This week: Merry Me at Smith College, Dear Jack, Dear Louise opens at the Majestic, and there are some great shows at Happier Valley Comedy! Save the date for the screening of the film of When the Mind’s Free, Real Live Theatre’s film of their play. Do you have a new play? Or want to direct one? Consider submitting to the LAVA Centers call for the On the Board play festival!
The next issue will include events from March 5 - 25. 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
The Smith College Department of Theatre presents Merry Me by Hansol Jung on February 25, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 pm in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, directed by Lynne Marie Rosenberg. When a mysterious blackout leaves a navy stranded near enemy territory, the libidinous Lieutenant Shane Horne puts her very specific talents to use, including with the general’s wife. Meanwhile, a famed Angel sends the Navy’s psychiatrist on an epic quest to save humanity. Merry Me is a madcap and mischievous mashup of ancient mythology and restoration comedy—and an ode to female pleasure. Tickets $5-15 at smitharts.ludus.com. Free for Smith students.
Merry Me is set in a military encampment between the sea and the mountains “in the Year of an Ongoing War.” The power is out, fighting is paused, and the troops are getting punchy and letting off steam. The cast of 7 portray General Memnon and his wife Clytemnestra, their son Pvt. Willy Memnon and his wife Sapph, the camp Lothario Lt. Shane Horne, and her therapist Dr. Jess O’Nope who is visited by an Angel. Some people get lucky and some get left behind, but there is a happy ending for all. Set Designer Gabriella Rosenberg ’27 has created a cross between a military base in an endless war and a campsite removed from time. Rex Tans ’25 returns to Smith to design the costumes, with faculty Lighting Designer Lara Dubin, and sound design by Emma McRedmond ’26. The puppets who bring to life the sexier scenes were created by Franny Brady ’27. The result is what the New York Theatre Guide called “Joyous… an entertaining, energizing and unmissable queer comedy.” Audiences should know that the play contains graphic sexual language and content and is suitable for people 16+. Full content details and tickets ($5-15) at smitharts.ludus.com.
MAJESTIC THEATER TO PRESENT DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE FEBRUARY 26 – APRIL 4
The fourth play of the Majestic Theater’s current season is the heartfelt and comical play Dear Jack, Dear Louise, which runs February 26 through April 4 at the West Springfield venue.
Written by Ken Ludwig, DearJack, Dear Louise tells the story (through letters) of the relationship between a young Army doctor, Jack, and an aspiring Broadway actress named Louise during World War II. As their correspondence deepens, the two begin to fall in love despite the physical distance and the challenges of wartime life. The play explores themes of love, hope, and resilience, offering a poignant look at how relationships can flourish even in the most uncertain times. With a charming mix of humor and emotion, Dear Jack, Dear Louise captures the timeless power of connection and the courage it takes to love across miles.
The cast includes Gregory Boover (Jack), Alexandra O’Halloran (Louise), Aaron Mancaniello (understudy for Jack), and Rachel Ballasy (understudy for Louise).
The Majestic’s Producing Director, Sue Dziura, will direct the play. Michael Garcia is stage manager, Dawn McKay is costume designer and Dan Rist is lighting designer. Scenic designer is Matthew Whiton, and Alan Schneider is technical director. Production manager is Marcus Kearns.
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://majestictheater.csstix.com/events.php 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
The Greenhouse: Growing New Talent Every Saturday in February @ 5pm A limited run of up-and-coming improv teams in a WEEKLY show! Enjoy eight straight weeks of fresh, organic improv from two fan favorite teams: A Couple of Posers & Gluttony
We're just A Couple of Posers. You'll help us paint a setting and then pose us in that setting to initiate the scenes. Featuring Chris Cronin and Paul Katz, with occasional guest player Lynn Curry!
Craving something sweet, sour, bitter, salty, rich, spicy, and with a moist crumb? Get your fill of belly laughs with Jem O'Hara, Adi Heller, Evi Mahon, Sarah Zureick-Brown, and Lauren Anderson in Gluttony!
A limited run on the 4th Saturday of the month! Bacon & Eggs... Peanut butter & Jelly... Pam & Scott... Some things are just better together! Experience some of the greatest pairs in history with Do-Si-Do! Each show will feature three fantastic two-person improv shows, followed by all six performers coming together to mix it up and play with everything they created in the first part of the evening. Hosted by the long-running duo We Made A Thing with Happier Valley Comedy's Founder and Artistic Director Pam Victor and Scott Braidman, this month featuring Laura Patrick and Mosie Senn-McNally, and Sally Ekus and Kate Zak.
Sunday, March 1, 7:30pm The Workroom at 33 Hawley St. in Northampton
Synopsis: May, 1980. Mount St. Helens. Everyone has evacuated the mountain, fleeing the impending eruption. Everyone, that is, but WWI veteran, lodge owner, and whisky-swilling raconteur Harry Truman. Francis Yamomoto, a local tv journalist, arrives to interview Harry one last time and uncover the secret passion behind Harry’s fateful choice. HARRY TRUMAN & THE VOLCANO is both a parable of our current climate crisis and a rollicking exploration of what it means to discover something worth living—or dying—for.
Featuring Raye Birk and Ron Domingo, with Stage Directions by Sarah Marcus and Dramaturgy by Daniel Goldstein
FREE TO ATTEND
Doors open at 7:15pm. No entry after 7:45pm. Please enter from the downstairs courtyard.
New Play Reading Series SPORK PLAY by Sadie Shapiro Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 PM in Acting Studio 1
After a series of setbacks and a lifetime of mediocrity, Marv Weaver has come up with an invention that can permanently revolutionize the routine of modern society. When he finds himself in the public eye, he is forced to defend his increasingly controversial agenda (a spoon and a fork at the same time).
Free
THE INTERROBANGERS By M Sloth Levine Directed by Cordelia Dwyer March 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m. March 7 at 2 p.m. March 10 at 10 a.m. The Curtain Theater The Interrobangers tickets A gang of teenage friends who band together to solve a mystery and confront the supernatural — what’s not to love about that winning formula? Foggy Bluffs is a spooky place where you can see floating red eyes and weird shadows in the woods. The Interrobangers decide to figure out what’s going on and find much more than a spooky mystery. This queer take on the Scooby gang explores friendship, identity, and how to heal from the hurts of the past. Content advisory: Depictions of substance abuse, swearing, and brief references to child abuse, abduction, and trauma. Recommended for ages 13 and up
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
The Understudies: An Improvised Musical
Saturday, March 7th @ 7pm
It's the opening night of a brand new musical! Unfortunately, the show was never written or rehearsed. This is the moment we've been training for. Be part of the fun as the determined Understudies create an entire musical from scratch, with a little help from the audience. The Understudies are Scott Braidman, Kelsey Flynn, Paul McNeil, Mosie Senn-McNally, and Maile Shoul. With music by the amazing Jeff Kimball!
The Western MA premiere screening of our new experimental film When The Mind's Free Sunday, March 8th at The Shea Theater in Montague
3pm, with celebratory community gathering after the 90-minute film (including the Shea’s own cash bar). Director, producer, and some actors will be in attendance.
When The Mind’s Free is now an experimental film of our original piece of devised dance-theatre, created in conversation with Shakespeare’s King Lear, following a day in the life of a contemporary lesbian couple and their adult daughters as they navigate Alzheimer’s disease and addiction, and seek light in their darkest times.
This screening is supported in part by grants from the Shelburne, Deerfield, and Bernardston Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, and by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Northampton Musical Booster Club Mean Girls: High School Version
March 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM March 13 (7pm), March 14 (7pm), March 15 (2pm) Northampton High School, 380 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Northampton High School is thrilled to present MEAN GIRLS: High School Version! This full-length rock musical (book by Tina Fey, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and music by Jeff Richmond) is based on the 2004 Mark Waters film about high school hardships, superficiality, and the triumph of genuine friendships. This production features a live pit band and a cast of 46 NHS students! Directed by Dave Grout, Musical Direction by Susan Dillard, and Choreography by Zazie Tobey.
Enchanted April, based on Elizabeth Von Arnim’s beloved novel of the 1920s, is a gentle and beautiful story of the importance of platonic relationships, friendships among women, self-care, and rediscovering who you are when life has caused you to lose yourself. Enchanted April is a heartwarming, character-driven play set in 1920s England and Italy, following four very different women who escape their dreary lives and unfulfilling relationships by renting a castle on the Italian Riviera for the month of April. As they navigate clashing personalities, unexpected friendships, and personal awakenings, the women—and the men —and the men in their lives—are transformed by the beauty, freedom, and magic of their surroundings. With rich characters showing emotional depth, humor, and growth, Enchanted April is a rare ensemble piece full of charm, change, and hope.The show is directed by Gilana Chelimsky and produced by Michael O. Budnick and Deb Jacobson, with Sophia Defayette as Stage Manager. Performance dates are March 14, 20, 21 at 7:30PM and March 15, 22 at 2PM at WiIliston Theater in Easthampton.More information and tickets are available at easthamptontheater.com, or you can purchase tickets directly at our ticketing site easthamptontheater.ludus.com
AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Position: Executive Director
With the Academy of Music entering a leadership transition following Debra J’Anthony’s nearly two decades of dedicated executive leadership, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the launch of a search for its next Executive Director. This moment represents an exciting opportunity to build on the Academy’s rich history as a municipally-owned, nonprofit-operated historic theater and to lead the organization into its next chapter of artistic vitality, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
The next Executive Director will serve as the chief steward of one of the nation’s oldest continuously-operating theaters, guiding its artistic, operational, and financial leadership while honoring its deep civic and cultural roots. Working in close partnership with a committed Board, dedicated staff, municipal leaders, artists, and community partners, the Executive Director will balance tradition and innovation while ensuring artistic excellence, broad community access, and financial resilience. This role offers the opportunity to lead a beloved cultural institution at a pivotal moment, shaping a future that is both grounded in history and open to thoughtful evolution.
Reports to
Board of Trustees
Pay Status
Salaried, Full-time, Exempt
Salary range
Starting salary of $120,000
Desired start date
July 1, 2026
Application Deadline
February 27. Early applications are encouraged.
Benefits and PTO
Paid vacation and accrued sick time, partial medical and dental benefits, and access to a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions subject to vesting.
Supervises
Director of Finance and Administration, Technical Director, Development and Communications Manager, Education Director, Theater Manager
Schedule and location
The Executive Director is expected to be on site and actively engaged in the life of the theater, with some flexibility for remote work to support balance and focus.
Our Mission
To enrich the Pioneer Valley’s quality of life by offering first-class performing arts and film presentations in a historic theater of national significance. Encouraging the use of the historic stage for social, educational, and professional events, the Academy of Music seeks a broad and diverse audience through its programming and outreach efforts.
Here is a link to the Academy’s Artistic Guidelines
About the Academy of Music
The Academy of Music (“the Academy”) is a historic institution known for its elegant design and rich, storied past. In the late 19th century, Edward H.R. Lyman, a philanthropist and Northampton native, envisioned a new venue for culture and theater in his hometown. On May 23, 1891, the Academy opened its doors to the public for the first time. One year later, Lyman deeded the Academy to the citizens of Northampton, making it the first municipally owned theater in the nation. Located in the heart of downtown, the theater offers a unique platform for local, regional, and national performing artists.
The Academy’s programming falls into four primary categories:
Academy Productions: Producing one to two plays annually, the Valley Voices Story Slam, the Regional Youth Poetry Slam, and special community events.
Academy Presentations: Presenting national touring artists.
Rentals: Hosting local and regional arts organizations and nonprofits, as well as promoters who present national touring acts.
Education Programming: Offering programs for ages 6–19 in dance, show chorus, and musical theatre, including the production of three musical theatre shows annually.
As a nonprofit community-based organization, the Academy participates in downtown events such as First Night, co-produces KidsBestFest with the Northampton Arts Council, ensures affordable rental rates and ticket fees for local arts organizations and patrons, and supports and mentors local arts organizations in creating and staging successful productions.
With significant economic impact on the city and surrounding towns, the Academy is one of downtown Northampton’s leading visitor destinations—not only through total ticket sales, but also through the consistent draw of visiting patrons to Northampton and its more than 100 shops and restaurants.
The Academy has an operating budget of just over $1 million and is governed by ten voting members of the Board of Trustees, with the Mayor of Northampton serving ex officio and the President of Smith College as an honorary board member. In 2023, the current Executive Director informed the Board of her intention to retire after nearly two decades of dedicated leadership. A substantial grant from the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative supported the development of both a Leadership Transition Plan and a Strategic Plan, ensuring the Academy is well-positioned, well-supported, and thoughtfully prepared as it embarks on this pivotal transition.
About Northampton
Northampton, Massachusetts, is a vibrant small city in the Pioneer Valley known for its historic charm, progressive values, and a strong artistic and intellectual culture shaped in part by the presence of Smith College and neighboring Five College communities. With a population of just under 30,000, Northampton combines the intimacy and accessibility of a walkable downtown with the energy of a regional arts destination, home to galleries, live-music venues, theaters, independent shops, and a year-round calendar of cultural events. The community is highly educated, culturally engaged, and widely known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness and inclusive social fabric, helping create a welcoming environment for residents, artists, and visitors. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, providing outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.
The cost of living remains more approachable than in many metropolitan areas in Massachusetts, contributing to a sustainable quality of life for artists, educators, professionals, and families. This blend of cultural vitality, community engagement, and reasonable livability makes Northampton an ideal location for creative leadership and a thriving performing arts institution.
The Opportunity
The transition in leadership at the Academy creates a rare opportunity for a skilled and mission-driven Executive Director to step into a well-loved institution at a meaningful moment in its evolution. The Academy has been guided for nearly two decades by a deeply committed leader who has extensively restored and updated the theater, strengthened its profile, deepened community trust, and built an organization that is widely recognized as a cultural anchor for Northampton and the Pioneer Valley. With this strong foundation in place, the next Executive Director will inherit a vibrant theater, a passionate board and staff, and a community that cares deeply about the arts. The organization is poised for renewed clarity, thoughtful evolution, and deeper connection to the region’s creative landscape, offering an incoming leader the chance to bring fresh ideas, build collaborative relationships, and steward a beloved historic venue into its next chapter.
For the right candidate, the role invites both meaningful work and visible impact. The Academy’s reputation, stunning venue, and deep community roots provide an inspiring platform for a leader who values public service, artistic excellence, and community engagement. The breadth of the Executive Director’s work — combining artistic vision, community partnerships, fundraising, storytelling, and organizational leadership — will appeal to someone energized by multidimensional roles and community arts settings. The next leader will be welcomed into an environment receptive to new approaches, strengthened internal culture, dedicated volunteers and audiences, and the continued evolution toward a more distributed, collaborative leadership model. This is an ideal role for someone who finds satisfaction in building capacity over time, strengthening systems, and shaping a future vision that reflects both tradition and possibility.
Areas of Focus for the Next Leader
The following focus areas are grounded in stakeholder insight and represent meaningful opportunities for collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and steady organizational development.
Financial Resilience & Long-Term Sustainability - Continue adapting to changing audience trends, explore earned and contributed revenue opportunities, and position the Academy for long-term facility, programmatic, and organizational sustainability.
Organizational Effectiveness & Team Support- Strengthen internal workflows, communication practices, and cross-department coordination while fostering a collaborative, supportive organizational culture that promotes staff confidence, professional growth, and well-being.
Mission, Identity, & Public Voice - Guide shared conversations around mission, identity, and brand expression to ensure the Academy’s public voice clearly reflects its values, aspirations, and role as a community-centered cultural institution.
Community Integration & Strategic Partnerships - Deepen relationships with the City, Five Colleges, local arts organizations, schools, and community partners to expand access, strengthen collaboration, and increase the Academy’s community impact.
Programming Strategy & Governance Partnership - Balance rental, presented, and mission-aligned programming while working closely with the board and staff to ensure strategic alignment, clear roles, and thoughtful long-term planning.
Primary Responsibilities
Artistic Direction, Programming, & Community Engagement
Shape a clear artistic and programming vision that advances the Academy’s mission and strengthens its role as a community-centered cultural hub.
Curate presented and produced events, film, and educational programming in collaboration with internal leaders, promoters, renters, and artistic partners.
Foster relationships across local arts organizations, educational institutions, and civic stakeholders, serving as a visible spokesperson and community ambassador.
Support brand storytelling, audience development, and communications strategies that reflect the Academy’s mission, inclusivity, and artistic profile.
Financial Planning, Fundraising, & Sustainability
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance in partnership with the board, the finance committee, and the Director of Finance and Administration.
Develop and strengthen earned revenue strategies across programming and operations—including ticketed performances, education programs, rentals, and presenting activity—to support long-term financial sustainability, while balancing mission impact and organizational capacity.
In partnership with the board and with the support of the Development and Communications Manager, build meaningful relationships that drive contributed revenue from individual donors, foundations, businesses, and government partners, and steward the Academy’s reputation as a trusted community nonprofit.
Work collaboratively with the City of Northampton on capital planning, facility-related grants, and shared financial oversight connected to building projects.
Organizational Leadership, Culture, & Operations
Support a healthy and collaborative staff culture grounded in communication, professional development, clarity of roles, and shared purpose.
Promote interdepartmental alignment across finance, education, rentals, production, technical operations, audience services, and development.
Steward the historic facility and coordinate with the City and technical leadership on maintenance, capital priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational planning.
Serve as a thought partner and steady collaborator with staff, volunteers, renters, and artists to ensure a positive experience across the Academy’s ecosystem.
Board Partnership & Strategic Alignment
Work closely with the board to advance long-term organizational vision, annual goals, and progress toward strategic priorities.
Provide transparent reporting, financial and program performance insights, and thoughtful recommendations that support informed governance.
Engage the board in fundraising and community relationships while clarifying shared roles and building strong alignment between board and staff leadership.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal Executive Director will be a trusted leader, a skilled communicator, and a visible community presence who embraces the Academy’s mission, history, and civic role. They will bring a balance of artistic literacy, nonprofit management, financial acumen, and genuine enthusiasm for working in partnership with staff, board, artists, local organizations, donors, and municipal leaders. Collaborative and steady in their leadership style, the ED will listen deeply, foster internal alignment, and engage the community with warmth, clarity, and cultural awareness. They will thrive in a multidimensional environment where programming, community engagement, fundraising, storytelling, and organizational stewardship are interconnected.
Required Skills and Prior Experience:
Leadership in the Performing Arts Ecosystem – Significant leadership experience (typically gained over several years and through multiple leadership roles) within a performing arts, presenting, or community arts organization, with fluency in programming cycles, production needs, and the rhythms of a presenting house.
Artistic Literacy & Program Insight – Direct experience with arts programming, event booking, or rentals, and an understanding of how to balance presented work, community programs, and mission-aligned artistic decisions.
Nonprofit Management & Staff Leadership – Experience managing a mid-sized nonprofit, guiding teams, supervising department leaders, and supporting a collaborative and inclusive staff culture.
Community Presence & External Relationships – Passion for serving as a visible ambassador, cultivating strong relationships with municipal partners, mission-aligned organizations, academic institutions, and local businesses to integrate the organization into the cultural and civic fabric of a community.
Industry Representation and Advocacy – Experience serving as a representative and advocate for an organization and its mission area across regional, statewide, and national platforms, including participation in professional associations, conferences, and sector-wide initiatives, and contributing to broader conversations that shape arts funding, policy, and field-wide collaboration.
Facility & Capital Stewardship – Experience leading and coordinating facility, capital, and/or infrastructure projects. Comfort collaborating with municipal partners; an understanding of how historic buildings shape operational needs is a bonus.
Financial & Operational Competence – Skill with budgeting, financial planning, earned and contributed revenue strategies, and operational oversight that supports long-term sustainability and informs effective decision-making.
Fundraising, Grants & Relationship Development – Experience with fundraising across a range of sources, including individual donors, foundations, public funding, and community-based support.
Board Leadership & Collaborative Governance - Track record of cultivating board development, engaging the board in fundraising and community partnerships, and fostering a culture of clarity, accountability, shared vision, and an effective, authentic working relationship between board and staff.
Communication & Collaborative Leadership – Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to listen actively, integrate multiple perspectives, present confidently in public settings, and nurture a workplace culture grounded in trust and shared purpose.
Equity Orientation & Cultural Awareness – A demonstrated commitment to equitable, inclusive, and welcoming practices; experience addressing systemic barriers within organizations and communities; and the ability to engage diverse communities with cultural humility.
Youth Arts and Educational Programming – Experience with youth arts or educational programming is highly desirable, given the Academy’s strong foundation and meaningful potential for future growth and revenue.
Educational or Professional Preparation – A comparable depth of professional experience in organizational leadership in the performing arts; graduate training in arts administration, performing arts, business, or related fields is preferred.
To apply:
The Academy has engaged LJN Advisory to partner with them in hiring for this important role. Please email a cover letter and resume by February 27 to LJN@lornajanenorris.com with “Academy of Music – ED Application”in the subject line. Attach your cover letter and resume as separate PDF files, and include your last name in each file name. Cover lettersshould be responsive to the mission and values of the Academy and to the responsibilities and qualificationslaid out in the full position profile. We will begin reviewing applications right away and encourage candidates to apply early. Each application will be acknowledged and given careful attention.
Inclusivity & Accessibility Statement
The Academy of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
We know that no candidate will meet every requirement listed, and encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box. We recognize that leadership excellence is developed through many pathways and encourage candidates whose experience may not follow a traditional nonprofit or arts leadership trajectory to apply.
If you require any accommodations during the hiring process—such as for scheduling, interview format, or written materials—please let us know. We are committed to making the process accessible, respectful, and welcoming for all.
Springfield Community Theater of MA @ 52Sumner Forever Plaid looking for a great Tenor!!
March 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM 52 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA
Auditions for Jinx (Tenor) on Monday, March 2 at 6:30 pm. Come prepare with a number that shows off range, Ideally “Cry” from Forever Plaid. The show will rehearse in August and September 2026 for performances Sept 25-27 and Oct 3 & 4.
Holding auditions for Forever Plaid. Seeking a male vocalist for the role of Jinx. Must have strong lead vocals and excellent harmonizing capabilities. Celebrating barbershop, swing, boogie-woogie, Latin, and Calypso, the music of Forever Plaid features 1950's style four-part close harmonies. (The roles of Sparky, Francis and Smudge have been cast.)
Wilbraham United Players H.M.S. Pinafore Auditions
3/7 from 1:30-4pm; 3/8 from 1:30-3:30pm; 3/9 from 7-8pm Wilbraham United Church Fellowship Hall at 500 Main St., Wilbraham, MA rch
Stage Direction: Deb Trimble
Music Direction: Elisabeth Weber
Choreography: Jacqui Panasian
Please prepare a brief vocal selection in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan. Please bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Also be prepared to read from one of the readings posted here: https://www.wilbrahamunitedplayers.org/auditions
A brief movement sequence will be taught at the audition.
Audition slots will be a half hour long by appointment.
About the casting – there are no roles that are pre-cast. We are auditioning for all of them. The artistic team is determined to cast with a certain amount of gender flexibility, based on available talent. We welcome performers of all gender identities and expressions, and encourage everyone to audition for any role that interests them. We are particularly interested in the role of Buttercup being cast as a drag performer, inspired by Jinx Monsoon's dynamic and comedic portrayal in Pirates on Broadway, which brought fresh energy and inclusivity to the role. Sailors, Sisters, Cousins and Aunts ensembles may also include performers of any gender identity. If you are interested in being considered for a gender-flexible role or drag performance, please indicate this on your audition form which can be found here:
Audition form can be found here: https://www.wilbrahamunitedplayers.org/_files/ugd/b8f670_27b86353b4b54cafa89579f1ff89357a.pdf
Audition Readings found on our website audition link for: Buttercup/Capt. Corcoran Buttercup/Dick Deadeye/Bosun Captain/Josephine Captain/Ralph/Sir Joseph Josephine/Ralph Josephine/Sir Joseph
We are using our ticketing site to book audition appointments. The link below will take you to the schedule where you can choose your preferred date and time. There are 4 slots available for each appointment. If the date/time shows as closed that means that there are no more appointments available for that timeframe. Ticketing link is: https://wilbrahamunitedplayers.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200513312
There is no CHARGE for auditioning (even though the link says "Get Ticket").
https://www.wilbrahamunitedplayers.org/auditions
The LAVA Center Calling Playwrights & Directors: Accepting Submissions for LAVA's 4th "On The Boards" New Play Fest!
324 Main Street Greenfield, MA 01301
The LAVA Center in Greenfield is excited to announce a call for submissions for its annual new play fest, “On the Boards.” The deadline for both play and director submissions March 16. Modest honoraria offered!
PLAY SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Any length
- Plays that have never been produced
- Written by a current Massachusetts resident
More info / Submit: https://forms.gle/LgmxDntVwatSeTpr7
DIRECTOR SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- All experience levels welcome
- Excited by bringing a new play to life
- Available for the dates outlined in the submission form
More info / Submit: https://forms.gle/Jxi7g1c5h4ekhGi67
https://thelavacenter.org/on-the-boards/
On the Boards is made possible by grants from the local cultural councils of Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Conway, Deerfield, Gill, Greenfield, Leyden, Northfield, Shelburne, and Sunderland. For more details, contact ash@thelavacenter.org.
PRODUCTION GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR WESTER MASS COMMUNITY THEATERS.
https://www.jackmct.com/democracy---the-musical
W.Mass composer Jack Tierney here. I am very excited to announce the launch of my new full-length stage work, An American Musical [https://www.jackmct.com/democracy---the-musical], and to share a grant opportunity designed to help community theatres produce the show.
Through this program, theatres may request up to 100% of their production budget (for non-personnel expenses) through a simple application process. The goal is to remove financial barriers so volunteer-based theatres can take on meaningful new work without risking their season budget.
Set in a small New England diner on Election Day, An American Musical follows ten ordinary Americans as they confront fear, hope, belonging, and civic responsibility in a time of national dissonance. The score is contemporary Americana (rock/pop/country), and the show is designed to be practical, flexible, and affordable to produce. An optional SATB chorus line allows the cast to expand, so the only real limit is the size of your stage.
Most importantly, this project is non-partisan. It is not aligned with any political party or candidate. Its purpose is to spark civic reflection, conversation, and community connection through theatre and music in a time of national dissonance.
If this interests you, I invite you to listen to selections from the score [https://www.jackmct.com/songsd187cecc] and to review the Libretto and Grant Information [https://www.jackmct.com/libretto---scores]. If the music and story resonate, I’d welcome the chance to connect by Zoom and explore a potential collaboration.
Contact me at: drjackmct@gmail.com
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Comedy Project returns to LAVA, workshop to kick off season Thursday, Feb. 26
xThe LAVA Center is excited to announce the return of The Comedy Project! Every fourth Thursday, Andrea CK will host a rotating calendar of workshops, open mics and shows throughout the year.
The season will kick off with a workshop on Thursday, Feb. 26, 6–8 p.m. at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St, Greenfield.
The workshop is open to all types of comedy performance and writing. If you’d like to be funny, or funnier, The Comedy Project is for you! Please RSVP to andrea@thelavacenter.org if you have material you want to work on, or if you want to write jokes together in a supportive environment or if you want to stay warm with creative people.
Andrea CK is an award winning storyteller, a retired rabbi and chicken farmer. So far she has earned no awards for being a rabbi or a chicken farmer. Andrea has been hosting and attending open mics in the area for 8 years. And she once got 4 minutes at an open mic IN LA!! And she got laughs.
Introducing PIC Kids April Vacation The World of Clown Instructor: Meem Mattei
You are invited to enter the joy-filled, rule-bending world of the clown! You’ll spend the week playing theater games and exploring movement and costumes with the goal of creating your own unique clown character. All skill levels are welcome, whether or not you’ve done a theatrical clown camp in the past. The skills you develop this week will not only help you become a better performer but will help you celebrate the wonderful uniqueness of your loveable human self.
Have you ever dreamed of being on SNL? Want to work with a group of your peers to write and perform in a series of original sketches? Then The Writers’ Room is the place for you. We’ll eat lunch together and spend the first half of each workshop session in a mock writer’s room, going over comedy essentials and drafting up sketch ideas as a group. Then, we’ll spend the second half of the afternoon on our feet, playing improv games, and exploring the acting components in the sketches we’ve just imagined. The goal is to leave the week with new connections, and several new comedic ideas, in hopes that you’ll be inspired to continue exploring these ideas beyond the workshop.
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.
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