Western Mass Theatre Newsletter |
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| | | This week: Enchanted April closes (and check out Max Hartshorne’s review here), and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again) opens, as does The Wisdom of Eve, The Little Mermaid, and another Not in Charge at Happier Valley Comedy! Just a sampling of the great shows popping up in Western Mass this week.
The next issue will include events from March 26 - April 15. 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 Enchanted April March 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at WiIliston Theater in Easthampton Tickets and More Information |
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Starlight’s Youth Theatre present The Little Mermaid Saturday, March 21 at 11 AM and 1 PM at Amherst Middle School More Information |
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Cadent Shakepeare and Junkyard Shakespeare present King Lear March 28 at 7:00 PM at Northampton Community Music Center Tickets and More Information |
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MAJESTIC THEATER TO PRESENT DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE MARCH 19 – 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, Dear Jack, 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 |
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| | | 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 20, 21 at 7:30PM and March 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 |
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Wilbraham United Players
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) (REVISED) (AGAIN)
3/20, 3/21, 3/27, & 3/28 at 7:30pm; 3/22 & 3/29 at 2:30pm
Wilbraham United Church Fellowship Hall at 500 Main St., Wilbraham, MA
Tickets are on sale for our upcoming hilarious production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] {Again}.
Come see three overly-ambitious actors attempt to perform all of Shakespeare's body of work in under 2 hours (or so...) You'll never see Shakespeare the same again!
https://www.wilbrahamunitedplayers.org/buy-tickets |
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Theatre Guild of Hampden
“The Wisdom of Eve”
Thornton W Burgess School, 85 Wilbraham Road, Hampden MA
Theatre Guild of Hampden presents “The Wisdom of Eve”. Adapted from the Cosmopolitan short story by Mary Orr, on which the Oscar winning film “All About Eve” and the Tony Award winning musical “Applause”were based, this is the story of “Eve Harrington” an unscrupulous ingenue whose ruthless ambitions know no bounds in her pursuit of Broadway stardom.
CAST: Rick Malone as Tally-Ho Thompson
Nathan Alvarez as Harvey
Allison Reardon as Eve
Amanda Emet as Vera Franklin
Andy Price as Bert Hinkle
Andrea Stolar as Leila
Heath Verrill as Lloyd
Jeannie Wysocki as Margo
Margie Secora as Karen
Phil Godeck as Clement
Director - Mark Giza
Stage Manager - Gail Weber
SHOW DATES: Friday March 20 7:30 pm Saturday March 21 7:30 pm Sunday March 22 2:00 pm Friday March 27 7:30 pm Saturday March 28 7:30 pm Sunday March 29 2:00 pm Adults: $25.00 Senior/Student: $20.00 Thornton W. Burgess School
85 Wilbraham Road Hampden, MA Tickets at: theatreguildofhampden.org and at the door |
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Starlight's Youth Theatre
The Little Mermaid Jr.
March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Amherst Middle School
Join us “under the sea” with Ariel, Ursula, Flounder, and other beloved characters from the hit Disney film and Broadway musical. Our students in grades 1-6 will bring the stage to life with singing and dancing of hit Disney songs. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved stories, The Little Mermaid Jr. tells a tale of love and acceptance that is important for all ages to hear.
https://starlights-youth-theatre.org/the-little-mermaid-jr-show/
Tickets available at Maple Ridge Church and Community Center lobby and at the door at Amherst Middle School. |
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Not In Charge: Improv Comedy Inspired By True Stories Saturday, March 21st @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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OPEN MIC THEATER NIGHT TO SUPPORT BRICK HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER
Valley Players kicks off its third season with its first Open Mic Theater Night at The Rendezvous (78 3rd Street, Turners Falls) on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00pm. The evening will feature scenes and speeches from a wide variety of plays, old and new, chosen by the performers themselves. During the event, guests can enjoy a meal and drinks from The Voo’s dinner menu and expansive bar list. No reservations are being taken and admission is free, but donations are encouraged and can be made by clicking on the event at www.valleyplayers.org.
As with all Valley Players productions, a portion of the funds raised will go to support another Valley nonprofit. In this case, half of the donations from the Open Mic Theater Night will go to The Brick House Community Resource Center in Turners Falls (brickhousecommunity.org). The other half will support Valley Players’ June picnic-theater production of The Tempest, which itself will be a benefit for the Center for New Americans.
The Brick House is a holistic-minded Community Resource Center with robust youth, parent/family, basic needs, and community-based programming and that also supports music recording, dance and art studios, and an intimate performance space shared with the community. Serving over 4000 people a year, The Brick House is nestled in downtown Turners Falls and prides itself on responding quickly to emerging community needs for over 35 years.
A year and a half ago, in the face of rising food insecurity in Franklin County, The Brick House opened a food pantry that now serves over 2000 people a year and formed the Montague Food Security and Sustainability Coalition to unite like-minded organizations, agencies, schools, community groups, and farms to eliminate hunger in the area. When the SNAP crisis and government shutdown hit so many families, The Brick House was well positioned to ramp up its collective efforts and feed people who needed aid. As a community, it has continued that growth, so that those in need will have support when the next crisis comes along.
Anyone who would like to perform at the Open Mic should email info@valleyplayers.org to sign up for a slot (up to 2 minutes for a speech or 4 minutes for a scene) by sharing their name, the play from which the excerpt comes, and the scene or character. Slots are being given out on a first-response, first-served basis and there’s no need to be off-book. A few slots may also be reserved for walk-in performances on the night of the show.
Valley Players is a volunteer-driven nonprofit group with a mission to produce nimble, meaningful, and accessible community theater that helps build community by donating half of net ticket proceeds from its shows to other Valley nonprofits. In its first two years, Valley Players has supported Cancer Connection, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, River Valley Counseling Center, Community Aid Pioneer Valley, the Peace Development Fund, the Literacy Project, Way Finders, and the Amherst Survival Center. More information about Valley Players, including how to donate, become a sponsor, or join the email list, is at valleyplayers.org.
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| | | Saturday March 28th, 2026; 6pm to 8:30pm
De La Luz Divine Theater, Holyoke RSVP HERE! We hope you'll join us at the De La Luz Divine Theater in Holyoke to celebrate our extraordinary Scarlet Sock Foundation 2025 grant recipients: Pittsfield Public Schools, Play Incubation Collection, WAM's Ballad for the Ballot, Self-Evident Education and MORE! You’ll be treated to an inspiring evening showcasing work from these innovative organizations and learn why investing in their work changes communities for the better. Scarlet Sock Foundation was founded in memory of Laura DiPillo, who lived her life by her deeply held belief that all people deserve to be included and heard; in short, she believed everyone is deserving of love. That is why we support social justice theater, which aims to raise awareness and create community through the performing arts.
During the program, which is free to attend thanks to our 2026 sponsors, you’ll be invited to make a donation to the Scarlet Sock Foundation. Drinks and appetizers will be served.
Visit our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more! Can't join us but still want to help? Donate here! RSVP by filling out this form by March 19th to reserve your seat at the De La Luz Divine Theater in Holyoke! Space is limited; so, please reply soon. |
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Happier Valley Comedy Presents: North Coast Saturday, March 28th @7pm Catch NYC's legendary hip hop improv team at Happier Valley Comedy - one night only!
With a cast of improv comedy veterans from New York City, North Coast’s explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show’s improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.
https://www.happiervalley.com/north-coast-show.html |
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Cadent Shakespeare Co. & Junkyard Shakespeare
King Lear, a staged reading
Mar 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Northampton Community Music Center
Spend an evening with 'King Lear,' a sprawling portrait of family, loyalty, leadership, and failure. Known for its so-called redemption arc, we’ll be investigating the grey areas of accountability and the relationship between gender and patriarchy, asking whether any individual is free from systemic oppression – even when that very system bestows power upon them.
Heavy stuff, we know.
But there is redemption in this play: like any of Shakespeare’s works, there are bright glowing moments of humor and heart (not to mention soaring passages of poetry) that help us face the horrors while carving out space, tooth and nail, for humanity. We may even find our own salvation simply by engaging in the curiosity and imagination of storytelling.
Our process will likewise focus on exploration and curiosity more than polish and performance. This cast, made up of both local and NYC-based actors, will spend the day building ensemble, analyzing text, and finding a structure for this piece, until we open the doors to you, our audience, and the most important part of any theatrical venture.
This project is a co-production of Cadent Shakespeare Co. and Junkyard Shakespeare.
https://www.cadentshakespeare.co/event-details/king-lear |
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Smith College Department of Theatre New Play Reading Series Partitioned Prayers by Aria Ramanathan Friday, April 3 at 7:30 PM in Acting Studio 1 Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
Tusli and Gavi share everything: classes, secrets, and even a backyard in their small town in Indiana. But when the pressure from a family wedding, soccer season, and trying to survive high school cause a rift in their friendship - they must turn to the history that has been taught divides them for answers before they lose each other, forever.
Free and open to the public. |
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| | AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
ValleyCreates Capacity Building Grant
Application Opens March 9th - Deadline April 20th
Are you an individual artist new to #ValleyCreates? Do you live or have studio space in Hampden, Hampshire, or Franklin County? This capacity-building and sustainability initiative could be for you.
The program pairs a $2,500 grant with coaching, workshops, business/career building, personal financial literacy resources, and artist community-building. After being accepted into the program, grantees complete a brief onboarding call to learn more about the resources available to them.
Information sessions will be offered via Zoom for anyone interested in the Capacity-Building grant opportunity. Register for an information session on March 10 at 10 a.m. or March 16 at 2 p.m.
https://communityfoundation.org/nonprofits/valleycreates/capacity-grant-2023/#connect |
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| | AUDITIONS REBEL TOWN The Musical A new American musical set in pre-Revolutionary Boston, leading up to the Boston Tea Party & Paul Revere's ride. With heart, humor, and 27 original musical numbers, “Guys and Dolls meets 1776” as the show follows a tight-knit community of ordinary citizens pushed to extraordinary acts of courage. Through rousing tavern songs, ballads, & big ensemble moments, REBEL TOWN explores loyalty, love, and the cost of standing up for freedom when it matters most.
SHOW DATES: JULY 10-19 VENUE: Kathleen E. McDermott Auditorium, Great Barrington MA REHEARSALS: Commencing in June, Great Barrington. Production Company: Rebel Town Productions LLC Project Type: *Non-Union & Experienced Actors only.
Creative Team: Lead Producer: John Alan Segalla | Director: Michael Siktberg Choreographer: Kristine Waterman | Music Director: Carlton Maaia Technical Director: Ron Piazza
Compensation: Stipends available, sliding scale / negotiable
AUDITION DATES: Rolling in March, by appointment – please email rebeltownmusical@gmail.com Requirements: Prepare (2) contrasting Musical Theater pieces *Provide backing accompaniment.
ROLES AVAILABLE: SAMUEL ADAMS – The Rabble Rousing leader of the Sons of Liberty. (Comedic Baritone) Age: 30s-50s PAUL REVERE – The famous midnight rider, silversmith & Son of Liberty. (Bari-Tenor) Age: 20s-40s JOHN HANCOCK – The wealthy merchant, smuggler & politician. (Tenor) Age: 20s-40s MERCY OTIS WARREN – Politician, freedom writer & daughter of liberty. (Soprano) Age: 30s-50s PETER SLATER JR – 13yr-old boy with dreams of joining the revolution. (Alto, Any Gender) Teen presenting WILLIAM GREY – Carpenter, Son of Liberty & ex-soldier of the French & Indian War. (Tenor) Age: 20s-40s SARAH GREY – Poet, Daughter of Liberty & supportive partner of William. (Soprano) Age: 20s-40s ABIGAIL SLATER – A fiercely loyal Irish mother. (Soprano) Age: 20s-50s ROYAL GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON – Aristocratic leader of the Massachusetts Colony (Bari) Age: 30s-70s LT. COLONEL LESLIE – Redcoat Colonel who witnesses the Boston Tea Party. (Tenor) Age: 20s-50s TOWNSPEOPLE, SONS & DAUGHTERS OF LIBERTY – A large ensemble, including working class & high class Bostonians of all trades (Fishermen, Sailors, Clergy, Dressmakers, Wigmakers, Bakers, Blacksmiths, etc)
EMAIL: REBELTOWNMUSICAL@GMAIL.COM to schedule your audition or with any inquiries. |
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Silverthorne Theater Company
Summer 2026 Season Auditions
Mar 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Room 413, Dept. of Theater, Bromery Center for the Arts, UMass Amherst
We are excited to invite you to our 2026 summer season auditions! Our summer 2026 season includes productions of Sanctuary City, by Martyna Majok, and Deep Blue Sound, by Abe Koogler.
Auditions will take place on Friday, March 27th, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, in Room 413, Dept. of Theater, Bromery Center for the Arts, UMass Amherst. Callbacks will take place Saturday, March 28th, from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM at the same location.
If you would like to audition but aren't available for these times, or if you have any questions, please reach out to us at silverthornetheater@gmail.com.
https://tinyurl.com/STCAuditions26 |
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| | | 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 |
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Academy of Music Theatre
The Brave Space Project: Devised Theater Created by Queer Youth
Saturdays, March 28 - May 30, 10am-11:30am; performance on Sunday, May 31, time TBA
Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton
The Brave Space Project is a co-production of the Academy of Music and Play Incubation Collective. - Queer-identified youth ages 13 – 18 - Cost: $30 ($15 tuition + $15 Registration Fee) - Saturdays 10am – 11:30am, March 28 – May 31 - Performance Sunday, May 31, 2026 - Instructors: Sarah Marcus & Zazie Tobey - Rehearsals will take place at the Academy of Music Theatre, and occasionally at another nearby location (TBA). Registration is required for this 10-week workshop, and registration will close on Friday, March 20, at 5pm.
https://app.gostudiopro.com/online/aomyp
The Brave Space Project is a unique opportunity for queer teens to create an original ensemble theater project, and is a collaboration between the Academy of Music Theatre and Play Incubation Collective.
Inspired by their own stories, interests, and imaginations, teens will explore improvisation, writing exercises, movement, poetry, and more in order to build a cohesive ensemble performance piece to be shared at the end of the program. Emphasis will be on collaboration and building performance skills.
No previous experience necessary, just a willingness to be part of a creative ensemble.
This program will be an opportunity for local queer youth to amplify their individual and collective voices and share their own stories. Unlike more traditional youth theater experiences where the material is written by adults, the Brave Space Project empowers and centers the participants as makers. The ensemble will work together to create and perform their own original theater piece that speaks directly to the community, exploring the themes that are most important to them.
This program aims for participants to: Collectively create a piece of devised and improvised theater, from inception to performance, based on their own stories and experiences instead of using a pre-existing script or being confined to expectations from previous productions (theater by the youth, not just for the youth). See themselves as “makers” of art and as storytellers. Gain collaboration, improvisation, and performance skills. Foster a strong sense of community and build a network of peer support amongst queer teens. Experience a supportive and uplifting in-person creative outlet for queer teens. |
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| | | We hear that there are not many workshops being offered in physical actor training around the Valley. Find a community among physically trained actors who find the work bonds them.
Consider joining us for some fun, challenging your creativity and expanding your physical acting abilities in a supportive ensemble setting.
We are pleased to offer this April 2026- Serious Play Physical Actor Training Weekend Intensive, inviting interested participants to share some of the physical disciplines Serious Play draws upon in devising and adapting our ensemble theatre work. All abilities welcome/actors 20yrs & up!
Important to note- Sliding scale payment options $156-$185. Register at our website or email Seriousplaytheatre@gmail.com for registration form with Venmo for deposit.
There is a $25 deposit to hold your place, which can be made through our VENMO QR code, or by mailing a check to Serious Play at our PO Box 148, Northampton, MA, 01061.
Questions:call Sheryl at 413-588-7439.
Note: Need to receive Registration, Waiver & Deposit by April 15. Thank You.
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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.
Learn more and register! |
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PIC Kids The Writers' Room
Instructor: Anna Fox
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.
Learn more and register!
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MAJESTIC THEATER’S YOUTH THEATER WORKSHOP IN SESSION FOR APRIL SCHOOL VACATION WEEKS Workshops to be Held During Both Connecticut and Massachusetts Vacation Week Schedules The Majestic Theater announced its Majestic Youth Theater Workshop will hold one-week sessions April 13-17 (to align with Connecticut schools’ vacation week) and April 20-24 (to align with Massachusetts schools’ vacation week) at its Baldwin Street Studios in West Springfield, MA. Available sessions are: Theater as Play, Round 2 - for students 7-10 years old Held Monday through Friday, 9am – 12pm - $160 A week of theater games, improvisation, and playmaking with some favorite children’s stories that will culminate in a short performance of a stage adaptation of a children’s story created by the students. (Participation in Round 1 of this session is not a requirement) Triple Skills (Acting/singing/movement) Prep – for students 11-15 years old Held Monday through Friday, 1pm – 4pm - $260 This week-long workshop is designed to bolster the actor’s “toolkit” and delve deeper into the importance of audition prep, text analysis, improv, music, and movement. Perfect for young actors who are looking to have a meaningful – and fun – week totally immersed in theater. Both workshops are available during both vacation weeks.
To enroll participants online for the workshops, please visit https://www.majestictheater.com/mytw Otherwise, contact the Majestic Theater box office at (413) 747-7797. The Majestic Youth Theater Workshop is overseen by Producing Director Sue Dziura, who noted about the program, “As a longtime theater educator, one of the things I love most about our Majestic Youth Theater Workshop vacation programs is how dynamic they are. In just a few days, young people come together to create something meaningful—building skills, confidence, and a real sense of ensemble, all while having a lot of fun along the way.” Both sessions of Theater as Play, Round 2 will be led by Rachel Lamarre, a recent graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she majored in theatre arts and management. Mike King, a local performer last seen onstage at the Majestic in the 2025 production of Waitress, will lead the April 13-17 Triple Skills Prep program. The April 20-24 Triple Skills Prep program will be led by Dziura and will feature daily workshops by MYTW educators/performers including Chelsie Nectow and Myka Plunkett. Most Majestic Youth Theater Programs are held at the Majestic Theater’s rehearsal space, Baldwin Street Studios (168 Baldwin Street, West Springfield, MA), which allows small groups of young actors to work with an experienced staff of theater educators. The 12,000 square foot building is also home to the Majestic’s set construction and costume shops, and the rehearsal hall has a floor that is painted with an outline that is the exact dimensions of the Majestic’s stage, making it the perfect place for participants to learn and grow as performers. |
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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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| | | 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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