Dear Friends,
There are places that hold the heartbeat of a community—their walls resonating with the laughter, tears and applause of generations. For Berkshire Theatre Group, that place has always been The Playhouse.
Since its origins in 1887 as the Stockbridge Casino, the remarkable Stanford White building has been a home for artistry and imagination. Pulled by horses to its present home in 1928 and reborn as the Stockbridge Playhouse, it became a beacon for creative pioneers. From the great Eva Le Gallienne to Katharine Hepburn’s early apprenticeship, from Ted Shawn dancing on its lawn to the countless groundbreaking productions that have shaped the American theatre—the legacy of The Playhouse is unmatched.
Today, we stand at another extraordinary moment. As we look toward 2028 and a new century of growth, we envision The Playhouse not only as a theatre, but as a living canvas for storytelling, history and innovation. In partnership with the visionary experience designers at Dome Collective, we are preparing to reimagine the space with state-of-the-art immersive technologies that will blend seamlessly with the building’s stunning original architecture. This transformation will allow us to share the rich cultural and historical narratives of the Berkshires in ways never before possible.
The Playhouse will once again become a vibrant gathering place—a meeting space to explore bold theatrical creations, imaginative exhibits and community celebrations that connect us to each other and to the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds us.
We cannot do this alone. Your belief in the power of theatre and your love for this special place can help write the next chapter of its story. Together, we will ensure that the spirit of “the show must go on” endures for generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude and boundless excitement,
Kate Maguire
Artistic Director, CEO
