Western Mass Theatre Newsletter |
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| | | This week, I’d like to feature some of our local reviewers and press. I often link to reviews of plays that are ongoing, but that often means that only shows with longer runs have reviews featured. If you are interested in reading local reviews, there are a handful of links at the bottom of each newsletter to reviews from In the Spotlight, Max Hartshorne, Berkshire On Stage, and more.
The next issue will include events from April 16 - May 6. 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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| Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents Physical Actor Training Workshop April 17-19 in Eastworks Studio 233 Email for More Information or Call 413-58-7439 |
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| Valley Light Opera presents Auditions for Fiddler on the Roof April 17, 18, 19 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hadley More Information Here |
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Flip the Script Saturday, April 11th @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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Play Incubation Collective Plays in Progress Series (PIC PIPS!) presents
Iris
written by Olivia Clement Finch
Sunday, April 12th, 7:30pm
The Workroom at 33 Hawley St. in Northampton
Synopsis: When Iris has a miscarriage, she’s shocked by the weight of her grief. What follows, in the weeks and months afterwards, is a slow and deliberate unravelling. Her loss becomes the center of a transformation—of how she sees her marriage, her body, and herself. Blending intimate conversations, dreams and humor, Iris brings to light the powerful and disorientating complexities of miscarriage that are rarely discussed in public.
Featuring Rachel Braidman, Marcus Neverson, Judith Fine and Maeve Czaplinski, with Stage Direction by Tracy Einstein, Dramaturgy by Brianna Sloane and Program Coordination by Madison VanDuerzen.
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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Theater Between Addresses & Electric Lite Railway
NIGHT TRAIN
4/16, 4/17, 4/18, 4/23, 4/24, 4/25, 5/1, 5/2, 5/3 @ 7:32 PM and 4/19, 4/26 @ 2:04 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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The Holyoke Community College Theater Department will present Dust, by Danielle Mohlman This show is appropriate for audience members 13 years of age and older. Contains flashing lights, strong language, and descriptions of violence including sexual violence
Performance Dates: Thursday April 16th 7:30pm Friday April 17th 7:30pm (ASL Interpreted) Saturday April 18th 2:00pm Saturday April 18th 7:30pm
All performances will be in the Leslie Phillips Theater on the campus of Holyoke Community College 303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke MA, 01040 [Fine and Performing Arts Building, 2nd floor]
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes This performance does not have an intermission
Tickets: General Admission $10.00 Tickets available at https://hcctheater.ludus.com/index.php , or 1 hour before show, at the Leslie Phillips Box Office, or by calling 413 552 2528 to reserve tickets. |
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MAJESTIC THEATER TO PRESENT COME FROM AWAY APRIL 16 – 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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ACTING CLASS: 2 Fast 2 Furrious with Dame Judi Dentures and Friends
Friday April 17 at 7:30pm & Sunday April 19 at 4:00pm The Blue Room, CitySpace, 43 Main St., Easthampton MA 01027 Sliding Scale Tickets and Info: tinyurl.com/actingclass2
Acting Class: 2 Fast 2 Furrious is part drag extravaganza, part theatrical masterclass, part group ritual, part clown riot — blending drag, commedia dell'arte, experimental performance, and deeply human silliness into an evening that you won’t soon forget, even if you try. Expect chaos, wisdom, unexpected animals, sassy puppets, and the kind of absurdist joy that only a 1,200-year-old drag grandma and her disreputable colleagues can provide. The show includes optional audience participation and REAL acting exercises designed to provoke and delight — but if you'd rather sit back and let the chaos wash over you, that is a completely valid academic choice. No experience necessary. No one turned away for lack of funds. Run time: 1:45 including a 10 minute intermission.
Questions? damejudidentures@gmail.com |
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Greenfield Community College
The Laramie Project
April 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7pm, April 19 & 26 at 2pm
GCC, Sloan Theater, 1 College Dr, Greenfield, MA 01301
The acclaimed The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman revolves around the 1998 horrific death of openly gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, who was brutally beaten and left to die, mainly, if not fully, due to his sexual orientation. The play is based on real-life interviews given in Laramie, Wyoming after the crime. There are over 60 characters with actors playing multiple roles.
gccfor.me/tickets |
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Ja'Duke Theater
Seussical The Musical
Apr 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
4/18 @ 7pm, 4/19 @ 2pm
JaDuke Theater, 110 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, MA 01376
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Rated:G Run Time: TBD Please Note: Strobe and special lighting effects will be used throughout the show.
https://eventtickets2u.com/jaduke-theater/seussical |
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Not In Charge: Improv Comedy Inspired By True Stories Saturday, April 18th @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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Smith College Departments of Music and Theatre presents Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine directed by Daniel Elihu Kramer music direction by Kate DeLugan conducted by Jonathan Hirsch April 22, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 PM in Theatre 14 |
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The 2026 Play by Play Festival, celebrating the Northampton Playwright's Lab's 20th Anniversary, will take place April 23-26 at The Workroom, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton MA Thurs April 23, 7:30pm - My Inferno by Harley Erdman - TICKETS A simple evening stroll through the streets of Manhattan takes a turn for the worse as Dante encounters various circles of hell, past present & future. Join us for a surreal and surprising romp through worlds both strange and familiar. Fri April 24, 8pm - Another True Thing by Meryl Cohn - TICKETS A provocative writing instructor pushes a small group of aspiring storytellers to tell the stories they’re most afraid to tell. When they share more than they intend, revealing truth in front of strangers becomes scary, liberating, awkward, and sometimes volatile. As boundaries dissolve and intimacy deepens, the group confronts how unsettling—and sometimes transformative—it is to be seen. Sat April 25, 2pm - Vashti Says No! by Talya Kingston - TICKETS Stepping out of the Hebrew bible and into our modern time, Queen Esther takes us to a world of privilege and silence. When one woman speaks out against injustice, will she dare risk banishment or death to become the heroine of her own story? Sat April 25, 8pm - Dig by Peter Kennedy - TICKETS In a small desert town in southwestern Colorado, the death of archaeologist Sandy Adelfan is a catalyst for friends and family to begin excavating their own tangled pasts. As secrets are dug up, reality begins to deteriorate and trusted relationships erode. Sun April 26, 2pm - double feature: TICKETS The In Between by Leanna James Blackwell Three people meet in a public park in the afterlife. Who are they and why are they there? In this short comic drama, the way to find answers is mysterious and unexpected - and so is the way out. Earworm by Stephanie Carlson A struggling songwriter decides to write a tacky holiday song and discovers the joys and pitfalls of getting what you wish for.
Tickets for the festival are now on sale HERE Seating is limited & readings are expected to sell out. Doors to the theatre will open approx 20-30 minutes prior to each reading. |
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Shakespeare & Company Announces Open-Captioned and Sensory-Friendly Performances of Hamlet in April To celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and school vacation week, Shakespeare & Company presents a series of accessible performances and accompanying events April 23 through 25. Performed by the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare, Hamlet directed by Kevin G. Coleman and Victoria Rhoades will be staged at the Tina Packer Playhouse on April 23 through 25, during Massachusetts public school vacation. Three open-captioned performances featuring “supertitles,” which display the actors’ spoken text in real time to create a more accessible experience for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members, will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 6 p.m., Friday, April 24 at 2 p.m., and Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. In addition, a sensory-friendly performance will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m. These performances are adapted to reduce sensory stimuli and create a relaxed, welcoming environment for individuals who may benefit from a more flexible theater experience, including people who are neurodivergent, those with cognitive or physical challenges, and others with sensory sensitivities. An optional theater walk-through will be held on Friday, April 24, at 1 p.m. Two youth workshops will be led by Shakespeare & Company’s Education Artists, featuring members of the tour cast, from 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. on April 23 and 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. on April 24, and Shakespeare scholar Ann Berman will host two free Behind the Curtain talks exploring various themes in Hamlet at 4 p.m. on April 23 and 25. These free talks feature members of the tour production's creative team, which is currently traveling throughout New England, New York, and Pennsylvania to bring professional Shakespeare productions directly to communities across the region. April 23 also marks Shakespeare & Company’s Annual Giving Day, coinciding with Shakespeare’s birthday; to celebrate, a reception and cake-cutting will be held at 5 p.m., prior to the 6 p.m. show. This year, Annual Giving Day benefits the Tina Packer Legacy Fund in honor of Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer, who passed away on January 9, 2026. Giving Day aims to collect 38 individual donations, representing each of Shakespeare’s plays – all of which Tina Packer directed. Each donation, in the order they are received, will be matched with a play. The goal is about individual engagement, as opposed to meeting a specific monetary goal. Throughout the day, match challenges will be announced that could double any gift made. Patrons, friends, and supporters are also invited to share stories, photos, or videos of how Tina Packer and Shakespeare & Company have affected their lives by emailing rememberingtina@shakespeare.org, or tagging @shakeandco on Instagram or Facebook. Tickets and additional information, including accessibility details and performance schedules, are available at shakespeare.org, by calling the Box Office at 413.637.3353, or emailing boxoffice@shakespeare.org. Photo Caption: Abigail St. John as Gertrude and Jonathan Perkins as Claudius in the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare's Hamlet, staged at the Tina Packer Playhouse on April 23 through 25, during Massachusetts public school vacation. |
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Northampton High School Performing Arts
Orlando
Apr 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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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| | AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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K AND E THEATER GROUP IS CASTING OUR FALL 2026 PRODUCTION - RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW!
Playing October 16-18 & October 22-24, 2026 at Northampton Center for the Arts, Northampton, MA
IN-PERSON AUDITION NOTICE by Appointment
Audition Dates and Times
April 12 & 13, 2026 - 6-10 PM
(Appointments every 5 minutes)
Location - Auditions
First Congregational Church of Southampton
212 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Seeking
Strong actors/singers/dancers to play principal, featured, and ensemble roles in our production. K and E Theater Group seeks a bold, fearless, and collaborative cast for its production of The Rocky Horror Show. Performers of all gender identities, body types, races, ethnicities, and abilities are encouraged to audition.
*Narrator has been cast, but all other roles are available.*
 Visit KETG.org/auditions for audition details and other information regarding the to-be-announced production. You are welcome to presubmit your audition form, headshots, and resume at the link: https://forms.gle/auaVZrTNfEGG1Ewv8
Please prepare a contemporary musical theater and rock song that showcases your acting and vocal range. Bring your book in case we need to hear additional material. If you are submitting your audition form, headshot and resume, you do not need to bring them to the in-person audition.
A small stipend will be provided at the end of the production.
For questions, email auditions.ketg@gmail.com.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete your audition form, unless you are submitting one with your headshot and resume here.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
First rehearsal - July 2026
Show run - October 16-18 & October 22-24, 2026 (8 Performances including TWO midnight performances)
Director: Eddie Zitka
Music Director: Elizabeth Monte
Please visit KETG.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!
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Valley Light Opera
Fiddler on the Roof
Apr 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM
4-18-26 10 am - 3 pm; 4-19-26 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm; 4-20-26 7:00 pm Callbacks
Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 N Maple St, Hadley, MA
Valley Light Opera’s auditions for its November production of Fiddler on the Roof are coming up soon, and you are warmly invited to try out! How to sign up: Go to the Signup Genius link. What to expect: If auditioning for a named character, you will be asked to sing the song listed for that role and read a dialogue passage. If auditioning for the chorus, please prepare one verse of any song from Fiddler or any musical theater repertoire that highlights your range and your vocal and acting abilities. We will also have you fill out an audition form and take your photo.
Questions: If you have any questions not answered here, please contact us at: ValleyLightOpera@gmail.com
Important notes: Performance dates and times for Fiddler are November 5 and 6 (evening shows with a 7:30 curtain), and November 7 and 8 (2:00 matinees), with rehearsals to take place in September, October, and early November. Please check your schedule before signing up and make sure you are available to meet these commitments.
Chorus members must audition this year, a departure from recent years.
A special pre-audition workshop will be held on Monday, April 13, starting at 7:00 p.m., for anyone who would like to take advantage of it. In this low-stress setting, participants will be able to look at the audition and rehearsal space, try their song, and meet some of the people who will hear them during the actual audition. We really want to meet you!
All singers, dancers, and actors are welcome and encouraged to audition regardless of race, gender, religion, ability, age, or identity of any kind. All roles are open to auditioners. We are especially seeking youth performers for this production to represent the many generations of Anatevka. Dance is central to life in Anatevka, and we welcome performers whose main focus is dance. Dancers should sign up for DANCERS ONLY slots. Please arrive at the Wesley United Methodist Church 15 minutes before your slot. You will have paperwork to fill out and have a photograph taken.
If you cannot attend any of the audition times, you can send a video to ValleyLightOpera@gmail.com. Please sing the song listed for your character; chorus auditioners can sing a suitable musical theater piece. Those who want leads MUST be available for callbacks on Monday, April 20th. More information, including the director’s artistic concept, audition musical excerpts, and audition forms, is available by clicking on the links provided at vlo.org/current-show There will be a “meet and greet” for all cast members on Sunday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 Maple Street in Hadley, MA.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094EADAF23A1F94-62954994-fiddler |
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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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Mount Holyoke College Summer Theatre
Auditions for 2026 Summer Season
AUDITIONS FOR OUR 2026 SUMMER SEASON SATURDAY, APRIL 18 – 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
We are looking for ten actors for roles in our two upcoming summer shows. Some actors will be cast in two shows. Contracts are six to eight weeks and include a stipend as well as room and board for non-local actors.
Please prepare a 1 minute contemporary monologue that shows range and is appropriate for the season. Auditioners may be asked to stay and read from sides, there will not be a separate callback date. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together. PERSONNEL Artistic Director: Noah Ilya Alexis Tuleja Managing Director: Jensen Glick EXPECTED TO ATTEND: Noah Ilya Alexis Tuleja (Artistic Director and director for “Murder on the Orient Express”) Michael Ofori (Director for “The 39 Steps”) Jensen Glick (Managing Director)
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Written by Agatha Christie/ Adaptation by Ken Ludwig 1st Rehearsal: June 1st Opening: July 2nd Closing: July 11th SYNOPSIS: It is just after midnight; a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again. SEEKING: HERCULE POIROT: ROLE IS CAST. Male-presenting. 40-60’s. The brilliant Belgian detective. Fastidious and sharp. MONSIEUR BOUC: Male-presenting. 30-60’s. A Belgian gentleman of good humor; playful, proud, generous; a predilection for grandeur; a whirlwind of energy; must be an excellent comedian. MARY DEBENHAM: Female-presenting. 20-30’s. An English beauty; a governess, capable yet romantic; a sadness around her eyes and a hardness about her person. HECTOR MACQUEEN: Male-presenting. 20-30’s. Tightly wound, edgy and nervous; he seems to always be on the verge of falling apart or coming unwound. Assistant to Samuel Ratchett. PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF: Female-presenting. 40-70’s. a Russian dowager; very formal, a sweeping, impressive presence; imperial, impatient. Everyone knows when she enters the room. More battle axe than princess. GRETA OHLSSON: Female-presenting. 20-30’s. Inherently odd, and very devout Swedish woman; a frightened, sheeplike quality; must be an excellent comedienne with an impeccable Swedish accent. COUNTESS ANDRENYI: Female-presenting. 20 -50’s. Brilliantly beautiful, like something out of a fairytale; impeccably put together, with a warmth that wins over everyone she meets; her delicacy belies a steely edge; she is no wilting flower. Hungarian accent. HELEN HUBBARD: Female-presenting. 40 -70’s. An outspoken and flamboyant American from the Midwest; jovial, obnoxious, domineering, deliciously nosy and brash; unapologetic; must be an excellent comedienne. Also sings. Please familiarize yourself with the song “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”. COLONEL ARBUTHNOT/ SAMUEL RATCHETT: Male-presenting. 30-40/s. Colonel Arbuthnot: Scotsman, also middle aged, handsome, very matter of fact, occasionally tender; must have great comic timing. Samuel Ratchett: middle-aged American businessman, evil at heart, brusque, unforgiving, stern; pushy, and domineering. MICHEL THE CONDUCTOR /HEAD WAITER Any gender. 20-30’s. Michel: a good-looking Frenchman, with a quiet, almost grave sense of humor; unfailingly polite. Marcel: a Turkish waiter, snooty, smooth; must have great comic timing.
THE 39 STEPS Based on the 1935 film with adaptation by Patrick Barlow 1st Rehearsal: June 9th Opening: July 17th Closing: July 25th SYNOPSIS: The story follows the ordinary Richard Hannay, who gets entangled with a mysterious spy in London, leading to her murder, a frame-up, and a frantic, nationwide chase across Scotland as he tries to uncover a plot including a secret organization called "The 39 Steps". Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s film of the same name. SEEKING: RICHARD HANNAY: Male-presenting, 30s – 50s. A 1930s leading man type. Suave, dashing and debonair. Intelligent and resourceful. A touch full of himself — maybe more than a touch. Requires a good RP British accent and strong comedic timing. ANNABELLA/PAMELA/MARGARET: Female-presenting, 20s – 40s. A German spy, a 1930s Hitchcock blonde ingénue and a shy Scottish farm lass. A versatile performer who possesses strong physicality and an ability to handle German, British RP and Scottish accents. CLOWN 1/ CLOWN 2: Any gender, 20s – 50s. They will portray all the other 150 roles of the show. Requires very strong physical performance ability, strong comedic timing and an ability to handle a variety of accents. Clown 1 plays Mr. Memory, Mrs. Higgins, The Crofter, Mrs. Jordan, Salesmen, Cops and many others (subject to change). Clown 2 plays The Compere, The Milkman, The Sheriff, Professor Jordan, Salesmen, Cops and many others (subject to change).
Please email Noah Tuleja at ntuleja@mtholyoke.edu and request a one-hour time slot, either 10-11, 11-12, 12-1, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5. Please put “MHC Summer Theatre Audition” in the subject line.
You will be asked to do your monologue first. Following the monologues you may be asked to read from sides from the season’s shows. Most people will be done by the end of their hour time frame, although some may be asked to stay and read with another group. |
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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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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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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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| | | | 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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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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