Western Mass Theatre Newsletter |
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August 27 - September 16, 2026 |
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It’s just about Back to School time! Maybe one last theatre summer hurrah! Or maybe it’s time to sign up for a class or plan for an audition. Luckily, there are lots of options in this newsletter!
The next issue will include events from September 3 - 23. 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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Shakespeare & Company Presents: Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Directed by Ariel Bock August 27-30 at 2 pm and 7 pm at the Tina Packer Playhouse
70 Kemble St. Lenox, MA 01240
Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most searching play—a gripping story of grief, conscience, and the cost of action. Haunted by his father’s ghost, a young prince must navigate a world of secrets, power, and betrayal, where nothing is as it appears. By turns thrilling, darkly funny, and deeply human, this August production brings Shakespeare’s language to life with clarity, physicality, and immediacy.
Tickets are $40-$99 and on sale now shakespeare.org, or by calling the Box Office at 413.637.3353
Free Youth Tickets are sponsored by the Harvey and Virginia Kimmel Family Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation. Learn more at shakespeare.org.
https://ci.ovationtix.com/403/production/1262667 |
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Great Barrington Public Theater
Yellow Wallpaper 2.0-2020
8/30 at 7:30pm, 8/28 at 7:30pm, 8/29 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, 8/30 at 2:00pm 9/3 at 7:30pm, 9/4 at 7:30pm, 9/5 at 2:00pm, 9/6 at 2:00pm
The Great Hall at Saint James Place 352 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA
This play takes us down the rabbit hole of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s profound short story The Yellow Wallpaper, written in 1892, but re-imagined here in the early days of the pandemic. An overwhelmed adjunct professor, newly a mother, struggles to make sense of their suddenly chaotic reality, her postpartum depression and the mysteries hidden inside their inherited "prewar-6” apartment on the Upper West Side. With humor, social critique and the quivering bones of a horror story, Jennifer Maisel’s wonderful play will sweep you down the rabbit hole with our heroine, T, and bring you face to face with her deep- 2020 dilemmas, passions and choices.
https://greatbarringtonpublictheater.thundertix.com/events/261554
Written by Jennifer Maisel Directed by Judy Braha |
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The Understudies: An Improvised Musical... with Puppets! Saturday, August 29th at 7pm It turns out, The Understudies have understudies... and they're furry.
Don't miss this special show that probably shouldn't happen at all: a completely improvised musical with puppets! Featuring Scott Braidman, Kelsey Flynn, Paul McNeil, Mosie Senn-McNally, Maile Shoul, and their loud mouth partners. With musical accompaniment by Josh Hornick.
Don't let the puppets fool you - like all our shows, we aim for PG-13, but no promises.
...our sincerest apologies to Jim Henson.
https://www.happiervalley.com/5th-saturdays.html |
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The Understudies: An Improvised Musical Saturday, September 5th 1st @ 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 PIC PIPS 4
The Voyage of the August
written by Wynn Mackenzie
Sunday, September 6, 7:30pm
The Workroom at 33 Hawley St. in Northampton
Synposis: A tale of queer love and mutiny on the high seas! The Voyage of the August chronicles the final voyage of a merchant ship bound for England in the 1700s, whose crew takes their fate into their own hands. This account of the good ship August is a work of historical fantasy, queer joy, soapy salty drama, and an homage to romanticized nautical stories from this century and centuries past.
Featuring Cat Milo Keatinge Bezark, Hia Gosh, Moe McElligot, Eric Rose, Alan Schneider, Foster Finch Schrader, Kevin Tracy, Rich Vaden, and Weaver with Stage Directions by Eric Rose,
Dramaturgy by Fig Lefevre and 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 |
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Shadow, Sound, Spectacle
Literary Monsters
Sep 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Easthampton Media, 116 Pleasant St Ste 102, Easthampton, MA 01027
Oh my goth! Don't miss this fun & spooky rock concert/shadow puppet show/ghost story. With special guests Why's It Gotta Be? Theater Group.
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle presents: Literary Monsters
Part concert. Part puppet show. Part ghost story. All Spectacle!
Join us for an evening of spooky, gothic fun at Easthampton Media (E-Media).
Hard to describe and impossible to forget, Literary Monsters by performance trio Shadow, Sound, Spectacle explores the classics of Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Emily Dickinson, Bram Stoker, and others while asking a timeless question: What is a monster?
Featuring original live music, shadow puppetry, video, and narrative, this show is guaranteed to be full of whimsy and free of AI. After the performance, stay for a Q&A and an up-close look at the puppets!
Special guests Why's It Gotta Be? Theater Group (WIGB) will open the evening with the world premiere of Dorian Gray Is a Sodomite, a 20-minute piece that follows five performers as they race to retell Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, each from a distinct perspective.
All are welcome. Recommended for adults and teens.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Easthampton Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-sound-spectacle-presents-literary-monsters-tickets-1996063309090?aff=oddtdtcreator
Doors open at 6:45 pm. The evening includes the 20-minute world premiere of Dorian Gray Is a Sodomite by Why’s It Gotta Be? Theater Group, followed by the approximately 50-minute Literary Monsters and an artist Q&A. Advance tickets recommended.
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Donald J Turnip: The Musical
Sep 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
One time only
The LAVA Center 324 Main Street Greenfield, MA
In this hilarious ‘hit em where it hurts’ political farce, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lead American women on a universal sex strike to force Donald J Turnip to end his War on Democracy. Sunday, September 13, 2026 7:00pm – 8:30pm (Doors open 6:30) The LAVA Center 324 Main Street, Greenfield MA
Tickets at the door $5-$10 Suggested Donation |
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| | AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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The Academy of Music Theatre is a non-profit historic opera house located in downtown Northampton, MA, across the street from Smith College. The venue offers a variety of programming in music, dance, theater, independent film and youth workshops.
Job Title:Technical Director
Salary Range: $65,000 - $68,000 Per Year
Location: NORTHAMPTON, MA
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Arts/Entertainment
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree Preferred
Work Experience: 5+ Required
Skills/Certifications/Licenses: Master Electrician - Preference: Nice to have
Technical Director – Full Time Position
Reports to: Executive Director
The Technical Director (TD) has the responsibility for the theatrical technical operations of the Academy, including lighting, sound, rigging, projection, etc. They will coordinate necessary theatrical maintenance/repairs/upgrades, and they will act as liaison with renters to support their productions, often acting as the main point of contact between renters and the Academy during productions.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Advances shows to determine necessary technical supports; lighting, sound, etc, for events and performances presented at the Academy in advance of production dates. Coordinates with renters regarding interfacing of their needs with available house gear. Arranges for supplemental gear for Academy productions, within available budgets, coordinated with appropriate other Academy staff.
Works with I.A.T.S.E. Local 232 Steward to schedule the stagehand labor for all shows, including labor requirements, specific skill requirements, and schedules to ensure that shows are staffed appropriately.
Plans and provides for set up, maintenance and operation of all house systems including but not limited to rigging, lighting, projections and sound systems for theater, dance, music, and other productions and projects; assists guest designers and artists with technical matters.
Coordinates and oversees set design and construction for Academy productions.
Oversees stage crews and backstage area, working with the IATSE 232 to maintain professional and safe working standards, while respecting time and budgetary considerations for renters. Makes recommendations for training.
Orients Academy renters and visiting productions to safety, technical parameters and other aspects of facility operations.
Monitors the condition of and maintains all Academy theatrical equipment including lighting, sound, projection and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budget; performs preventive maintenance on equipment; prepares annual budget for equipment purchases and maintenance. Arranges with Steward for maintenance calls as required.
Assists with the preparation and execution of Academy production budgets; maintains inventory and orders specialized supplies.
Provides estimates for production costs prior to rentals and for Academy productions; provides TD invoices for labor and equipment for rental settlement.
Assists Theater Manager with facility maintenance.
Any other tasks assigned by Executive Director
Job Requirements:
At least 5 years of relevant experience with a performing arts venue
Working knowledge of current techniques, methods and procedures of theater, dance, and music productions and presentations including stage, set, sound and lighting design and implementation; stage management; computerized lighting systems; stage carpentry; appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
Excellent communication and interpersonal skill
BFA in Technical Theater or commensurate experience
Experience working in a union house preferred
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The Academy of Music Theatre is a non-profit historic opera house located in downtown Northampton, MA, across the street from Smith College. The venue offers a variety of programming in music, dance, theater, independent film and youth workshops.
Front of House Associates $15.00 - $19.50 Per Hour
Job Description: The Academy of Music Theatre, an 805-seat performing arts center, located in beautiful downtown Northampton, Massachusetts, seeks experienced customer service professionals to join its Front of House team. Front of House Associates work a varied, events-based schedule, mostly nights and weekends, under the direction of the Theater Manager and Box Office Manager. Associates may be cross-trained in multiple positions, including house management, concessions, and box office. All Associates are expected to develop a deep understanding of the Academy’s policies and best practices, providing high quality customer service for both patrons and renters. Those trained in box office must become very familiar with our ticketing system, Spectrix. Those trained in concessions must receive TIPS certification upon hire (at Academy’s expense). Additional responsibilities for each role are described below. Box Office Responsibilities Sell tickets and address patron inquiries and concerns, including in-person, on the phone, and through email Monitor and reconcile cash payments and conduct reporting as needed During show shifts: Box Office arrives two hours before scheduled show time and is expected to stay up to an hour after the performance starts Box Office Associates are paid $19.50/hour and do not receive tips
House Management Responsibilities Maintain a clean and organized physical space Supervise event volunteers, including ticket takers, ushers, and will call Manage the set-up and breakdown of merchandise display areas, VIP/Meet and Greet areas, and accessible/ADA-compliant seating Assist concessions as needed Supervise cleaning and closing tasks following events Communicate with the Tech Director and security personnel in order to ensure the safety of patrons, staff and artists; handle emergency situations as they arise House Managers are paid $19.50/hour and do not receive tips
Concessionaire Responsibilities Manage the set-up, running, and breakdown of the concession stand Track inventory of products, stocking and cleaning the concession stand as needed Reconcile cash and report sales Concessionaire is also responsible for assisting with the cleaning of the theater and restrooms following events
Concessionaires are paid $15/hour and are eligible for tips. Job Requirements: Interest in live performances, such as theatre, music, or comedy Experience working in a live events venue Point-of-Sale and cash handling experience Demonstrated leadership and a proactive, caring approach to customer service Comfortable upholding organizational policies with renters and patrons Professional demeanor and the ability to calmly and discretely troubleshoot challenges in a busy, public environment Physical ability to lift and carry boxes, equipment, and supplies up to 30 lbs Physical ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time and to climb stairs to access balcony areas, basement storage, and restrooms Willingness to work flexible shift patterns and weekend hours Knowledge of ADA policies and experience engaging with persons with disabilities Must be 18 years of age or older
Application |
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Submissions are Open! through September 1
Submission Opportunities for PIC PIPS and Development Workshops for the 2027 season are officially open!
Submission Form
What is PIC PIPS?
PIPS stands for Plays In Progress Series. Plays that have been selected as part of PIPS receive a single developmental worksession with actors and a dramaturg, followed by a public reading of their piece and developmental conversation, or other form of engagement with the audience. PIC assembles the cast and assigns a dramaturg from our roster of artists. The playwright and a dramaturg work together to develop questions to share with the audience after the reading as part of the developmental conversation or engagement, and in this way the audience serves as a sounding board for further development of the piece. PIC also provides extensive notes from this conversation so that the playwright can focus on engaging with the audience and hearing the feedback. This program is reserved for scripts in a variety of developmental stages.
What types of pieces are a good fit for PIC PIPS?
*Full-length plays that have a complete draft. The draft could be in its first or final version, or anywhere in between but, regardless of stage, the playwright would benefit from seeing how it sits with an audience.
A play written a while ago that would benefit from a new/modern audience.
A full draft the playwright has had for awhile and would benefit from hearing it one last time before sending it off into the world for potential production.
*If your submitted script is not yet complete, you must submit a minimum of 20 pages PLUS a rough outline of your expectations for the rest of the play. Playwrights must be able to complete a first full draft in advance of any worksessions with PIC in order to qualify for this program. |
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Submissions are Open! through September 1
Submission Opportunities for PIC PIPS and Development Workshops for the 2027 season are officially open!
Submission Form
What is the Development Workshop?
The Development Workshop is reserved for pieces that have a first full draft and could use an intensive period of writing and hearing the work out loud with actors. This opportunity provides a minimum of 8 hours of developmental work sessions with actors and other support artists over multiple days, culminating in a reading and developmental discussion, or other form of engagement, with an audience. As with PIPS, PIC provides extensive notes from the discussion.
What types of pieces are a good fit for the Development Workshop?
*A full-length play or musical that needs an overhaul which could be achieved by having actors and other artists in the room. The necessary work could be on the entire script or specific sections.
A play/musical that was written a long time ago and needs an update for a modern audience. A script by a playwright interested in what actors’ perspectives will provide for the characters
A script that needs further development of character arcs
*If your submitted script is not yet complete, you must submit a minimum of 20 pages PLUS a rough outline of your expectations for the rest of the play. Playwrights must be able to complete a first full draft in advance of any worksessions with PIC in order to qualify for this program.
Submissions are open to anyone within a one hour radius of Hampshire County Mass.
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WAM Theatre’s Elder Ensemble Returns for the 7th Season WAM Theatre is proud to announce its 7th annual Elder Ensemble. Starting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, participants will rehearse from 1-4pm for nine weeks at The Foundry in West Stockbridge. The program culminates in a public showing on Saturday, November 7, 2026 (11am and 2pm). Registration for the group is now open.
Over two months, ensemble members will craft a devised theatre piece rooted in their lived experiences. This year's Ensemble will be taught by Amy Brentano and Noh Bailey. Centering community building, creativity, and the joy of expressing yourself through movement, story, and collaboration—the Elder Ensemble serves as part of WAM's committment to creating community spaces for all women in the Berkshires.
“WAM’s Elder Ensemble is a powerful expression of our mission to advance gender equity through the power of women’s stories,” shared Genée Coreno, WAM Theatre Artistic Director. “When older women have the opportunity to share their experiences, wisdom, humor, and imagination, we affirm that their stories and voices have value. To be seen and heard is transformative at every stage of life. The arts can create that visibility while challenging the assumptions that too often make older women invisible.”
Started in 2019, WAM's Elder Ensemble serves as a creative, exploratory space for women identifying individuals 65+ that continually adapts to the joys, griefs, gifts, perspectives, and needs of this generous cohort.
At A Glance
What: WAM Theatre’s 2026 Elder Ensemble
When: Wednesdays (1-4 pm) beginning September 9, 2026
Final Performance: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (11am and 2pm)
Where: The Foundry, 2 Harris Street, West Stockbridge, MA
Register at wamtheatre.com/elder-ensemble or email info@wamtheatre.com
Facilitated & Directed by: Amy Brentano and Noh Bailey
A devised performance created by women-identifying individuals aged 65 and older. |
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Amherst Community Theater
Auditions for Frozen!
Sep 17, 2026 6:00 PM
9/19 - 10-11 and 1:30-4:30 pm; 9/20 - 10-11 and 1:30-4:30 pm; Callbacks Tuesday 9/22 - 6-9 pm
Amherst Regional Middle School, 170 Chestnut St, Amherst, MA 01002.
Amherst Community Theater is pleased to announce auditions for Disney's Frozen, directed by Kimberly Overtree Karlin, with Musical Direction by Cindy Naughton and Choreography by Mari Washburn. This multigenerational production offers meaningful opportunities for performers of all experience levels who are ready to challenge themselves and collaborate in telling a powerful story. In addition to beloved principal characters, the production features a wide variety of ensemble roles for all ages—from the citizens of Arendelle and the royal court to the Hidden Folk, palace staff, Oaken's family and friends, and more. We are committed to creating the strongest cast possible and will cast based on performance, not preconceived ideas about age, appearance, or experience.
Auditions will take place on September 17, 19, and 20, with callbacks on September 22. Performances will be held in January 2027 at Bowker Auditorium, UMass. Children age 7 (and having entered **2nd grade**) through adults are encouraged to audition. This is not just a show for kids—there are wonderful opportunities for teens and adults as well. For audition appointments and complete audition information, including character descriptions and audition materials, visit amherstacts.org/auditions or contact producer@amherstacts.org
https://amherstacts.org/auditions/
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Amherst-based Performing Arts and Education Cooperative seeks community input on unique, shared facility
The Performing Arts and Education Cooperative (PAEC), a nonprofit organization formed by several of the Pioneer Valley's leading community performing arts groups: Amherst Community Theater, Empowerment Through the Arts (ETTA) and The Rainbow Players, Starlight's Youth Theatre, and Valley Light Opera, is seeking community input on a new, shared facility via an online survey which can be found at http://bit.ly/4perUbU. Together, these organizations serve a diverse community that stretches across Western Massachusetts, from the Connecticut border to Vermont and New Hampshire. One of their goals has been to create a shared space which these four well-established nonprofit organizations can call home and do the behind-the-scenes work required to produce quality theater and engage the community. This facility will become an asset for regional arts enrichment; a hub of activity that will strengthen and showcase Amherst as having a vibrant art scene that provides both visibility and fresh opportunities for the community to learn about and attend productions, and teach many of the skills that can enable participation in behind-the-scenes activities related to theater performance and production. PAEC’s long-term vision includes finding permanent, shared flexible performance and educational space that can host rehearsals, classes, workshops, community events, and smaller productions. Said PAEC vice-president and Starlight’s Youth Theater co-president, Clare Bertrand, “Over time, this shared home could become the foundation for an even larger community-supported performing arts center that serves future generations of artists, audiences, and creative organizations. By working together and sharing resources, PAEC is building more than a facility. We are creating a permanent home for creativity, education, collaboration, and community—a place where the performing arts can continue to inspire, connect, and enrich the lives of people of all ages throughout the Pioneer Valley for years to come.” According to David Mullins, president of PAEC and veteran of Amherst Community Theater, “While our organizations have been producing high-quality work for decades, one challenge affects all of us: we do not have a permanent place in which to create. The work audiences see on stage begins long before opening night. Rehearsals, set construction, costume creation, prop building, storage, and educational programs currently take place in a patchwork of borrowed and rented spaces—schools, churches, vacant storefronts, barns, community rooms, and wherever space can be found. Although we are grateful for these partnerships, working in temporary locations creates ongoing challenges.” A permanent home for PAEC, its member organizations and those who wish to participate in community theater offers unique possibilities. PAEC is seeking input on the potential of creating a facility that would include a Makerspace for set design and building, costume creation, a black box theater for smaller performances, a classroom and meeting place for the community to utilize, and spaces for rehearsals. The impact of a dedicated home for local performing arts groups would extend far beyond the organizations that use it. The arts are an important part of the Pioneer Valley's cultural and economic vitality. Together, PAEC member organizations attract thousands of audience members each year, support local businesses, and contribute substantially to the regional economy. A permanent facility would increase the visibility of local arts organizations, attract visitors from throughout the region, support nearby restaurants and retailers, and further establish the Pioneer Valley as a destination for arts and culture. It would also provide a valuable community asset that supports education, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. To learn if the greater Amherst community is supportive of the PAEC’s vision and need to raise funds for a new facility or the renovation of an existing space, they seek community input. PAEC invites area residents to complete a 5-7 minute online survey to share their opinions and help guide a feasibility study to help the PAEC determine if now is the right time to move forward on this project. While completely anonymous, respondents are welcome to enter their name to win one of three theater packages. To complete the survey, follow the link at :http://bit.ly/4perUbU. For questions, email PAEC.arts@gmail.com |
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The Joy & Ease of Improv 1 Three sections: Mondays at 5pm, Tuesdays at 5pm, and Thursdays at 7:15pm Meets weekly for 8 sessions, beginning the week of September 7th
Would you like to learn improv, play, and laugh in a supportive community?
Do you want to get better at thinking on your feet?
Could you use some practice turning off your inner critic?
Would you like to become more confident speaking in public?
Curious about how this whole improv comedy thing works?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, The Joy & Ease of Improv would be an ever so lovely way to spend a couple hours each week. Happier Valley Comedy's Founder and Head of Happiness Pam Victor offers this welcoming introduction to her original improv curriculum for adults who want to grow in a way that's fun, rewarding, and connection-rich. You'll learn a mindful, easeful approach to improv comedy in an incredibly positive, accepting, playful way. Through improv exercises, games, and simple scenework, you'll learn the core improvisation skills of paying attention, acceptance and agreement, redefining and disempowering failure, quieting your inner critic and amplifying your authentic voice to invite more joy and ease ... and much more. Plus, you'll join a truly special community of kind-hearted, happier people!
Prerequisite: None. No experience necessary. Being funny is not required! Shy people and introverts are welcome. At Happier Valley Comedy, we believe everyone can improvise. (No joke.)
More info and register at HappierValley.com |
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Clown I
Sep 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
8 weeks. Class ends October 27th
Northampton Karate, 320 Riverside Dr Florence MA
Over the course of this 8-week intro to clown class we will investigate a series of games and exercises built to help relinquish our need to get things right, bring our bodies and imaginations to life, and reignite our appetites for pleasure and play - all in service of bringing more wonder, laughter and joy into the world!
To be clear - this not a class in which you learn how to juggle, create a character and head off to the big top wearing oversized shoes. NO! This is a class about uncovering and celebrating our most undiminished selves - a reclamation of everything that makes you YOU! Simply put, this is not a class about being funny - it’s a class about being human.
https://www.gabriellevey.com/service-page/clown-i-tuesdays-6-9pm-1?referral=service_list_widget
Student Testimonial: "Gabe is a superbly intuitive teacher with the magical ability to see the clown inside each student, dying to come out and share themselves. Classes are wildly fun and bursting with self-discovery. There is no other learning process like this - you have to be there to fully experience it - so GO! You'll GROW!" - Steve Eldredge |
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| | | Western Massachusetts Theatre Companies |
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