Western Mass Theatre Newsletter |
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| | | This weekend: Orlando at Northampton High School, two studio productions at Smith College, A new play reading at Silverthorne (at the Shea!), UMass opens Rhinoceros, and Starlight Youth Theater presents Les Miserables at the Academy of Music.
The next issue will include events from May 7 -27. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at westernmasstheatre@gmail.com
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| Easthampton Theater Company presents Applause June 7, 11, 12, 13, and 14 at Williston Theater in Easthampton Tickets and More Information |
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Silverthorne Theater Company presents The 2018 Handel Society MDP Competition Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM at the Shea Theater Tickets and More Information |
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Northampton High School Performing Arts
Orlando
04-30-26 at 7:00 pm, 05-01-26 at 7 pm
Northampton High School Black Box Theater
"She was man, she was woman; she was a feather blown on the gale..."
An adaptation of the "longest and most charming love letter in literature," written by Virginia Woolf for her lover, Vita Sackville-West, Orlando is a theatrical, wild, fantastical trip through space, time, and gender. Orlando begins as a spirited young nobleman in Elizabethan England, dreaming of poetry and romance. After many centuries of living, loving, and writing, Orlando becomes a twentieth-century woman, trying to make sense of the ever-evolving world around her. In between, Orlando and a dynamic Greek chorus weave a witty, enchanting ode to life as a man, a woman, a noble, an artist, and a lover.
This production, taking inspiration from Morris dancers and queer aesthetics across time, marks the first ever student-directed play under the current iteration of the Northampton High School performing arts department. In our Orlando, driven by a dedication to student expression and the joy of creation, queer pasts and futures come together in a dazzling world of ribbons and poetry.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/orlando-at-nhs-tickets-1985974154156?aff=oddtdtcreator |
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Smith College Department of Theatre Spring Studio Productions The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage by David Ives directed by Amy Lu Malefactions by Matt Minnicino directed by Kim Suarez-Villao April 30, May 1 at 7:30 PM Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre Free and open to the public.
The Smith College Department of Theatre presents an evening of student directed one-act plays on April 30 and May 1 at 7:30pm in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre in Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts. The 2026 Spring Studio Productions include The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage by David Ives directed by Amy Lu ’28 and Malefactions by Matt Minnicino directed by Kim Suarez-Villao ’28. One is a light-hearted comic take on the British murder mystery, the other is a raw look at performative activism. Tickets are free at smitharts.ludus.com.
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| | | Join us for our final Theater Thursday reading of the 2026 season: Jeremy Geragotelis’s new play, The 2018 Handel Society MDP Competition. In The 2018 Handel Society MDP Competition, prodigies Cassidy, Vanessa and James meet each other once a year at a high-stakes piano competition, where connection in this rarified environment battles the drive to crush one’s opponents at any cost. And there’s an albatross in the green room who might have something to do with Cassidy’s father...
Directed by Cordelia Winter Dwyer, and starring Antigone Brandel-luliano, Rachel F. Hirsch, Aaron Mancaniello, Maya Quinones, Sam Samuels, and Rhiannon Thomas, the reading will take place at 7:00pm on Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls.
Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reserve your tickets now. Silverthorne welcomes donations for this event so that we can continue making our work accessible to all.
This reading is made possible by the generous support of the Greenfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. |
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Theater Between Addresses & Electric Lite Railway
NIGHT TRAIN
5/1, 5/2, 5/3 @ 7:32 PM
Barn Theater Station, 715 Federal St, Belchertown, MA 01007
NIGHT TRAIN We'll ride with you 'til the end of the line... An immersive performance about death, grief, joy, and trains. Trains run for three weekends only! April 16th - 19th, April 23rd - 26th, and May 1st - 3rd.
The Swift River Line is operated by Electric Lite Railway. All trains depart at either 2:04 PM or 7:32 PM from the Barn Theater Station at 715 Federal St in scenic Belchertown, Massachusetts.
ff-peak pricing available for select rides, including our route previews on April 16th and 17th and our mask-requested ride on April 24th! Peak pricing is in effect for our grand opening on April 18th and all rides on or after April 25th.
Passengers MUST reserve tickets online before boarding - no tickets will be sold at the door.
nighttrain.eventbrite.com |
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MAJESTIC THEATER TO PRESENT COME FROM AWAY APRIL 30 – MAY 31 The fifth and final play of the Majestic Theater’s current season takes the stage April 16 through May 31 when the acclaimed musical Come From Away is presented. The Majestic Theater is located at 131 Elm Street in West Springfield, MA. With book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away is a heartwarming and uplifting musical that tells the true story of 7,000 passengers who were stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after the events of September 11, 2001. The musical highlights the generosity and warmth of the real-life townspeople who welcomed strangers into their homes and hearts. Come From Away has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Its themes of kindness and community remind us of the power of compassion in the face of adversity and the shared humanity that unites us all in times of crisis. The cast includes Chelsie Nectow (Beverly/Annette/Dance Captain), Sue Dziura (Beulah), Martinez Napoleon (Bob), Will McGarrahan (Claude), Bob Mootos (Nick/Doug), Myka Plunkett (Bonnie), Destini Stewart (Hannah), Elaine Hom (Diane), Shaun O’Keefe (Oz), Ben Ashley (Kevin T./Garth), David Webber (Kevin J./Ali), and Caelie Flanagan (Janice). Russell Garrett is director/choreographer, and Elisabeth Weber is music director. Hope Rose Kelly is stage manager, and assistant stage manager is Caroline Trudell. Ryan Hickey is sound designer, and Dawn McKay is costume designer. Tickets to the show range from $35-$38 and can be purchased in person at the box office, by calling (413) 747-7797, or online at https://www.majestictheater.com/come-from-away. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Following the conclusion of Come From Away, the Majestic will begin its summer schedule of performances, including a brief return of the popular comedy Shear Madness, as well as summer concerts, children’s theater, youth workshops and more. Doors to the theater will open one hour before the start of a show, which is also when the café opens. For more information, visit www.majestictheater.com |
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UMass Amherst Department of Theatre presents RHINOCEROS
By Eugene Ionesco
Translated by Derek Prouse
Directed by Rose Schwietz Malla
May 1, 2, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m.
May 2 & 9 at 2 p.m.
May 6 at 10 a.m.
The Rand Theater
Rhinoceros tickets
Daily life in a small village is unexpectedly interrupted when a rhinoceros barrels through, trampling pets and crushing the social order. As the villagers spout off about the pachyderm's number of horns and racial origin, one beast becomes two, two become ten, and soon everyone succumbs to the allure of rhinoceritis: animal energy, brute force, and mindlessness. In this absurd satire of the human condition, will kind-hearted Daisy and slovenly Berenger remain steadfast in their commitment to humanist values – or succumb to the animal inside?
Content advisory: Coarse language and adult themes. Recommended for ages 13 and up
“Rhinoceros” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Tickets and pricing:
$17 general admission, $5 for students, seniors, and Card to Culture patrons, or $19 and $7 through the Fine Arts Center Box Office, which includes a $2 fee.
Season and group discounts available
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Starlight's Youth Theatre
Les Misérables School Edition
May 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM
05/02/2026 at 7:00PM and 05/03/2026 at 1:00PM
The Academy of Music in Northampton, MA
Artistic Director, Cyn Strycharz, and Music Director, Dan Mashia, lead a group of talented local children in grades 7-12 in this exciting production of Les Mis School Edition, one of the world's most iconic and longest running musicals. This production is perfect for anyone looking to support local youth theatre and see an amazing show.
https://aomtheatre.com/aom_event/les-miserables/ |
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The Greenhouse: Growing New Talent Saturday, May 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd @ 5pm A limited run of up-and-coming improv teams in a WEEKLY show!
Enjoy four straight weeks of fresh, organic improv from two fan favorite teams:
The Marthas are a dynamic duo who make people laugh and scratch their heads in wonder. Featuring Christine Mirabal and Holly Ruderman!
When you reach into a bag of Sweet & Salty Snacks, you never know what you'll get - but it's certain to be a handful of laughter and delight! Featuring Pam Haskins, Susan Kan, Borjana Mikic, Lisa Mintz, Carolyn Sailer, and Kayla Solomon.
https://www.happiervalley.com/greenhouse.html |
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The Understudies: An Improvised Musical Saturday, May 2nd @ 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!
https://www.happiervalley.com/understudies.html |
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Play Incubation Collective presents PIC PIPS 3:
Trying
A Screenplay by Morgan Tabb
Sunday, May 3rd, 7:30pm
The Workroom at 33 Hawley St. in Northampton
Synopsis: Mallory, a high school senior on the brink of a big decision, must navigate her confusion about the future, all while having to handle her seemingly depressed dad and his eccentric step-sister, June, who shows up unannounced for a surprise visit.
Featuring Mimi Poe, Jax Kass, Wren Gilbert, Scott Braidman, Francesca Hansen-DiBello, Kate Brandt, Richie Wills, and AJ Zimboski, with dramaturgy by Amanda Boggs. Program Coordination by Madison VanDeurzen.
FREE TO ATTEND
Doors open at 7:15pm. No entry after 7:45pm. Please enter from the downstairs courtyard.
RSVP on Facebook |
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Flip the Script Saturday, May 9th @7pm We invite a local playwright to bring an unfinished script to the show; an original work that's never seen the stage. Then we read the character descriptions, cast the show, and launch into its first ever performance. Once we run out of lines, we drop the scripts and improvise the rest of the play while the playwright watches in delight (or horror!) Featuring experienced improvisers Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Scott Braidman, Moe McElligott, Laura Patrick, Pam Victor, and Kate Zak.
https://www.happiervalley.com/2nd-saturdays.html |
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| | AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Valley Light Opera is producing Fiddler on the Roof at the Academy of Music in November. We are looking for an experienced choreographer to work with our community theater cast. Auditions are April 17, 18, and 19. There is a stipend for this position. Please send resume with contact information to Jacqueline Haney, Coordinating Producer at jacquelinehaney@yahoo.com. Fiddler on the Roof is presented through agreement with Music Theatre International (MTI), which includes a choreography manual from the Broadway show.
www.vlo.org |
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Sandglass Theater is an internationally recognized, ensemble-based theater company dedicated to the art of puppetry and interdisciplinary performance. Based in Putney, Vermont, Sandglass creates original productions, presents diverse artists, produces festivals, and engages communities through performance, touring, and educational programs. Sandglass Theater seeks a dynamic and organized Managing Director to serve as the organization’s chief administrator and operational leader. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director, the Managing Director will oversee and implement day-to-day operations, financial management, fundraising, marketing, and organizational systems for a vibrant theater company and venue. This role requires a collaborative leader with strong nonprofit management experience, excellent communication skills, and a passion for supporting. Click here for a complete job description and application instructions. |
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LAVA to host auditions for annual new play fest, On the Boards
WHAT: On the Boards: New Play Fest auditions WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 26 and Monday, Apr. 27 — hour-long slots available; staged readings will take place in June WHERE: The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., Greenfield https://thelavacenter.org/on-the-boards/
The LAVA Center’s fourth annual festival of new plays by local playwrights is coming in June 2026! These readings offer a unique focus on a play’s script, as they will be free of technical elements (no props, costumes, sounds, or lighting).
LAVA will host auditions for the play fest on Sunday, Apr. 26 and Monday, Apr. 27. We seek a wide diversity of actors to perform in a wide diversity of plays by local playwrights. Honoraria offered! No memorization! Experience is welcome but not necessary! No preparation required for audition.
To learn more or sign up for an audition slot, visit https://thelavacenter.org/on-the-boards/. |
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Mount Holyoke College Summer Theater
Design/Tech Positions Needed for MHC Summer Theater
May 31, 2026
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College Summer Theater is looking for applicants for in the areas of Design and Technology for their upcoming 2026 summer Season!
Includes a stipend and housing provided for those who are not local, and meal plans can be arranged. |
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Ja'Duke Theater
Finding Nemo: A 60 Minute Family Musical Auditions
May 5, 2026 at 7:10 PM
5/6/26 @ 7pm
JaDuke Theater, 110 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, MA 01376
Please visit https://www.jadukeshows.com/auditions for audition materials
https://www.jadukeshows.com/auditions |
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| | | | Shakespeare & Company announced its 2026 Summer Shakespeare Intensive, a four-week, in-person training program designed for undergraduate theater students, recent graduates, and early-career acting professionals. The program will take place May 27 through June 21 during the company’s summer performance season in Lenox, Massachusetts. Modeled after Shakespeare & Company’s internationally recognized January Month-long Intensive, the Summer Shakespeare Intensive offers a rigorous training schedule six days a week. Participants engage in a progression of physical, vocal, and text-based work, including Linklater voice training, monologue and scene study, movement and dance, stage combat, play, and exploration of the actor-audience relationship. “This program offers emerging artists the opportunity to train by exploring the depth of their artistry while immersed in an active producing environment,” explains Senior Workshops Director Susan Dibble. “The intensive is structured to support individual growth while fostering a strong ensemble experience that reflects the collaborative nature of professional theater.” The intensive culminates in final presentations open to company members, family, and friends. Tuition is $5,850 and includes double-occupancy housing and daily breakfast. A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional fee. An early payment discount is available: participants who pay full tuition by March 15 will receive $500 off. For more information and to apply, visit shakespeare.org/actor-training or email training@shakespeare.org. Photo Caption: Participants in the 2023 Summer Shakespeare Intensive; photo by Oskar Ahlstrom
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Majestic Theater Announces Apprentice Program West Springfield’s Majestic Theater announces a summer apprentice program, seeking to provide emerging artists in the Pioneer Valley and beyond with professional performance experience and educational offerings from industry professionals.
Majestic Theater Apprentices will perform in one or both Majestic Children’s Theater productions. The 2026 season is announced as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!: The Musical! and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Additionally, apprentices will have non-performance responsibilities in administration, technical theater, front of house, and/or theater education. Program benefits include educational workshops led by Majestic Theater staff and other industry professionals, and a $250/week stipend. Limited housing may be available. Program runs approximately late June through mid-August.
This program is open to college-aged young professionals, current college students, and recent graduates with a declared major in a related field and/or relevant experience in theater performance. The Majestic Theater welcomes and encourages applications from artists of all genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Applications will go live on the website (majestictheater.com/apprentice) February 2, 2026, followed by an interview/callback process for selected artists.
For more information, visit www.majestictheater.com/apprentice. For any additional questions, please contact Program Director, Chelsie Nectow, at education@majestictheater.com. |
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Bread and Wine Theatre Company
Something Eternal: Thornton Wilder on Time, Death, and Faith
Jun 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
199 Main Street Northfield, Massachusetts 01360 United States
Announcing Something Eternal: Thornton Wilder on Time, Death, and Faith. This two-day conference includes lectures from Scott Key (PhD) and world-class Thornton Wilder scholar Lincoln Konkle (PhD) as well as readings of two of Wilder's most profound plays (Pullman Car Hiawatha and The Long Christmas Dinner). Set in the historic “Green Pastures” home built in 1887 in Northfield, MA, we hope to see you this June 12th and 13th! More conference information is available at https://greenpasturesstudycenter.org/2026-cslsc-conference-theme-statement/
https://donorbox.org/events/918451/steps/choose_tickets |
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Community Music School of Springfield
Summer Musical Theater Camp
June 29-July 10th 2026 from 9-4
Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State St, Springfield, MA 01103
Join us for our second annual CMSS Rocks Broadway Musical Theater Camp! This camp is facilitated by the Community Music School of Springfield. Step into the spotlight this summer at Musical Theater Camp! Whether you love to sing, dance, act, or do it all, this immersive two-week camp will help you develop performance skills, build confidence, and have a blast bringing characters & song to life. $700 for the two-week camp FINANCIAL AID & PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
https://communitymusicschool.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=52476
Whether you love to sing, dance, act, or do it all, this immersive two-week camp will help you develop performance skills, build confidence, and have a blast bringing characters & song to life.
Hone your acting techniques, vocal training, choreography, and stage presence all while rehearsing for a final production! From scene work and improvisation to costume and set design, students will get a full behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a show. No previous theater experience is required. The camp culminates in a live showcase for family and friends! Taught by teachers with advanced degrees in performance. Our performance hall is air-conditioned. |
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| | | 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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