Celebrating BTG PLAYS!

Cast of Disney’s Aladdin JR.; 2019; Photo by: Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

Berkshire Theatre Group’s education program, BTG PLAYS!, reaches 13,000 Berkshire County schoolchilren annually. The education program serves children of all ages and offers a variety of programs from summer camps, live shows, internships, and after-school programs. Education has been a fundamental part of Berkshire Theatre since its inception in 1928. Since that time, Berkshire Theatre’s Education resources have grown and shifted into a comprehensive program.

Beginnings of BTG’s Education Program

Class in front of The Unicorn Theatre. Acting interns are being led through a movement class.

Acting Interns in a movement class at the Berkshire Playhouse.

During the first summer season in 1928, students from Yale University (F. Cowles Strickland’s alma mater) worked in the scene and costume shops. Strickland wanted to give them the opportunity to put to use what they had spent the school year learning. In 1929, Strickland formed a formal acting apprentice program. These programs continued to grow and expand under each new artistic director.

Acting interns were offered the chance to learn from world-class artists and took classes in movement, voice, make up, and dance, just to name a few. The Berkshire Playhouse attracted college students and young professionals from across the country. The pre-professional training programs offered invaluable practical experience, and many of them continue to this day. After the Playhouse was incorporated in 1966 and became Berkshire Theatre Festival, new programs developed.

YAPP

An outdoor production. The shot shows the audience reaction to the actress on stage.

Children’s Theatre Production, 1982. Photo by Walter Scott.

Theatre for Youth was a new focus for BTF. Developing out of a desire to fully engage all members of the community, and make a positive impact on local youth, the Young Americans Playwright Program (YAPP) was established in 1984. Yapp partnered with local-schools to create a 14-week playwriting intensive. Students worked with BTF artists to create original plays. At the end of the 14 weeks, the artists would review the plays and select 2-4 to be fully staged as part of the Theatre Under the Tent Series.

YAPP was a unique program, and one of the first programs to partner arts and the local schools in the area. The program was a roaring success, and continued well into the 1990s. During this time, BTF underwent significant changes. Kate Maguire took the reins in 1998, and during her first year as Artistic Director she helped to overhaul and expand the education program with Allison Rachele Bayles.

BTG PLAYS! Today

Students participating in a BTG PLAYS! After-School program.

BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Education Program, officially formed in 1998, combines all the best aspects of previous programs with innovative new programs. It is a comprehensive educational experience for all students from Pre-K to College. Allison Rachele Bayles—who helped found the program—stated, “When Kate and I joined BTF the education programs served rural school districts and a few hundred students. Since that time our programs have grown to include our Touring Show, After School Programming, Field Trip Opportunities, Summer Classes for Kids, and more.”

More than 20 years later, the program has become a fundamental core of BTG according to Kate Maguire, “Each of the children who participates in our program, becomes part of our BTG family, and will often continue on from the camps or after-school programs to the community shows or working as interns as they get older.” One such student, Hanna Koczela, has been with Berkshire Theatre Group since 2009 and is now an Summer 2019 Acting Intern, “One of my favorite memories every summer has been meeting the acting interns. I have always looked up to them and wanted to be one—I cannot believe it is actually happening!” she said. The Summer 2019 Acting Interns can be seen this summer in The Skin of Our Teeth and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Revised).

Tim Jones and Hanna Koczela in Disney’s Tarzan®, 2018. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

Each year, thousands of students are given the opportunity to learn, grow, meet new people, and experience art in a hands-on environment. The impact to each individual student is clearly seen every year. In the past few years, BTG has expanded its education program by adding in two new shows: Elementary and Middle School Spring Production and the Pre-K to Elementary Fall Production. Disney’s Aladdin Jr., welcomed more than 2,000 patrons in 2019. Part of MA ArtWeek, this show featured Elementary and Middle School students in all roles. Beyond the stage the students and their families helped in the creation of props, scenery, and costumes. The Fall show for 2019 will be Willy Wonka Kids, and will offer similar community-focused opportunities. These shows allow families from across Berkshire County to come together and create art. Many of the students performing in Willy Wonka Kids can also be seen in the 2019 Annual Community Theatre Production of Shrek The Musical in August!

BTG PLAYS! Impact

The cast of BTG Plays! Showtime with Shakespeare© A Magic Tree House Adventure. Photo by Katie Watts.

BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Education Program serves 13,000 school children in over 26 schools across 15 towns. There are approximately 5,429 students in Pittsfield, of which we serve 3,467. Of the students in Berkshire County, 51% are economically disadvantaged. Through careful planning and programming, BTG provides free and reduced ticket prices, camps, and apprenticeship fees for these programs. BTG PLAYS! Touring Performances reaches 28 schools and over 6,000 children.

BTG PLAYS! includes 12 different initiatives within three distinct categories: School Partnership Programs, Performing Arts for Young People, and Pre-Professional Internship Programs. The BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Education Program allows children from all backgrounds to come together and collaborate with their families, their communities, and each other.

Parents, students, and community members benefit from BTG PLAYS! see their stories below:

“BTG has taught me that the best actors and show makers are honest and true to themselves. Sure, we “act” and pretend we are something that we are not, but Berkshire Theatre Group trains and motivates their actors to do that in a thoughtful way. Each character that steps on any of the three stages at BTG has a full story- they are honest characters that the directors and creative team have put a lot of thought into. I’m not quite sure there is another place that teaches young actors this in an effective and creative way. I am so grateful this has been my foundation as I continue on to being a performer.”— Hanna Koczela, Summer 2019 Acting Intern

“Thank you for giving me such a ‘proud momma moment’ today! We are asked all the time, ‘Why BTG? What is it about BTG?’ BTG takes every opportunity to showcase their artists and give back to the community. They support and empower children to be confident performers, public speakers, and advocates in their community. BTG takes care of every actor, and…with seemingly little things like this…every FAMILY. Parents are educated, informed, included, and valued along with their children as part of the theater. It’s not ‘Why BTG?’, it just IS BTG! The line from Tarzan said it best, ‘Two worlds, one family!’ THANK YOU FOR THIS SMILE!”— Michelle Colvin, Parent

“What I liked about the BTG Program was when we started to write our stories we all encouraged each other.”— Madysen, Student

“I learned to be brave and tell our lines to other people and perform in front of little kids.”— Sabrina, Student

“In theatre, we take on tough topics. We bring understanding to the audience, and we teach kids to take positive risks in a creative and artistic way. It’s about accepting differences and celebrating each other as we are…no matter who we are.” –Lillian Colvin, age 12, Jasmine in BTG’s Aladdin Jr., 2019.

“I love acting! I love it all, the memorizing, the faces, the becoming of your character, and most of all, the fun! And while I was performing I could feel the excitement of my peers and the crowd.”— Stella, Student

Plan Your Visit

Read our suggestions on where to dine, and where to hang your hat.

Get Started
Did You Know?
Just like NPR, Berkshire Theatre Group depends on the generous giving of its members!
Join Today!
We believe the performing arts can transform a community.
Learn More
Of the 16,000 Berkshire County school children, we serve 13,000 through our BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Educational Programs.
Learn More
Theatre is the place where we go to understand what lies in the human heart.
About Us
BTG's buildings, on two campuses in Stockbridge and Pittsfield, are historic treasures.
Theatre Info
Berkshire Theatre Group believes that the creative arts encourage freedom of speech and debate.
Get Involved
"Out of need will come the way. Once the pandemic ebbs, whenever that is, there will be an incredible need to gather again." - Artistic Director, Kate Maguire
Join Today!
The theatre has existed from the time of the Greeks. We will go on.
Learn More
Join Our Mailing List

Receive the latest BTG News, Updates, Special Offers, and more right to your inbox.

Subscribe

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

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/
Today, October 10, is Stage Management Day, and BTG would like to thank all of the incredible stage managers and assistant stage managers that have shared their talent and dedication this year on our stages! ✨

Thank you, Mickey Acton (4000 Miles, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Pipe Dream), Julia Bregy (Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein), Jessica Dell Beni (Festival of New Jewish Plays), Morgen E. Doyle (Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Festival of New Jewish Plays), Pamela Edington (Abe Lincoln in Illinois), Kelsey Emry (Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein), Alyssa Edwards (Disney's Frozen JR., Pink Floyd's The Wall), Luca Jordan (Disney's Frozen JR.), Whitney Keeter (Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein), Grace Lillie (Disney's Frozen JR.), Charlotte McGaughy (Magic Tree House Merlin Missions: Winter of the Ice Wizard), Maureen Pace (Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, Festival of New Jewish Plays), Caroline Ragland (The Weir), and Jason Weixelman (Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Pipe Dream)!
Follow Us