturday, August 16.  While there are no specific degree requirements for this Fellowship, applicants will have completed their academic training and will have directed outside of an academic program for at least three years. They should have a demonstrated interest in directing Shakespeare, and some experience doing so. Candidates currently enrolled in graduate degree programs may apply if they will receive their degree by June, and meet the other criteria. Undergraduates, including seniors, are not eligible. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. So are directors who have previously worked in other areas of the theater, or who have reentered the field after a pause, if they meet the other criteria. “Early-career director” does not imply an age limit. Directors who meet the selection criteria are invited to apply no later than Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. A full description and application guidelines can be found at shakespeare.org. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES "The Actor’s Approach to a Shakespearean Role - Where to Begin" Organized by Montague Shakespeare Festival By Montague Shakespeare Festival Feb 7, 2025 1:00PM EST Register Here "The Actor’s Approach to a Shakespearean Role - Where to Begin" Facilitator: Hannah Young (Actress, Royal Shakespeare Company) The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Coriolanus, The Drunks, Little Eagles, American Trade (Royal Shakespeare Company) Whether you’re a seasoned actor or a newcomer to the world of Shakespeare, Hannah Young’s workshop is designed to provide a structured, insightful approach to understanding and embodying Shakespearean roles. Hannah Young, a celebrated actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company and a major contributor to their outreach and educational department, will lead you through an exploration of Shakespeare's characters with her unique insights gained from years of performing in productions such as The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, King Lear, and many others. Her diverse background in theatre, television, film, and radio enriches her ability to bring Shakespeare's language to life and make it accessible for actors at all stages of their careers. This Zoom workshop, titled “The Actor’s Approach to a Shakespearean Role: Where to Begin”, will delve into the fundamentals of approaching a Shakespearean role from an actor’s perspective. Whether you’re preparing for an audition, rehearsing for a production, or simply want to understand the intricacies of performing Shakespeare, this session will help demystify the process of connecting with Shakespeare’s language and characters. What to Expect from the Workshop: Analyzing the Text: Learn how to break down Shakespeare’s complex language to understand your character’s objectives, motivations, and emotional journey. Hannah will share strategies for analyzing verse, prose, and soliloquies to reveal their deeper meanings. Character Development: Explore how to approach character development by interpreting textual clues, historical context, and performance dynamics. Hannah’s extensive experience with Shakespearean roles will help guide participants to create fully realized, authentic characters. Embodying the Role: Discover techniques for physically and vocally embodying your character. Hannah emphasizes the importance of voice work, movement, and understanding rhythm to bring the text alive in an engaging and natural manner. Interactive Participation: This workshop encourages active participation. Whether you choose to work directly with Hannah on a piece of text or observe others, you’ll have the opportunity to receive personalized guidance and feedback in a supportive setting. Creating a Personal Connection: Shakespeare’s characters are timeless and universal. Learn how to find a personal connection to your role, ensuring that your performance resonates with contemporary audiences while staying true to the original text. Community Engagement: Join a group of fellow actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts, and connect with others who share your passion for theatre. Engage in discussions, share insights, and support each other’s journey in bringing Shakespeare’s words to life. Acting Credits: Act (Print Room) Terminal 3 (Print Room) The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Coriolanus, The Drunks, Little Eagles, American Trade (Royal Shakespeare Company) The Lady From the Sea (Birmingham Rep), Songs of Grace and Redemption (Theatre503) Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Liverpool Everyman), The French Lieutenant’s Woman (Yvonne Arnaud), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Desire Me (West End) A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Importance of Being Ernest (Deptford) About Hannah Young  Trained at Exeter University. Hannah has worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in iconic roles across numerous productions, including The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and King Lear. In addition to her stage work, Hannah has appeared on television in Doctors, The Robinsons (BBC), Waking the Dead (BBC), Offenders, and Alan’s Breakfast, as well as in independent films and radio dramas, including The Archers (Radio 4). Her passion for education and outreach makes her an inspiring teacher, capable of helping participants make Shakespeare's language their own and bring his timeless characters to life with confidence and creativity. “Speeches and Soliloquies: Dynamic Language' Facilitator:  Zoe Littleton (Voice and Text Coach) Register Here Join Zoe Littleton, a seasoned Voice and Text Coach, for an engaging exploration of Shakespeare's most dynamic speeches and soliloquies. "Speeches and Soliloquies: Dynamic Language" is an interactive one-hour Zoom session that focuses on how to bring Shakespeare's iconic monologues to life, with a special emphasis on personal interpretation, vocal versatility, and emotional resonance. Zoe, who has a decade of acting experience and an MFA in Professional Voice Studies from the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, will lead participants in understanding how to effectively embody Shakespeare's language. Drawing on her experience working across leading UK and international drama schools and theatres, Zoe's collaborative coaching style will help participants feel confident navigating the intricacies of voice work, text analysis, and speech delivery. This workshop is ideal for actors of all levels, drama students, educators, and even those who are simply passionate about Shakespeare and wish to develop their vocal and interpretative skills in a fun, supportive environment. What to Expect from the Workshop: Dynamic Language Exploration: Dive into Shakespeare's most powerful speeches and soliloquies, breaking down their language and structure. Learn how vocal choices shape meaning, enhance emotion, and bring depth to the characters' words. Vocal Techniques: Zoe will guide you through practical voice exercises to unlock your unique vocal range, covering areas such as breath control, resonance, articulation, and pitch modulation. You will discover how to use your voice to convey complex emotions and ideas in a clear and compelling way. Personal Interpretation: Discover how to make Shakespeare's language resonate with your own experiences. Zoe's approach encourages each participant to explore personal connections to the text, bringing authenticity and originality to their performance. Interactive Participation: Engage directly with Zoe and fellow participants in this interactive session. Whether you prefer to actively participate or simply observe, the workshop offers a supportive space for real-time feedback, collaborative learning, and experimentation. Community Engagement: Connect with other like-minded Shakespeare enthusiasts in an inclusive learning environment. Share insights, ask questions, and take part in discussions that bring new perspectives to the Bard's work. About Zoe Littleton: Born and raised in London, Zoe spent ten years as an actor before transitioning into voice and text coaching. Her love for voice exploration led her to work with drama schools, theatres, and private clients in the UK and beyond. Zoe's coaching style is collaborative, creative, and rooted in an appreciation of individual needs. She strives to make every client feel empowered to take risks, broaden their vocal range, and express themselves fully. Whether it is accent work, text preparation, or public speaking, Zoe’s passion for voice as an expression of identity makes her workshops both inspiring and practical. Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of Shakespeare's language and improve your vocal skills! Join us for an enriching experience that will leave you more connected to the power of your own voice and the enduring impact of Shakespeare's work. The Westfield Woman's Club Exousia: a puppet film presentation and workshop with Bill Kassay Feb 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM Westfield Woman's Club 28 Court Street, Westfield MA 01085 Recognized for innovation and excellence in 2021 by the Jim Henson Foundation, 'Exousia' uses the medium of puppetry to address more mature subject matter, such as violence and war. After screening, master puppeteer will be on hand to talk about the transition from military life to children's theater, the process of creating a theater from scratch, and to answer audience questions. More information. This event is free and open to all. A short reception will follow. "Say What You Mean” Preparing Shakespeare for an Audition Feb 21, 2025 1:00PM EST Register Here Facilitator: Siubhan Harrison (Leading Actress, Royal Shakespeare Company) Recently performed in the RSC's “The Merry Wives of Windsor” as Mistress Alice Ford. Join Siubhan Harrison in a transformative one-hour workshop focused on preparing Shakespeare's text for an audition. Whether you're an actor with years of experience or someone just beginning to explore the world of Shakespeare, this workshop is designed to equip you with practical skills and insights to confidently bring Shakespeare's language to life during auditions. Siubhan's extensive career, which includes roles in productions like "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "The School for Scandal" at the RSC, as well as notable television credits such as "Holby City" and "Fifteen-Love," has given her a wealth of experience in tackling Shakespeare's challenging text. Her approach to acting focuses on making the Bard's language both authentic and accessible, encouraging actors to connect deeply with the meaning behind the words. What to Expect from the Workshop: Finding Authenticity in Shakespeare's Language: Learn how to interpret Shakespeare's text in a way that feels natural and sincere. Siubhan will guide participants through techniques to break down the language and uncover the raw, genuine emotion at its core, ensuring your audition is compelling and grounded. Practical Audition Techniques: Discover specific strategies for preparing and performing Shakespearean monologues for auditions. Siubhan will share tips on how to handle the verse, project confidence, and connect personally with the character you're portraying. Interactive Participation: Whether you're new to Shakespeare or a seasoned performer, this Zoom workshop offers the chance to work directly with Siubhan, receiving personalized feedback and guidance. Participants are encouraged to prepare a short monologue or scene to practice, allowing for tailored insights that will make your audition stand out. Breaking Down Barriers: If you find Shakespeare's language intimidating, this session will help demystify it. Siubhan's supportive approach makes Shakespeare approachable, breaking down complex text into manageable pieces that convey clear meaning and emotion. Community Engagement: Connect with fellow actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts. This workshop provides an opportunity not only to learn but also to engage in a supportive community where ideas and techniques are shared, enhancing your overall experience. About Siubhan Harrison:  Siubhan is an accomplished actress with credits spanning the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, and numerous productions across the UK. Her passion for both classic and contemporary theatre shines through in her dynamic approach to acting, which balances discipline with creativity, making her an inspiring guide for those preparing to tackle the challenging world of Shakespearean auditions. Whether you're auditioning for a Shakespeare play or simply seeking to improve your understanding of the Bard's language, "Say What You Mean" is an opportunity to develop valuable skills that will enhance your performance and deepen your connection to one of the greatest playwrights in history. "Bringing Yourself to a Shakespearean Text & Character" Feb 28, 2025 1:00PM EST Facilitator: Tyreke Leslie (Actor, Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Globe) Register Here Join Tyreke Leslie, an emerging talent from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Shakespeare's Globe, for an engaging one-hour workshop titled "Bringing Yourself to a Shakespearean Text & Character." Whether you are new to performing Shakespeare or have experience but wish to deepen your connection with the material, Tyreke's workshop will help you bring authenticity, personality, and a fresh perspective to Shakespeare's characters and texts. Tyreke Leslie, a recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, has already made his mark with roles in productions such as "As You Like It," "The Taming of the Shrew," and "First Encounters: Twelfth Night" for the RSC and Shakespeare's Globe. He was recently awarded a Commendation for the 2024 Ian Charleson Awards for his performance as Adam in "As You Like It." Tyreke's extensive experience, which also includes writing, spoken-word artistry, and directing, adds depth to his unique approach in exploring and embodying Shakespearean characters. What to Expect from the Workshop: Connecting Personally to Shakespeare's Text: Learn how to bring your own experiences, emotions, and individuality into the roles you play. Tyreke will guide participants through practical exercises to break down barriers and bring a personal, authentic connection to the Bard's language. Practical Performance Techniques: Tyreke will share valuable tips on preparing and performing Shakespearean speeches and soliloquies. You'll explore how to connect with the rhythm and meaning of the text while making it resonate with your own voice. Interactive Q&A on Performing Shakespeare: This workshop includes an open Q&A segment, where Tyreke will address questions about approaching, understanding, and performing Shakespeare, including insights on speaking verse, interpreting poetry, and his experiences as a member of the RSC. Approaching a Speech/Soliloquy: Learn how to dissect and explode a Shakespearean speech or soliloquy, moving beyond surface-level recitation to fully embody the character's intentions, emotions, and journey. Community Engagement: Engage with fellow participants who share a passion for Shakespeare. Whether you're actively participating or observing, you'll have the opportunity to share insights and experiences in a supportive community, making the process of learning Shakespeare collaborative and inspiring. About Tyreke Leslie Tyreke Leslie is an emerging British actor and artist whose work spans theatre, film, writing, and directing. Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2022, Tyreke has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, and has facilitated workshops that inspire actors to connect deeply with their craft. His recent performance as Adam in "As You Like It" at the RSC garnered a Commendation for the 2024 Ian Charleson Awards. Tyreke's passion for storytelling, poetry, and movement informs his distinctive and authentic approach to performing Shakespeare's works. Whether you're preparing for an audition or simply wish to enrich your understanding of Shakespeare, "Bringing Yourself to a Shakespearean Text & Character" offers practical tools and techniques to bring the Bard's language to life in a way that is uniquely yours. PIC is thrilled to offer our first series of in-person classes for adults. Join the incredibly funny and talented Gabriel Levey this winter and spring for one or both of these fantastic offerings! This class costs $275   Acting as Play Tuesdays, 6-9pm:  March 25- May 20 *no class on April 22nd In this 8-week class, participants will be provided with a safe, brave space to:  Embrace the precarious pleasure of not needing to know what’s coming next  Find fun in whatever given circumstances the character has no choice but to endure And so much more! Acting as Play is a wholly unique approach to text and scene work, centering imagination, play and vulnerability as the foundation of all performance. Over the course of the class, all participants will have the opportunity to work on a monologue and/or a scene, depending on their interests. Learn More about both classes here! The Shea Theater is delighted to offer their second annual Immersive Summer Theater Program for Kids ages 8-12! *July 7-18 session 1 *July 21- August 1 session 2 *9-3 Monday-Friday *Performance at 2 pm second Friday  *Two week attendance not required to participate  *Cost is $450 with some scholarships available Registration opens at sheatheater.org on February 10. Questions? Please reach out to sheatheaterartscenter@gmail.com Testimonial from last summer:  My child loved the Immersive Theater Camp at the Shea! The theater games were super fun and they loved all aspects of rehearsal and performance for Alice In Wonderland. Atticus and Enzo manage to be both clear and fun Directors, and are doing a wonderful job nurturing the next generation of immersive theater enthusiasts. It was a big highlight of the summer! Each day of the program will be dedicated to creating and rehearsing the immersive theater performance, as well as learning and participating in various acting games and workshops. The performers will rehearse and perform in an immersive theater show based on a fairytale, a Shakespeare play, or a myth. This Immersive approach encourages imagination, collaboration, and creativity while teaching acting and movement techniques in a nurturing and holistic environment. The medium of Immersive Theater is an innovative theater format that allows audience members to wander wherever they wish within a play, finding characters and scenes at their own will in different rooms and spaces. No audience member has the same experience; they all will see different scenes in different locations, piecing together the story as they go. And if being onstage is not for your child, there is lots of backstage creativity  to be invented, too. SESSION ONE-We will perform a theatrical version of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, rewritten by Atticus Belmonte and incorporating themes and elements from various versions of the Oz story. SESSION TWO-We will perform Cinderella, primarily inspired by the Grimm Brothers' Aschenputtel and collaging imagery from other versions and fairytales.  Atticus Belmonte is a 20 year old writer, director, actor, and theater major at Bard College. He is a founder of Patch Productions that he formed with his siblings and several friends taking his immersive theater pieces to the Shea where they have offered several productions. Enzo Belmonte is 17 years old and grew up doing theater, specifically Shakespeare and immersive theater. He has a special skill set in technical theater and will create lights and sound for the show. Registration is now open! Is your creative kiddo ready for a fun-filled summer of channeling their inner wild creature, creating their own fairy tale, and discovering their inner clown? Does your tween or teen enjoy making things up on the spot, working as a team, and creating their own performances? Registration is now open for PIC Kids Summer with options for rising 2nd-9th graders. Younger artists (rising 2nd-5th graders) will adventure through the creative process as they explore theater, movement, visual art, and more. Each week follows a different theme, and all weeks will culminate in a sharing of the young artists' original work on Fridays at 2:30. Keep scrolling for detailed descriptions of each week. JUL 21-25        Growl and Groove JUL 28-AUG 1  Fairy Tale Mashup! AUG 4-8          Theatrical Clown 1 AUG 11-15       Theatrical Clown 2 9am-3pm each day  $350/week Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, 130 Pine St, Florence   Older youth artists (rising 6th-9th graders) will spend each morning playing comedy improv games, and then apply those skills and concepts to the afternoon sessions, working as an ensemble to create (devise) their own original performance. With improv you never know what's going to happen, so these creative kids will be taking risks, laughing, and figure it out as they go! All of this collaborative fun will culminate in a sharing at 2:30pm on the Friday of each session. AUG 4-8       Improvise and Devise 1 AUG 11-15 Improvise and Devise 2​ 9:00am-3:00pm each day  $350/week Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, 130 Pine St, Florence ​ Learn more and register! Submit your workshop, class, audition, performance, or any other theatre opportunity here! Western Massachusetts Theatre Companies Academy of Music Theatre Amherst Community Theater Arena Civic Theatre A.C.T. Youth Theatre Barrington Stage Company Berkshire Theatre Group Chester Theatre Company CitySpace Completely Ridiculous Productions Drama Studio Double Edge Theatre Easthampton Theater Company Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Ghost Light Theater Great Barrington Public Theater Greenfield Community College's Theater Department Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center Human Agenda Theater Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts K and E Theater Group Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater Mount Holyoke College Rooke Theatre No Theater Northampton Community Arts Trust Northampton Playwrights Lab PaintBox Theatre Panopera Pauline Productions Performance Project Phantom Sheep Players Play Incubation Collective Plays In Place Real Live Theatre Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Shakespeare & Company  Shakespeare Stage Shea Theater Arts Center Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre South Hadley Players Spindrift Theatre St. Michael's Players Starlight's Youth Theatre, Inc. Theater Between Addresses Theatre Guild of Hampden TheatreTruck UMass Department of Theater UMass Theatre Guild Unity House Players Valley Light Opera Valley Players WAM Theatre Ware Community Theatre Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players Williamstown Theatre Festival World and Eye Want to know even more about events in Western Massachusetts and beyond, including reviews, interviews, and previews? In the Spotlight, Inc. Berkshire on Stage Stagestruck ArtsBeat TV/Radio and News Column Local Theater Critic Max Hartshorne Copyright © 2025 Western Mass Theatre, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive the Western Mass Theatre Newsletter. This newsletter is published weekly on Thursdays and all information about upcoming performances and auditions is reader submitted. The newsletter is limited to information about theatre in Western Massachusetts. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences