Berkshire Theatre’s Place in History

Front view of the Berkshire Playhouse during the daytime.

Postcard of The Berkshire Playhouse c. 1930s.

American Theatre at the start of the 20th century was characterized by a dichotomy between commercialized theatre (best exemplified by Broadway) and experimental theatre (best exemplified by the Little Theatre Movement). Most theatres in existence at that time could be classified as one or the other. The Berkshire Playhouse’s artistic vision sought to blend these two extremes together and create a theatre that entertained, inspired, and challenged audiences.

Headshot of F. Cowles Strickland looking off to the side.

F. Cowles Strickland Photo by Vandamn Studio, NY

Artistic Directors F. Cowles Strickland (recent Yale graduate) and Alexander Kirkland (member of Eva Le Galliene’s acting company) produced both conventional and atypical works. Eva Le Galliene’s company performed The Cradle Song on the opening night of The Berkshire Playhouse in June 1928. A Little Theatre play was the first ever to be performed at this new venue, but only after it had been performed on Broadway.

The Little Theatre Movement of the early 20th century was a rejection of commercialism that gave rise to local, independent theatres across the country. Focusing on new American voices, avant-garde works, and anything other than melodrama, Little Theatres helped produce some of America’s great 20th century writers.

Kirkland and Jones laying on their stomachs, smiling as he points at something in the distance.

Alexander Kirkland and Zita Johnn in The Lake at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1930.

Eugene O’Neill was one such writer, and quickly became a staple for The Berkshire Playhouse, along with Broadway-tested shows and classical works. Kirkland once said that he felt no season was complete without a Shaw piece. George Bernard Shaw used his plays to tackle the philosophical and social issues of his time, but stayed within the conventional realm of Realism. Shaw’s use of an established form to pursue contemporary issues mirrors The Playhouse’s use of established works to allow room for exploration. (Pictured to the right: Alexander Kirkland and Zita Johann in The Lake at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1930.)

The audience of The Berkshire Playhouse was largely a New York crowd that escaped to the country in the summers. Bringing in well-known Broadway actors and plays ensured that the theatre would be well-respected and attended. It also allowed the theatre to produce works that were more for artistic value than commercial value.

Eva Le Gallienne dressed in costume as a nun, looking contemplative.

Eva Le Gallienne in The Cradle Song at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1928.

While not strictly classified as a Little Theatre, it is clear to see the movement’s influence on The Berkshire Playhouse. Eva Le Gallienne, affectionately termed the “First Lady of the Playhouse,” would later go on to be a champion of the Regional Theatre Movement in America, which grew from the Little Theatre Movement. (Pictured to the left: Eva Le Gallienne in The Cradle Song at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1928.)  

Many of these original Little Theatres or independent regional theatres have been relegated to the history books as summer stock. Summer stock theatre is often affiliated with a negative connotation, and yet many theatres that fit the literal definition of summer stock provided the foundation for Regional and Repertory theatres throughout the country.

The Berkshire Playhouse fit the literal definition of a summer stock theatre when first established. As many summer stock theatres have, The Playhouse went on to provide a beginning to countless actors, directors, designers, stagehands, carpenters, and other theatre practitioners. With a blend of stars of stage and screen, and up-and-coming summer workers, Berkshire Theatre has always provided an educational space where high quality theatre is produced.

The four stages of Berkshire Theatre Group: The Colonial Theatre, The Unicorn Theatre, The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, and The Garage.

Much of the Playhouse’s original vision is reflected in Berkshire Theatre Group today. No longer fitting the bill of summer stock, Berkshire Theatre Group produces and presents shows year-round. Variety is still abundant, and each of the four stages at BTG is unique and houses distinct works. Just as when it first opened, Berkshire Theatre’s summer season seeks to create theatre that entertains, inspires, and challenges 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

Now through July 12, BTG is proud to partner with the Guild of Berkshire Artists in displaying their art show, "Creative Diversity,” in The Colonial Theatre lobby. The exhibit consists of ten works of art selected from Guild of Berkshire Artist applicants by a jury, and each piece is available for purchase and viewing Tuesdays-Saturdays from 12-5pm, as well as during Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.'s First Fridays Artwalks.

Come visit the exhibition to see the work of talented, local artists!
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TOMORROW at The Colonial Theatre, experience Joni Mitchell's extraordinary music, all the way from her early folk roots to pop masterpieces and jazz-inspired compositions, brought to life by Big Yellow Taxi!

Time is running out, so purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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BTG's summer season officially began yesterday morning as the cast of The Elephant Man began rehearsals at The Colonial Theatre. We are excited to work with this incredible group of artists and look forward to seeing the talent they will bring to The Unicorn Theatre later this month!

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
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This Saturday, Bob Marley's legendary band, The Wailers, will bring classic hits like "One Love" and "Redemption Song" to The Colonial Theatre! ✨🎸

Ticket prices go up the day of the show, so purchase tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today to get a $10 discount off each ticket in advance!
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We’re going LIVE! ✨🎥 

News Channel 13 is broadcasting the evening news LIVE from Pittsfield this Friday, May 2—and they’re kicking things off at 4pm from inside The Colonial Theatre!

Tune in for a special pre-taped feature all about the Colonial’s incredible history and what’s next for this landmark. Tune in and see the Colonial take center stage!
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This Friday, May 2, Korean-American comedian Henry Cho is bringing his clean, clever humor and hilarious observations on life, family and culture to The Colonial Theatre!

Grab your tickets now at berkshiretheatre.org and get ready for unforgettable evening of laughter and fun with friends, family or even just yourself!
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Don't miss Lady Supreme, an immersive celebration of the music, style, and legacy of Diana Ross, at The Colonial Theatre this Saturday night!

Purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and experience breathtaking, spot-on renditions of Diana Ross’ greatest hits by singer Deanna Carroll and an elite ensemble of singers and musicians!
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HYPROV, returning THIS SATURDAY to The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, promises a hilarious, imaginative and utterly unpredictable night of comedy, starring improv legend Colin Mochrie and master hypnotist Assad Mecci!

Get your tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today before its too late!
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Thank you to Mr. Shaun Kennedy and Morris Elementary School in Lenox, MA for the warm welcome for the cast and crew of the 2024-2025 BTG PLAYS! Touring Show production, Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, before their performance at the school last Friday. Our pirate crew is appreciative of all of you! 🦜💙

Magic Tree House On Stage
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Time is running out to purchase tickets to The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue, performing the greatest hits from the golden era of 1950s Doo Wop LIVE at The Colonial Theatre THIS SUNDAY!

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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BTG is saddened to know that Alan Filderman passed away on March 19. For many years, he was the casting director for Berkshire Theatre Group. In 2020, with choreographer Gerry McIntyre, he directed Godspell in the height of the Covid pandemic under a tent outdoors at The Colonial Theatre. As someone once said, "Everything's more fun with Alan." Alan Filderman loved the theatre, whatever stage door through which he has now passed, may he find peace.
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Looking for summer vacation plans? BTG is once again offering one-week summertime theatre class sessions for young actors in Grades 1-8 from June through August! To register for classes ($500/session. Need-based scholarships are available), please email Allison Rachele Bayles at allison@berkshiretheatre.org. 

2025 Summertime Classes Schedule:
• June 23-27 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 4-6)
• July 7-11 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 1-3)
• August 4-8 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 4-6)
• August 11-15 - The Unicorn Theatre (Grades 1-3)
• August 18-22 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 6-8)

To learn more, please visit https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/performing-arts-for-young-people/#summertime-classes
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LAST CHANCE to purchase your tickets to The Best of the 70s, performing LIVE this Saturday, March 22 at The Colonial Theatre! Experience the greatest decade of music like never before with hits by Elton John, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and many more.

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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This past Saturday, the mighty cast of BTG's Matilda The Musical JR. began rehearsals for their upcoming performances this April at The Colonial Theatre. All of us at BTG are thrilled to see the strength and magic all these young actors will bring on stage! ✨

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
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On March 22 at The Colonial Theatre, come see why audiences are praising The Best of the 70s as "amazing from start to finish!” The show is brought to life by the dynamic band DizzyFish, joined by the legendary Uptown Horns, creating an experience that will have you singing and dancing along to every song!

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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