News & Articles

Beginnings of the Berkshire Theatre

The Berkshire Playhouse Blossoms As we head into the ninetieth year of production, it is important to remember the storied beginnings of Berkshire Theatre Festival.  Eva Le Gallienne was integral … Read On

The First Era: The Berkshire Playhouse

(L to R): Alexander Kirkland, Donald Meek, and F. Cowles Strickland in rehearsal for Rip Van Winkle, 1929. The first directors of The Berkshire Playhouse were recruited by Walter L. … Read On

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The theatre has existed from the time of the Greeks. We will go on.
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BTG recognizes the dedication and bravery of all our veterans this Veterans Day. Thank you endlessly to all veterans for your service.
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Now through November 30, join BTG in helping our neighbors around Berkshire County by participating in Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.'s Thankful Food Drive benefiting the Pittsfield Community Food Pantry! 🥫🥗🌽

Donations of non-perishable items (especially rice, canned soups and Spaghetti-O’s) and can openers can be made in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre or directly to the Pittsfield Community Food Pantry at 110 South Street, Pittsfield MA (the back of the United Church of Christ).
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Because of you, Berkshire Theatre Group has been voted as Best Live Theatre in The Berkshire Eagle's Best of The Berkshires Awards! Thank you for your endless support in helping us keep high quality theatre thriving in Berkshire County and beyond! ✨
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In BTG’s production of Metamorphoses, we meet Vertumnus, the god of seasons and change, as he persistently tries to catch the attention of Pomona, a beautiful but aloof wood-nymph. Devoted to her garden, the nymph does not pay any mind to Vertumnus, but he does not give up easily. Using his power to change his appearance, the god adopts many disguises, all in an attempt to seek her hand in love, but does he succeed? In Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, the story’s message of being true to yourself is portrayed with light-hearted humor and charm.

Witness this sweet, timeless myth, along with several others, on stage at The Unicorn Theatre by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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One of Ovid’s darkest tales in BTG's production of Metamorphoses, Myrrha is cursed with a forbidden passion for her father. Overcome by shame and despair, she flees and prays to the gods for escape. They answer by transforming her into a myrrh tree — her endless tears hardening into the resin we know by her name. In Zimmerman’s hands, this disturbing myth is treated with sensitivity, acknowledging its pain while illuminating themes of fate, transgression, and transformation.

Witness this tragic tale, along with other timeless Greek myths, in Metamorphoses by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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In BTG's production of Metamorphoses, based on several Greek myths, Eros (Cupid), the god of love, falls for Psyche, a mortal whose beauty rivals the gods. But their love is tested by secrecy and betrayal. Psyche, forbidden to look upon her husband’s face, succumbs to curiosity and nearly loses him forever. However, Psyche has a chance to win him back, but she must endure impossible trials set by Aphrodite (Venus), goddess of love and beauty, to do so. 

See this story of true love and resilience, as well as other timeless Greek myths, by getting your tickets to Metamorphoses today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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Did you know one of the most heartwarming myths in BTG's production of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses is the story of Baucis and Philemon? In Ovid’s collection of Greek mythology, this elderly couple shows extraordinary kindness when two strangers—Zeus (Jupiter) and Hermes (Mercury) in disguise—arrive at their humble door. Baucis and Philemon, who give them everything they can, are rewarded for their generosity: their cottage becomes a shining temple, and they receive their one last wish.

Come see this ancient story, as well as several others, reimagined on stage in Metamorphoses—where myths feel both timeless and utterly alive. Tickets are on sale now at berkshiretheatre.org
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THIS FRIDAY, join Bella's Bartok, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams & The Picky Bastards at The Colonial Theatre for a night of musical mayhem!

Grab your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and prepare to unleash your inner wild child!
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Every child wants to follow in a parent’s footsteps—but what happens when those footsteps scorch the sky? In a classic Greek myth, which is featured in BTG's production of Metamorphoses, Phaeton, the reckless son of the sun god Helios, demands to drive his father’s chariot across the sky for a day. Against better judgment, Helios consents, and Phaeton’s fiery ride quickly careens out of control, scorching the earth and nearly destroying the world. Mary Zimmerman presents this myth with humor and modern flair in Metamorphoses, using it as a satirical lens on youthful bravado, entitlement and the perils of power unchecked.

See this myth, along with several others, unfold in Metamorphoses at The Unicorn Theatre by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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In BTG's production of Metamorphoses, you’ll encounter the deeply moving story of Alcyone and Ceyx—a love strong enough to move the gods.

When Ceyx sets sail on a fateful voyage, a storm tragically claims his life at sea. Alcyone, stricken with grief, longs for him so fiercely that the gods take pity. In their compassion, they transform the couple into seabirds, allowing them to remain together forever, flying side by side above the waves. Tender and heartbreaking, this myth reminds us that even in loss, love can find a way to endure.

Witness their story, along with other timeless myths, reimagined on stage in Metamorphoses by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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BTG's production of Metamorphoses highlights perhaps the most famous love story and tale of longing and loss in Greek mythology: Orpheus and Eurydice. When Eurydice dies suddenly, Orpheus, gifted with music that can move gods and mortals alike, travels to the underworld to bring her back. The gods grant his wish on one condition: he must not look back at her until they’ve returned to the living world. 

Witness this classic, heartbreaking love story in Metamorphoses by getting your tickets today at berlshiretheatre.org.
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In BTG's production of Metamorphoses, we meet Erysichthon, a man consumed by arrogance, as he dares to cut down a sacred tree in Ceres’ grove. As punishment, the goddess curses him with unquenchable hunger. No matter how much he eats, his appetite only grows. Even to the point where he turns on himself... Both comic and grotesque, Zimmerman stages this myth as a cautionary fable about greed, desecration and the destruction that comes from never knowing when enough is enough.

Witness this myth, along with others, unfold on stage by getting your tickets to Metamorphoses today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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In BTG's production of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, you’ll meet King Midas—a man whose wish glittered far brighter than he imagined. Granted a favor by the gods, he asks that everything he touches turn to gold. At first, the gift dazzles him: walls, tables and treasures gleam at his fingertips. However, joy turns quickly to despair, and only then does Midas see the true cost of his desire.

See King Midas's story, along with other Greek myths, unfold on stage in Metamorphoses at the Unicorn by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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Missed your opportunity to buy your 2026 BTG 3-Show Theatre Pass? Now is your chance as they are back on sale through October 26! Purchase your pass today at berkshiretheatregroup.org/passes & get ready to experience another season of thrilling BTG productions. 

* BTG productions only. No additional discounts apply.
‡ Offer ends October 26, 2025.
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THIS FRIDAY at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Adam Ezra Group is bringing their dynamic mix of soaring melodies & gritty roots-rock energy to The Berkshires!

Don't miss out! Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org before time runs out!
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❄ Attention actors of all ages! ❄ BTG is seeking local, Non-Equity youth (Grades 4 and up) and adult actors of all ethnicities and genders for its upcoming community production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, running December 4–December 21 at The Unicorn Theatre. ⛄

Auditions (by appointment only) will take place on Tuesday, October 7 from 6pm–9pm with call backs as needed on Thursday, October 9 from 6–9pm. A special audition for youth (Grades 1–3) will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 6pm. All auditions and callbacks will be held at The Colonial Theatre.
 
Audition appointments must be made by 5pm on September 27, and can be scheduled by emailing Allison Rachele Bayles, Director of Education, at allison@berkshiretheatre.org.
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The cast of 2025 BTG PLAYS! Touring Show, Magic Tree House: Showtime with Shakespeare, has begun rehearsals at The Colonial Theatre, and BTG is thrilled to welcome back familiar faces, as well as welcome new ones, for a year of many laughs, fun and, of course, hip-hop! 🎤🎧🎶

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
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