Western Mass Theatre Newsletter |
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| | | September is here! We’re going back to school and back to the theatre! Lots of great events this month.
The next issue will include events from September 10 - 30. 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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Great Barrington Public Theater
Yellow Wallpaper 2.0-2020
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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MAJESTIC OPENS 29TH SEASON OF PLAYS WITH NUNSENSE SEPTEMBER 3 – OCTOBER 11 West Springfield’s Majestic Theater open its 29th Season of plays with the musical Nunsense, which runs September 3 – October 11. The Majestic Theater is located at 131 Elm Street in West Springfield, MA. Nunsense, a musical comedy by Dan Goggin, focuses on five surviving nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken who stage a wacky variety show to raise money to bury a few sisters from the convent after their cook accidentally poisons many of the nuns with tainted soup. This classic crowd‑pleaser—an international sensation performed in more than 8,000 productions worldwide and winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards—makes its first‑ever appearance on the Majestic stage to launch the 2026-2027 Season. The Majestic’s Producing Director Sue Dziura will direct the play. Iaslyn Lewis is stage manager, Michael Garcia is production assistant, and Elisabeth Weber is music director. Scenic director is Juliana Haubrich, and Dan Rist is lighting designer. Sound designer is Ryan Hickey, and Dawn McKay is costume designer. The cast includes Marty Bongfeldt (Mother Superior, Mary Regina), Lori Holmes Clark (Sr. Robert Anne), Destini Stewart (Sr. Hubert), Rachel Ballasy (Sr. Leo), and Caelie Flanagan (Sr. Amnesia). Understudies include Amanda Uruquhart Tilghman and Elaine Hom. Band members include Cliff Schofer, Jacob Nichols and Ann-Marie Messbauer.
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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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Plays in Place and Historic Northampton present the premiere of: The Hull/Hawley Plays directed by Brianna Sloane. The Widow's Land by Betel Arnold In 1765, Bathsheba Hull, a Black woman living with her children in her home on an island in the Mill River, receives an eviction notice from Town officials. The Widow's Land follows her fight for her home, her position as a free woman in colonial Northampton, and her children’s future. Hold These Truths by Harley Erdman In May 1774, Massachusetts is on the cusp of rebellion and ready to call for the first Continental Congress to be held in Philadelphia. Joseph Hawley, a Northampton lawyer and prominent Patriot, is nominated to represent Massachusetts. Hold These Truths explores Hawley’s life, his political ideals, and his struggles with depression as he decides whether to accept the nomination. Each performance features both plays and is followed with a talk back facilitated by a historian and artist from the company, featuring: Trenda Loftin, Michael Ofori, Matt Haas, Lindel Hart, Linda Tardif, and Elijah Sarrouf. Understudies: Scott Braidman, Imani Bibuld, Myka Plunkett, and Richmond Wills. Costumes designed by Emily Dunn, props and furnishing designed by Amy Putnam, sound designed by Tom Shread. Stage management by Nikki Beck and Madison VanDeurzen, production assistance by Hanh Rioux and produced by Talya Kingston. September 17 - October 4, 2026 (Thurs-Sat 6:30pm & Sat-Sun 2pm) at the Shepherd Barn, Historic Northampton Tickets and more information: www.historicnorthampton.org/the-hull-hawley-plays.html |
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Devereux Productions
Her Final Hour
Friday, Sep 18, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 19, 4:00 pm, Sunday September 20, 2:00 pm
Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., Northampton, MA
It is the last hour of Rose Anne Bowen's life. As she awaits execution after eight years on Death Row, she searches for a true understanding of what has led her there. What she discovers changes everything.
This original one-woman play is written and performed by Elizabeth LaPrade and directed by Jean Devereux. LaPrade portrays Rose and seven other distinct characters.
Through the people and experiences that shaped Rose's life, Her Final Hour also brings awareness to domestic violence, veterans' wellness, and incarceration and human dignity. A series of post-show conversations designed to encourage dialogue around these areas are scheduled following the performances.
https://theticketing.co/e/herfinalhour
Audiences are invited to remain for a moderated talkback and panel discussion featuring local professionals and community organizations. Each discussion will focus on one of three areas reflected in Rose's story: Domestic violence Veterans’ wellness Incarceration and human dignity The discussions are intended to encourage thoughtful dialogue and connect audiences with organizations serving the community. "One of my hopes is that people continue talking long after they leave the theater," said LaPrade. "If Rose's story encourages someone to look a little more deeply before reaching a conclusion, and to think more about the lives reflected in Rose's story, then this work has found a purpose beyond anything I ever imagined when I first wrote it."
Originally written as a short monologue for an acting class in 2000, Her Final Hour evolved over twenty-six years into a full-length theatrical work. |
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| | AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER Drama Studio | Springfield, MA Drama Studio is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and collaborative Production Stage Manager (PSM) to lead stage management operations for our mainstage productions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced stage manager who loves live theater and enjoys working with young performers. Drama Studio's productions feature elementary through high school-aged students, and our PSM plays an important role in creating a professional, organized, respectful, and supportive environment where young artists can thrive. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Stage Management & Production Leadership Lead and supervise the stage management team, including Student Assistant Stage Managers. Oversee all rehearsals and performances, including rehearsal room setup, scheduling, documentation, and reporting. Attend production meetings and ensure clear, timely communication across all departments. Prepare and maintain the prompt book, blocking notation, cueing, and other performance paperwork. Distribute accurate rehearsal and performance reports and track information through the production process. Performance & Technical Operations Call all performances, ensuring the accurate execution of lighting, sound, scenic, projection, and automation cues, or supervise and support Student Assistant Stage Managers. Coordinate closely with the Production Manager and Technical Director throughout technical rehearsals, load-ins, performances, and strikes. Help anticipate and solve production challenges in real time while keeping the production moving forward. Support emergency planning and respond to issues that arise during rehearsals and performances. Company Culture & Student Support Maintain a safe, respectful, organized, and welcoming working environment for students, artists, staff, and crew. Communicate clearly and thoughtfully with young performers while maintaining appropriate professional expectations. Work comfortably and respectfully with neurodiverse students and students with a range of identities and expressions. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE We're looking for a stage manager who is both highly capable and genuinely collaborative — someone who can keep a complicated production on track while building positive relationships with the people making it happen. Our ideal candidate: Has demonstrated professional experience as a Production Stage Manager or in a comparable stage management leadership role. Brings exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Is calm, resourceful, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced production schedule. Enjoys working with elementary through high school-aged youth. Is a thoughtful listener and communicator who can balance professionalism with warmth. Has experience working with large ensembles, youth, and/or children. Has experience with or an interest in visual and/or performing arts education. Is comfortable working with neurodiverse students and students with a range of identities and expressions. Is proficient with Google Workspace; experience with Microsoft Office is also preferred. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. ABOUT DRAMA STUDIO Drama Studio provides conservatory-style theater training for young people in our community. Through classes, productions, and other performance opportunities, students develop their skills as artists while building confidence, creativity, collaboration, and community. Drama Studio is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, families, artists, and staff of all backgrounds and identities. To apply: Please send us an email at office@dramastudio.org with your resume, list of at least 3 references with contact information, and a quick note about why you’d like to work with us. |
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Drama Studio | Springfield, MA Drama Studio is seeking a highly organized, thoughtful, and adaptable Administrative Assistant to join our team.This is a multifaceted role that combines front-office support, customer service, communication, scheduling, and administrative coordination, with opportunities to contribute to marketing and production-related projects. No theater experience is required! We're looking for someone who is exceptionally organized, comfortable juggling multiple priorities, confident communicating with a wide range of people, and able to bring both professionalism and warmth to a youth-centered environment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO Front Office & Student SupportServe as a welcoming and professional front-line representative of Drama Studio, greeting students, families, visitors, and community members.Staff the front desk and manage day-to-day reception and clerical responsibilities, when needed.Check students in and oversee student dismissal, including supervision of the lobby as students and visitors come and go.Provide occasional box office support.Assist with mailing preparation, filing, internet research, word processing, supply stocking, and other general office projects.Communication & SchedulingMaintain and coordinate Google Calendars and other shared scheduling systems, when needed.Support multiple supervisors and projects while keeping information organized and moving forward.Marketing & Community EngagementDepending on experience and interest, the Administrative Assistant may also support Drama Studio's marketing and community outreach efforts, including:Managing and scheduling social media content and interacting with our online community.Uploading and sharing performance photos and maintaining studio bulletin boards.Working with our website manager to keep website information accurate, current, and accessible.Creating graphics for productions, classes, and marketing campaigns using Canva.Preparing email communications using Gmail and Constant Contact.Placing advertisements with community publications and mailing lists.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE We're looking for someone who is organized enough to keep track of the details, flexible enough to handle the unexpected, and warm enough to make every student and family feel welcome.Our ideal candidate:Has strong administrative and organizational skills and can juggle multiple projects with exceptional accuracy.Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.Brings exceptional customer service skills, both in person and over the phone.Is comfortable communicating with children, teens, parents, colleagues, vendors, and community members.Is a strong problem-solver who can take initiative and figure things out.Can prioritize projects and manage competing requests from multiple supervisors.Is comfortable following direction while also working independently and taking ownership of responsibilities.Is patient, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a wide range of personalities and working styles.Is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift.Is highly computer-literate and proficient with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.Experience with Canva, Constant Contact, social media, databases, online ticketing systems, or other administrative technology is a plus.Is able to work sensitively, respectfully, and inclusively with diverse groups.Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
ABOUT DRAMA STUDIO Drama Studio provides conservatory-style theater training for young people in our community. Through classes, productions, and other performance opportunities, students develop their skills as artists while building confidence, creativity, collaboration, and community.Drama Studio is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, families, artists, and staff of all backgrounds and identities.If you're an organized, people-oriented problem solver who enjoys being part of a creative community and wants to help make great things happen behind the scenes, we'd love to hear from you!
SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION Part-time: Approximately 4-12 hours per weekSchedule primarily during weekday after-school hours, with flexibility based on availability and Studio needsOccasional additional hours may be requested for production weekends, performances, or special eventsCompensation: $18-$20 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualificationsTo apply: Please send us an email at office@dramastudio.org with your resume, list of at least 3 references with contact information, and a quick note about why you’d like to work with us. |
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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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| | Calling all performers!Auditions are coming up for three season shows — looking for actors, singers, dancers. |
Will you grace our stages this school year? We're auditioning for three productions this September, and we're looking for talented, passionate performers to add to our cast lists. Auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Moors, and Between Tattoos: An Autobiomythography are scheduled for Sept. 14 & 15, 6:30-10:30. Callbacks will be Sept. 16 & 17. Auditions for Spelling Bee and The Moors will be held jointly. Performers should prepare a 1 - 2 minute contemporary monologue and 16 bars of a song. An accompanist will be available for auditions.
To sign up for a 30-minute slot, see character breakdowns and and casting notes for each production, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4AA5A92AABFE3-65517580-the25th#/
Between Tattoos will have 45 minute auditions. Interested performers should be prepared to tell a personal story of some significance to them. This can be about an event or experience from any point in their life, but ideally should be something that has shaped who they are. Ideally this story should be no more than 2 minutes long, with a clear beginning and end, and a clear description of why or how this experience has shaped them in some way. The use of movement or props to assist in conveying the story is welcomed but not required. Performers will be asked to respond to adjustments from the director, and participate in a short conversation with the directing team.
For more information about the project, character and process information, and to sign up for an audition slot, visit:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4AA5A92AABFE3-65518324-between#/ ABOUT OUR SHOWSThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
By William Finn (music and lyrics) and Rachel Sheinkin (book)
Director: Gina Kaufmann
Oct. 30, Nov. 5, 6 & 7 at 7:30
Oct. 31, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
Nov. 4 at 10 a.m.
The Rand Theater
Can you spell J-O-Y? Finn and Sheinkin’s musical follows a motley crew of spelling bee competitors in a delightful story that is by turns sweet, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny. As they navigate a gauntlet of words, the tweens candidly reveal hilarious and heartfelt stories from their home lives, each hoping to avoid the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life-unaffirming ding of the bell that signals a misspelling. Buy a ticket and brush up on your spelling — intrepid audience members can volunteer for the spelling bee hot seat at every performance!
Recommended for ages 13 and up due to adult humor and situations, and references to sex
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The Moors
By Jen Silverman
Director: Cordelia Winter Dwyer
Costume Designer: Hanh Rioux
Dec. 4, 5, 9, 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 & 12 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 10 at 10 a.m.
The Curtain Theater
A hapless governess, a mysterious hero, scheming siblings, and the bleak setting of the windswept countryside: Jen Silverman’s The Moors has all the trapping of the best gothic yarns written by folks like the Brontë sisters. At once satire and homage to this source material, this dark and funny play also introduces us to two surprisingly literate animals and their star-crossed love. This richly weird set-up offers a unique lens to explore the things that motivate us: love, power, the search for connection.
Recommended for ages 16 and up due to adult situations, violence and gore, and references to sexual assault
THE MOORS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Between Tattoos: A Biomythography
by Iya Awotunde Judyie Ella Al-Bilali, adapted by Priscilla Maria Page
Directing and Dramaturgy: Jen Onopa and Tatiana M. Rodriguez
Dramaturg: Priscilla Maria Page
Feb. 19, 20, 25 & 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 & 27 at 2 p.m.
Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.
The Curtain Theater
Between Tattoos: A Biomythography is a powerfully poetic memoir and a lyrical treatise on art and life written by Iya Awotunde Judyie Ella Al-Bilali, the first Black woman to hold the title of Full Professor in the Department of Theater. A beloved member of our department, she completed this book near the end of her life. The complete text serves as both a chronicle and a guide for others to live artfully and authentically. In her final months, she began to view the work as a theater piece and this production honors her vision. The collaborators and mentees with whom she devised theater present a newly created work combining the threads of theater, music, dance, and the Theatrical Jazz aesthetic that Al-Bilali embodied.
AUDITION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Department of Theater is committed to racial, cultural and individual diversity. Casting for all department-sponsored productions is open to any student, staff, or faculty member of the Five College Consortium, any member of the community, or any invited guest artist regardless of race, ethnic origin, ability, sexual orientation or gender identification. Equal-opportunity casting is encouraged. All Theater majors and minors are welcomed and strongly encouraged to audition. The Department chooses plays each year with the intention of offering roles to as many majors as possible, but casting of any individual theater major student is not guaranteed. Company members must audition to be considered for a role. The only exception is if a role is pre-cast and announced prior to auditions. This may be the case for guest artists, faculty and for roles requiring special skills. You are expected to sign up for a given audition appointment, and to arrive at the audition site 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time. Performers who arrive after their scheduled time may not be permitted to audition. After open auditions have been completed, the stage manager will post call back announcements. If you are called back, you are expected to respond via email to acknowledge attendance at the call back. AUDITIONING FOR MULTIPLE SHOWSAlthough performers cannot be cast in two shows that have conflicting rehearsal schedules or performance schedules, we encourage you to audition for all of our productions. If the directors of two shows with overlapping schedules both wish to cast you, you will be cast in the role that provides you with the largest opportunity. In addition, you may express a preference for one production over another.
This semester, our productions of Spelling Bee and The Moors will be in conflict with one another. The Moors and Between Tattoos will also be in conflict. |
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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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Drama Studio Open House
Ages 9–18: Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 PM
41 Oakland Street Springfield, MA 01108
Looking for a fun new activity for your child this fall? COME TRY DRAMA STUDIO FOR FREE! Drama Studio’s Open House is your chance to see our space, meet our teachers, and let your child experience a FREE sample acting class—no experience necessary!
Whether your child already loves being on stage or is just curious to try something new, our classes are designed to help kids build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and friendships while having a whole lot of fun. Come see what Drama Studio is all about! Register today: dramastudio.org/openhouse
https://dramastudio.org/open-house |
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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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