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

🎶👯‍♀️ Get ready to celebrate the amazing women of the Berkshires! 🌟 Join us at The Colonial Theatre TONIGHT for "Song & Dance: A Celebration of Women in the Berkshires." 🎉 Featuring a talented cast of female performers, this show will showcase the strength, resilience and creativity of women in our community. 💪🏼 From powerful ballads to stunning dance routines, this event will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night! Get your tickets now at https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/event/song-and-dance-a-celebration-of-women-of-the-berkshires/ #SongAndDance #WomenInBerkshires #BerkshireTheatreGroup #CelebrationOfWomen #Empowerment #Inspiration #PerformingArts #LiveEvent #GetYourTicketsNow
Have you heard of Hyprov? It's a hilarious and mind-bending show that combines hypnosis and improv comedy. The result is a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you laughing and scratching your head in amazement.

The show is led by two talented performers: hypnotist Asad Mecci and improv comedian Colin Mochrie. Together, they take volunteers from the audience and guide them through a series of comedic scenarios, all while under hypnosis.

What makes Hyprov so special is how the performers seamlessly blend the two art forms together. You'll see improvisational comedy taken to new heights as the volunteers' subconscious minds drive the scene, leading to unexpected and hilarious moments.

If you're looking for a night of entertainment that will leave you feeling amazed and delighted, then you definitely need to check out Hyprov on Saturday, March 25 at The Colonial Theatre. Trust us, you won't regret it! #Hyprov #hypnosis #improvcomedy #hilarious #mindbending #comedyshow #entertainment #laughoutloud #unforgettable #mustsee 

Get your tickets now! https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/event/colin-mochrie-presents-hyprov-with-master-hypnotist-asad-mecci/
Our very own Allison Rachelle Bayles will be one of the awesome women honored at Song and Dance! A Celebration of Women of the Berkshires! Allison is the Director of Education here at BTG and we can’t wait to honor her during this celebration! 

https://buff.ly/3ldCPGe
The Secret Garden: Spring Version, is a new adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical abridged for younger audiences in an enhanced concert-style production that is as beautiful and spirited as the original.
This enchanting classic of children’s literature of hope and perseverance is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman. Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden‘s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal. Join us July 29 and 30 for this beautiful story.
Two-time Tony Award nominated actor, Kate Baldwin, joins the cast of “What the Constitution Means to Me!” This boundary-breaking play breathes new life into the Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.
Kristen van Ginhoven, who will direct this co-production with WAM Theatre, connected to the play as an activist and as a former speech and debate coach for the International High School in Brussels, Belgium. “As an artist, activist, and human, I find myself yearning for more collaboration, accountability, and engagement.” van Ginhoven explained, “This play answers that call with humor, intelligence and poignancy. I look forward to using my past experience as a
speech and debate coach while having the privilege and joy of directing this co-production.”
It’s National Women’s Day! To celebrate we are going to share a little about our upcoming event, “Song and Dance! A Celebration of Women of the Berkshires!” The Berkshires serve as home to a number of women artists and women behind the scenes who are making a positive difference in our area, and celebrated musician Wanda Houston is looking forward to shining a spotlight on some of them. Houston spearheads a concert that will simultaneously pay tribute and entertain, fulfilling one of her own personal dreams. "For the last five years, I've thought about doing this show," recently explained Houston. "I wanted to find a way to celebrate women who work so hard to make the Berkshires a better place for us all." Highlights of the concert promise to be Wanda Houston singing "You make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman," a brief monologue about Elizabeth Freeman spoken live with choreographed movement, the full cast opening the show together, and much, much, more. 
Join us March 24 for this celebration of amazing women! 
.
link in bio!
We are getting excited for our St. Patrick’s Day festivities here at BTG! The Young Dubliners, an American rock band who have been recording albums and touring since 1993 and whose style of music has come to be called Celtic Rock for the fusion of Irish traditional music with modern rock ‘n’ roll! They will be joined by Kilashandra, an award-winning Albany, NY–based band. They began meeting in fall 2021 as a group of friends getting together to play Celtic music in pubs and at regional Irish Festivals. Get your tickets now and join us for this awesome concert!
☀We announced our full summer season! We have some amazing shows coming up at BTG and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it! Follow the link in our bio to grab your tickets now!☀
UPDATE! Children's Auditions have been postponed to tomorrow night, March 1. Families that have registered should check their emails for more details. Thank you!
This is going to be SUCH a fun time! Twenty random volunteers from the audience will be put under hypnosis, their inhibitions evaporated and their minds no longer their own. The contestants will be methodically and hysterically whittled down until the five best are left on stage when one of the world’s leading improvisers enters! Colin Mochrie will take the stage to improvise with the top five while they are still under hypnosis, which will turn the show into an improv extravaganza! This show is March 25 and tickets are on sale now!
.
link in bio!
The band is joyous, and their stage is full of smiles and laughter, both during and between songs. Max Creek is engaging, sculpting lengthy shows on-the-fly from their 200+ song catalog with rockers, ballads, deep jams and crowd sing-alongs. Furthermore, Creek is, most definitely, a family. 40-odd years in, the audience is a multi-generational stew—it’s not uncommon to witness old-school “Creek Freeks” getting down with their teenage (or older!) kids. Grab your tickets for April 7 now!
The Togetherness Project was created with the aim of building bridges through the power of art between teens and young adults in the Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY) Program and local residents in need of support. The Project involved AIRY members visiting and making art in Pittsfield with women Veterans at Soldier On, women and children survivors of domestic abuse at Elizabeth Freeman Center, and adolescents of color in the R.O.P.E. program (Rites of Passage and Empowerment). Artworks include drip pour paintings, Satori circles, watercolor triptychs and symbolic self portrait paintings.
Artwork will be on view March 10 through April 6 with an opening reception on Tuesday March 14 from 4 to 6 pm.
We recognize that Ukraine has been fighting for democracy for one year today. We hope for a better year ahead.  Our hearts are heavy for all souls lost.
May Miller was an award-winning playwright, poet, and professor who first came to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance. Miller was the most published female playwright of the Harlem Renaissance and had nine of her twenty plays selected for publication during the height of her playwriting career. Miller helped establish the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, serving as Chair of the Literature Panel for the Commission’s first three terms. From her retirement from teaching in 1943 until her death in 1995, Miller dedicated herself to writing poetry, publishing nine books of poems, and one edition of collected works.
This Saturday at 7:30 we've got "Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook" starring Suzanne O Davis. She'll be playing all of your favorite songs live on stage!
.
link in bio!
Highlighting Berkshire women in the Arts, this show features performances by Gina Coleman, Olga Dunn Dance Co., Wanda Houston, Mary Ann Palermo and The All-Star Women’s Band, along with more of our extraordinary region’s unsung female heroes in the art, business, social and medical communities. Join us March 24 at 7:30pm for an evening of celebrating women of the Berkshires!
.
link in bio!
This Saint Patrick’s Day we will be feeling extra lucky! We’ve got The Young Dubliners with special guest Kilashandra and Scoil Rince Bréifne Ó Ruairc, the Irish Dance Team from right here in Pittsfield! The dancers will be performing before the show in The Garage from 6:30pm to 7:20pm!
We all need a good laugh, am I right? This show will do the trick! Grab your tickets now for the Ivy League of Comedy Tour on March 3rd.
.
link in bio!
Zora Neale Hurston was an American author and filmmaker. Her works focused on the struggles of being an African American woman and her writings went unrecognized for decades. She passed away in 1960 but between 2001 and 2018 she had 3 of her works released.
BTG has two audition opportunities coming up! Find out more through the link in our bio! 🤩
Follow Us