Beginnings of the Berkshire Theatre

Berkshire Playhouse circa 1930s.

The Berkshire Playhouse Blossoms

As we head into the ninetieth year of production, it is important to remember the storied beginnings of Berkshire Theatre Festival.  Eva Le Gallienne was integral to the creation of BTF as a champion and pioneer of regional theatre. Her company, the Civic Repertory Theatre, “laid the groundwork for [the] Off-Broadway and the regional theatre movement,” according to a December 1998 article from Playbill.

Eva Le Gallienne in The Cradle Song, 1928.Alexander Kirkland, part of the Civic Repertory Theatre, became the first artistic director of the Berkshire Playhouse and on June 4, 1928 the Playhouse opened its doors with Eva Le Gallienne in The Cradle Song (pictured to the left). Myriad productions followed, many including the brightest names of stage and screen, but the Fitzpatrick Main Stage began its days as The Stockbridge Casino, designed in 1887 by McKim, Mead, and White.

The Stockbridge Casino building was completed in 1888 and remained an important cultural center in Stockbridge until the 1920s. After the building began to fall into disrepair, Mabel Choate (daughter of Joseph Choate, one of the founders of the Stockbridge Casino Company) announced her plans to buy the Casino, dismantle it, and replace it with the Mission House, which she planned to transform into a museum.

Unwilling to let an historic building fall, Daniel Chester French, Austen Fox Riggs, and Walter L. Clark purchased the Casino building for one dollar and moved it to the foot of Yale Hill Road in 1927. The following year they formed The Three Arts Society, and Alexander Kirkland and F. Cowles Strickland became co-directors of the Berkshire Playhouse.

According to various newspaper accounts, the parking lot of the Playhouse was filled with limousines for its grand opening night. Despite this glamorous beginning, Berkshire Playhouse has always been more committed to community than profits. The Playhouse operated as a non-profit theatre even during the twenties and thirties as “at the end of each season, any profits are turned over to the Fine Arts building fund of Stockbridge,” according to an August 1930 article from Heart of the Berkshires. Kirkland and Strickland not only worked to better their community, they also brought in young theatre artists to cultivate.

A Star is Born

A headline from the Berkshire Eagle on June 24, 1933 announces the arrival of new Berkshire Playhouse apprentices.

From the first summer, Berkshire Playhouse employed students from Yale University to work as their production crew. According to Walter L. Clark’s memoir, Leaves from An Artist’s Memory, Professor Baker from Yale was “pleased to have his young men practice in the summer what he was training them to do in the winter” (260). The Acting Apprentice program, also called the “Junior Company,” was established in 1929, and by 1930 such performers as Jane Wyatt and Katharine Hepburn had joined. These programs still continue almost ninety years later.

The apprentices (around a dozen for the first few years, with one of the largest groups totaling 25) spent their days learning characterization, pantomime, voice, dancing, and fencing. As of 1931, apprentices performed student productions once every two weeks. These performances were open to the Playhouse company and invited guests. The performances were in addition to them attending all Playhouse performances. Pictured to the right: A headline from the Berkshire Eagle on June 24, 1933 announces the arrival of new Berkshire Playhouse apprentices.

Apprentices were sometimes offered small roles in summer subscription shows, which afforded them the opportunity to work alongside high-caliber professional actors. They were also expected to help create the scenery and costumes for each show as part of their “general application” training in theatre. Pictured below: a poster featuring Jane Wyatt in Stage Door in 1938, a former apprentice returned as a star.

Poster of Jane Wyatt in Stage Door, 1938.

Almost ninety years later, Berkshire Theatre Group offers internships in everything from carpentry and props to marketing and finance. The acting internship program is still alive, well, and currently led by David Adkins, who was an apprentice himself back in 1985.

Berkshire Theatre Festival reflects the history of the American theatre and represents a priceless cultural resource for the community. For almost ninety years, Berkshire Theatre Festival has been committed to being a center for creative work that enriches, invigorates and transforms artists and audiences.

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News & Articles

From the Archive: Eva LeGallienne

By: Katie Birenboim (She/Her/Hers)   Devoted fans of BTG may gasp to discover that until doing a first round of research in the amazing BTG archives, I had never heard … Read On

BTG is excited to be supporting Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.'s 3rd Annual Thankful Food Drive this November! 

Until November 30, a donation box can be found in the lobby at The Colonial Theatre for donations of non perishable food items that will go to South Community Food Pantry and St. Joseph’s Church Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Saturday between 12pm-5pm or when you come to the Colonial for any of our upcoming concerts!

For more information, visit the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. website: https://downtownpittsfield.com/2024/10/downtown-pittsfield-inc-thankful-food-drive-3/
It's almost the most wonderful time of the year! The cast of A Christmas Carol have officially begun rehearsals Tuesday night this past week, and we are all beyond excited to once again bring this classic holiday tale to The Unicorn Theatre this December. 🎄☃

(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
Misty Blues, the band that has captivated audiences for a quarter of a century, is celebrating their silver anniversary at The Colonial Theatre TOMORROW (11/9). This powerful concert will feature over 25 special guest artists who have supported the band over the past 25 years, making it a night to remember.

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness a historic celebration of blues music!
This Saturday, join BTG and Terry A La Berry, renowned drummer for folk legend Arlo Guthrie, for magical tunes that will create lasting memories for the whole family! His interactive performances are filled with laughter, joy, and toe-tapping rhythms, making every show an immersive musical journey.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the music-making magic by purchasing your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
Did you hear? The offer to purchase 2025 Season 3-Show Passes for $150 has been EXTENDED! Until November 27, purchase 3 standard tickets for any 2025 BTG Produced Show to be used in any configuration (3 tickets to one show, 1 ticket each to 3 shows, etc.) for only $150. 🎫🎫🎫

Visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/passes to get your 2025 Season pass today before this offer is gone for good!
All of us at BTG hope you have a spooky, safe and happy Halloween! ⚡👻
Happy Closing to everyone who brought The Weir to life on the Unicorn stage this fall! BTG is honored to have worked with such a dedicated and supportive team, and we look forward to seeing what you all do next. Cheers and good luck! 🍻

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
From our friends at The Orchestra Now (@theorchnow):

Don't miss A Broadway Celebration, Saturday, November 2 at 7pm & Sunday, November 3 at 2pm at the Fisher Center at Bard. We are joined by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and her talented students from the Bard Conservatory Graduate Vocal Arts Program to pay tribute to some of Broadway’s best and brightest classic composers. Musical masters Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Cole Porter, and others will be celebrated with performances of songs from Candide, Carousel, Guys and Dolls, A Little Night Music, and more! 

Tickets and info at ton.bard.edu/events/broadway
Time is running out to see Tony Award-nominated playwright Conor MrcPherson's The Weir, only running until this Sunday, October 27. 

Seating is extremely limited, so get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org before it is too late!
This Friday after the Halloween Parade, come dressed as your favorite zombified or ghostly rock star and immerse yourself in Rock & Roll Graveyard, a Halloween tribute concert where local musicians channel the spirits of rock ‘n’ roll legends for a night of electrifying performances! Additionally, the BTG Youth Troupe will make a special appearance to perform the iconic “Thriller” dance by Michael Jackson! ✨🎸

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and join in on the spine-tingling fun.
Tomorrow, BonJourneyNY is coming back by popular demand to the Colonial! This unique tribute band masterfully blends the iconic sounds of Bon Jovi and Journey with classic hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer," “Don’t Stop Believin',” "Faithfully” and “I’ll Be There for You.”

Tickets bought before the day of the show are discounted $10, so get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and find out for yourself why fans can’t get enough of BonJourneyNY!
BTG is seeking local non-Equity youth actors of all ethnicities and genders (Grades 1 through 3) to play the roles of “children,” Belle’s Daughter and Tiny Tim, for its upcoming community production Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, running December 5 through December 22 at The Unicorn Theatre.

This special call will take place from 5:30-6:00pm. All auditions (made by appointment only) will take place on October 22 at The Colonial Theatre (111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA). Auditions can be arranged by emailing allison@berkshiretheatre.org no later than October 20th. For more information, please visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/casting-auditions.
Tomorrow, experience rock & roll at its finest with Moondance, the Ultimate Van Morrison Tribute Concert. From timeless hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Domino” to unforgettable tunes like “Tupelo Honey” and “Into The Mystic,” every performance is a remarkable journey through classic rock.

Time is limited, so get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
This weekend, two bands are coming back to the Colonial by popular demand! 

Friday (10/18), catch Moondance, the Ultimate Van Morrison Tribute Concert, as they bring timeless hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Domino” to life LIVE on the Colonial stage. Then on Saturday (10/19), witness BonJourney masterfully blend the iconic sounds of Bon Jovi and Journey with classic hits, including “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Don’t Stop Believin,'” that will have you singing along all night long. 

Don't delay! Get your tickets today now at berkshiretheatre.org to experience an incredible weekend of rock & roll!
ATTENTION: Due to solar panel maintenance at The Colonial Theatre, BTG staff will be working remotely today. Although our box office and administrative offices will be physically closed, you can still purchase tickets at berkshiretheatre.org, call us, or email us.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and we will be back tomorrow!
Wishing you a wonderful day in celebration of Indigenous people!
BTG is seeking local non-Equity actors of all ethnicities and genders (both adults and youth Grades 3 and up) for its upcoming community production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol running December 5 through December 22 at The Unicorn Theatre. ❄

All auditions (made by appointment only) will take place on October 22 from 6-9pm at The Colonial Theatre (111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA). For more information, please visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/casting-auditions/
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