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

EXCITING NEWS! Join Magic Tree House series author Mary Pope Osborne and playwright Will Osborne for a book signing in The Garage from 1-1:45pm before the BTG Plays! performance of The Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS on February 15!

Books provided by The Bookloft in Great Barrington will be available for purchase in The Garage during the book signing.
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✨ ATTENTION Matilda JR. auditionees! ✨ Directors David Adkins and Kathy Jo Grover want to remind you to please submit your completed forms to auditions@berkshiretheatre.org by midnight TOMORROW, February 2 to be completely registered for auditions.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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There are still a few spots left for Acting Through Song!, a two-day workshop led by Michael Wartella (BTG Artistic Associate, Broadway actor and musician) that will take participants' acting, singing and performance skills to the next level for actors ages 12-18 of all levels. To register and learn more, please email allison@berkshiretheatre.org

February 8th & 9th from 12pm-4pm
The Colonial Theatre (111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA)
$25
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BTG PLAYS! Year Round Education Program is excited to announce Acting Through Song!, a two-day workshop led by Michael Wartella (BTG Artistic Associate, Broadway actor and musician) that will take participants' acting, singing and performance skills to the next level for actors ages 12-18 of all levels.

February 8th & 9th from 12pm-4pm
The Colonial Theatre (111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA)
$25

To register and learn more, please email allison@berkshiretheatre.org.
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BTG is seeking young actors currently in grades 3–12 to audition for its upcoming non-Equity youth production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. Auditions will be held at The Colonial Theatre on Monday, February 10 from 6–9pm and callbacks are scheduled for Tuesday, February 11 from 6–9pm.

Appointments and registration are required by February 2 to audition, so please email auditions@berkshiretheatre.org to book a time slot. To learn more, visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/casting-auditions/
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"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, our offices will be closed. Everyone at BTG continues to be inspired by his words and deeds as we move forward in the world.
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Check out all that BTG has in store for February! From dynamic tribute bands to family friendly fun, we have a wide variety fit for everyone.

To purchase tickets and look at our full 2025 season calendar, visit berkshiretheatre.org.
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Happy New Year from all of us at Berkshire Theatre Group! ✨🎇
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Still looking for plans to celebrate the new year? Join BTG as we celebrate 2025 with one of Berkshire County's favorite bands, Max Creek!

To purchase tickets, visit berkshiretheatre.org.
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Happy Holidays from all of us at Berkshire Theatre Group! ✨❄ Take a look back at BTG's 2024 season with us in our snow globe as we look forward to celebrating the new year and beyond with you.
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Don't wait! Buy your tickets now to take advantage of BTG's advance ticket discount for New Year's Eve with Max Creek! In addition, patrons attending the concert can add a room at a special discounted rate at The Holiday Inn, located on 1 West Street, Pittsfield!

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit berkshiretheatre.org.
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Attention: For the holiday season, BTG’s box office will be closed on 12/24, 12/25, 1/1, 1/5 and 1/12. Additionally, the box office staff will be working remotely 1/2 through 1/17.

Tickets can still be purchased at berkshiretheatre.org at any time. Thank you for your understanding!
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Looking for gift ideas for the theatre lovers in your life? 🎁 BTG gift certificates are perfect for those looking to experience high quality performance art, whether it be theatre, concerts or anything in between! ✨

To purchase gift certificates, please visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/dining-lodging-services/gift-certificates/
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BTG had the pleasure of celebrating Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli (@repsmitty) with his friends and family at Saturday night's performance of A Christmas Carol for his the 22 years served in supporting and representing the 3rd Berkshire District. 

Thank you for giving the Berkshire community your endless hard work and dedication, Smitty!
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New year, new shows! ✨ BTG just announced nine brand new shows for the 2025 winter and early spring season, so take a look at what is coming soon and purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org!
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