By Kate Maguire, Artistic Director, CEO
All of us at Berkshire Theatre Group want to thank you, our patrons, for joining us in 2021 as we continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape. Through your support and attendance, we were able to come together and laugh, listen to music, journey to new lands, learn about our history, and discover what it means to be human.
Claire Saunders and Harriet Harris in The Importance of Being Earnest, 2021. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.
In many ways, I think that 2021 may have been more complicated than 2020. The virus continues to upend plans and demand course corrections. And yet, at Berkshire Theatre Group there is a remarkable group of individuals working daily that have learned to collaborate through these serious and critical days. It is the spirit of collaboration that our staff and trustees bring to our efforts for which I am most grateful.
J.P. Prescott’s Traveling Medicine Show Under the Big Tent at the Colonial Theatre, 2021. Photo by Jacey Rae Russell.
As actors who take their place on cue, thoughtfully study their roles, and energize characters to life, so too does the team that plans and executes behind the scenes. Designers, directors, technicians, stage management, administration, front of house, directors on our board and all performers are driven by passion and commitment. This commitment is founded on a shared belief that the arts are a source of good for our world.
L to R: Lillian Colvin, Shayne Haley, and Hanna Koczela in The Wizard of Oz at BTG, 2021. Photo by Jacey Rae Russell.
I leave it to each individual who works for our theatre and to our audience to reflect and measure the impact each show may bring to their lives. Ours is not an individual sport, we depend on team effort. The respect, hard work, and kindness that brings our work to fruition is inspiring.
L to R: Sasha Hutchings, Felicia Curry, Darlesia Cearcy, and Najah Hetsberger in Nina Simone: Four Women at BTG, 2021. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.
I’ve learned that our ability to react and be open to change is our most valuable skill set and so the future? I hope we find our path out of this pandemic soon. But I have learned over the past two years that we will find our way to more music, theatre, and dance no matter the odds.
The cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at BTG, 2021. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.
I don’t think any of us are comfortable in this current world, but I saw audiences leave White Christmas with real joy on their faces. All of us knew we had succeeded in bringing some relief and happiness to our community. I look forward to knowing that feeling again.
