Rocking and Rolling into the New Year!

2019 has been a year of growth and opportunity for Berkshire Theatre Group.
From record attendance numbers and expanded education programming to
historic renovations, 2019 was a year of new beginnings!

BTG’s Willy Wonka Kids, 2019. Photo by: Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS marked the first annual Fall Children’s Show at BTG. Featuring 140 elementary school students, this production helped to bring together children and families from across Berkshire County. The Fall Children’s Show came about as an extension of the annual Elementary and Middle School Spring Community Show, which started in 2018. These shows are a tradition that gained momentum this year and will continue in 2020 with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.

Cast of BTG’s production Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story, 2019. Photo by: Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware

2019 marked record numbers for Berkshire Theatre Group. Each year, BTG strives to provide meaningful, engaging, and provocative productions that connect with our patrons.

Claire Saunders, Harriet Harris and Marcus Gladney Jr. in BTG’s The Skin of Our Teeth, 2019. Photo by: Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

Connecting with more people each year not only allows for BTG to grow as an organization, but provides an opportunity to connect more deeply to the community and reach our vision to be a center for creative work that enriches, educates, invigorates, transforms, and strengthens our community for the better.

The newly renovated Thaddeus Clapp House at 74 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield.

Berkshire Theatre is proud to be a steward to historic buildings throughout Berkshire County. The renovation of The Thaddeus Clapp House began in 2015 with the help of many individuals as well as local and state grants. The renovation was completed in 2019! Funding has been provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, administered through a collaborative arrangement between Mass Development and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Additionally, the restoration of The Thaddeus Clapp House Porch was funded through the City of Pittsfield’s Community Preservation Act program.

Through the Community Preservation Act Program Berkshire Theatre Group has been able to provide necessary preservation measures to our treasured historic buildings. In 2019, the Stockbridge Community Preservation Act Program generously funded the addition of a ramp (to replace the chair lift) at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage to ensure access for all patrons. They also funded needed repairs to the historic Front Facade, restoring the Playhouse and ensuring that all of Stanford White’s beautiful architectural features shine. Also this year, the Pittsfield Community Preservation Act Program provided funding to repair the roof at The Colonial Theatre. The repairs ensured that The Colonial would continue to provide live performances for the community year-round.

With all of this growth and change, it became clear that a new internal structure was necessary to help cultivate support for each of these programs and historic structures. A new development team was hired: Kim Krautter, Director of Donor Services & Hospitality; Brian Marshall, Director of Donor Relations & Assistant to the Artistic Director, CEO; Lillian Lee, Director of Grants and Campaigns & Accessibility Coordinator; Olivia Melillo, Development Assistant; and Jacey Rae Russell, Marketing and Development Assistant. Each member of the team brings a unique set of skills and perspectives that complement each other. With a renewed digital strategy, focused campaigns, and greater attention to the unique needs of each individual patron BTG is ready to head into the new year! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us in 2019!

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Of the 16,000 Berkshire County school children, we serve 13,000 through our BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Educational Programs.
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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

Now through July 12, BTG is proud to partner with the Guild of Berkshire Artists in displaying their art show, "Creative Diversity,” in The Colonial Theatre lobby. The exhibit consists of ten works of art selected from Guild of Berkshire Artist applicants by a jury, and each piece is available for purchase and viewing Tuesdays-Saturdays from 12-5pm, as well as during Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.'s First Fridays Artwalks.

Come visit the exhibition to see the work of talented, local artists!
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TOMORROW at The Colonial Theatre, experience Joni Mitchell's extraordinary music, all the way from her early folk roots to pop masterpieces and jazz-inspired compositions, brought to life by Big Yellow Taxi!

Time is running out, so purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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BTG's summer season officially began yesterday morning as the cast of The Elephant Man began rehearsals at The Colonial Theatre. We are excited to work with this incredible group of artists and look forward to seeing the talent they will bring to The Unicorn Theatre later this month!

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
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This Saturday, Bob Marley's legendary band, The Wailers, will bring classic hits like "One Love" and "Redemption Song" to The Colonial Theatre! ✨🎸

Ticket prices go up the day of the show, so purchase tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today to get a $10 discount off each ticket in advance!
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We’re going LIVE! ✨🎥 

News Channel 13 is broadcasting the evening news LIVE from Pittsfield this Friday, May 2—and they’re kicking things off at 4pm from inside The Colonial Theatre!

Tune in for a special pre-taped feature all about the Colonial’s incredible history and what’s next for this landmark. Tune in and see the Colonial take center stage!
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This Friday, May 2, Korean-American comedian Henry Cho is bringing his clean, clever humor and hilarious observations on life, family and culture to The Colonial Theatre!

Grab your tickets now at berkshiretheatre.org and get ready for unforgettable evening of laughter and fun with friends, family or even just yourself!
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Don't miss Lady Supreme, an immersive celebration of the music, style, and legacy of Diana Ross, at The Colonial Theatre this Saturday night!

Purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and experience breathtaking, spot-on renditions of Diana Ross’ greatest hits by singer Deanna Carroll and an elite ensemble of singers and musicians!
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HYPROV, returning THIS SATURDAY to The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, promises a hilarious, imaginative and utterly unpredictable night of comedy, starring improv legend Colin Mochrie and master hypnotist Assad Mecci!

Get your tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today before its too late!
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Thank you to Mr. Shaun Kennedy and Morris Elementary School in Lenox, MA for the warm welcome for the cast and crew of the 2024-2025 BTG PLAYS! Touring Show production, Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, before their performance at the school last Friday. Our pirate crew is appreciative of all of you! 🦜💙

Magic Tree House On Stage
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Time is running out to purchase tickets to The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue, performing the greatest hits from the golden era of 1950s Doo Wop LIVE at The Colonial Theatre THIS SUNDAY!

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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BTG is saddened to know that Alan Filderman passed away on March 19. For many years, he was the casting director for Berkshire Theatre Group. In 2020, with choreographer Gerry McIntyre, he directed Godspell in the height of the Covid pandemic under a tent outdoors at The Colonial Theatre. As someone once said, "Everything's more fun with Alan." Alan Filderman loved the theatre, whatever stage door through which he has now passed, may he find peace.
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Looking for summer vacation plans? BTG is once again offering one-week summertime theatre class sessions for young actors in Grades 1-8 from June through August! To register for classes ($500/session. Need-based scholarships are available), please email Allison Rachele Bayles at allison@berkshiretheatre.org. 

2025 Summertime Classes Schedule:
• June 23-27 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 4-6)
• July 7-11 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 1-3)
• August 4-8 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 4-6)
• August 11-15 - The Unicorn Theatre (Grades 1-3)
• August 18-22 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 6-8)

To learn more, please visit https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/performing-arts-for-young-people/#summertime-classes
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LAST CHANCE to purchase your tickets to The Best of the 70s, performing LIVE this Saturday, March 22 at The Colonial Theatre! Experience the greatest decade of music like never before with hits by Elton John, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and many more.

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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This past Saturday, the mighty cast of BTG's Matilda The Musical JR. began rehearsals for their upcoming performances this April at The Colonial Theatre. All of us at BTG are thrilled to see the strength and magic all these young actors will bring on stage! ✨

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
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On March 22 at The Colonial Theatre, come see why audiences are praising The Best of the 70s as "amazing from start to finish!” The show is brought to life by the dynamic band DizzyFish, joined by the legendary Uptown Horns, creating an experience that will have you singing and dancing along to every song!

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
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