Pittsfield, MA – Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Artistic Director, CEO Kate Maguire are thrilled to announce the company for the upcoming production of Out of Character, the deeply personal and profoundly moving solo play written and performed by Tony Award winner Ari’el Stachel. Directed by the acclaimed Tony Taccone, this innovative production returns to The Unicorn Theatre after its powerful debut at BTG’s Festival of New Jewish Plays last summer.
At The Unicorn Theatre
Berkshire Theatre Group Presents
The Berkeley Repertory Theatre Production of
Out of Character
written & performed by Ari’el Stachel
directed by Tony Taccone
on The Larry Vaber Stage
at The Unicorn Theatre
Previews: Monday, June 30 at 7pm & Tuesday, July 1 at 7pm
Opening/Press Night: Wednesday, July 2 at 7pm
Closing: Saturday, July 26 at 7pm
Tickets: Preview: $60
Tickets: $90 Premium & $75 Standard
ABOUT
Out of Character offers an intimate journey through identity, mental health and self-acceptance. Written and performed by Ari’el Stachel, who won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in The Band’s Visit, the play is both heartfelt and humorous, blending vulnerability and uplifting storytelling. Directed by Tony Taccone, renowned for commissioning Angels in America and his groundbreaking work at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the production challenges, inspires and celebrates the beauty of embracing one’s true self.
The play has been praised as “a compelling exploration of identity and self-acceptance” by The Washington Post, showcasing Stachel’s unique ability to connect deeply with audiences through his “riveting and deeply personal performance.”
This fully realized production marks an exciting continuation of Out of Character’s journey from Berkeley Rep to the Berkshires, promising an unforgettable night of theatre that resonates universally.
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
Written & Performed by Ari’el Stachel
Directed by Tony Taccone
Scenic Designer Afsoon Pajoufar
Costume Designer Maggi Yule
Lighting & Projections Designer Alexander V. Nichols
Sound Designer, Dramaturg Madeleine Oldham
Stage Manager Tina Shackleford
Ari’el Stachel (Playwright, Performer) is a Tony Award-winning actor and writer. He recently completed filming the lead role in the upcoming feature Death Do Us Part. His film credits include Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling (Warner Bros.) and A24’s Zola. On television, he has appeared in Law & Order: SVU, Billions, Jessica Jones, Blue Bloods, and The Night Agent. Ari’el received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Haled in The Band’s Visit on Broadway, a performance that also earned Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk nominations during its Off-Broadway run. Out of Character began at Berkeley Rep, is now playing at Berkshire Theatre Group, and looks forward to its next productions on the horizon. A loosely related spin-off—same universe, fewer rules—lives on Instagram @arielstachel.
Tony Taccone (Director) served as Artistic Director of Berkeley Rep for 22 years, during which time the theatre produced more than 70 world, American and West Coast premieres and sent 24 shows to New York, two to London and one to Hong Kong. Most recently he directed The Harder They Come by Suzan Lori-Parks and Kiss My Aztec, which he co-wrote with John Leguizamo. He has directed new work by Tony Kushner, Julia Cho, Lemony Snicket, Culture Clash, David Edgar, Danny Hoch, Sarah Jones, Carrie Fisher and Itamar Moses. Two of his shows, Continental Divide and Tiny Kushner, transferred to London and three have landed on Broadway: Bridge & Tunnel, Wishful Drinking, and Latin History for Morons. Prior to working at Berkeley Rep, Tony served as Artistic Director of Eureka Theatre, where he commissioned Tony Kushner’s legendary Angels in America and co-directed its world premiere. His regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arena Stage, Center Theatre Group, the Guthrie Theater, the La Jolla Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and The Public Theater.
Madeleine Oldham (Sound Designer, Dramaturg) is a sound designer based in Oakland, CA. You can hear her on UC Berkeley’s KALX radio as DJ Madame X. Madeleine believes that stories hold power for both good and evil and it’s up to us to keep this knowledge close and use it well. She also understands that the best sport is ice hockey, and wiener dogs are the embodiment of joy.
Tina Shackleford (Stage Manager) is excited to join Berkshire Theatre Group for Out of Character. Her stage management credits include productions at theatres across the country, including the recent premieres of Salvage at Opera House Arts, Sheepdog at Contemporary American Theatre Festival and I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams for Resonance Works Pittsburgh, as well as three seasons of A Christmas Story for Pittsburgh Public Theater. For USITT she is a founding member and Programming Coordinator for the EDI Initiative and former Management Commissioner. Tina teaches Stage Management at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and is a proud member of Actors Equity.
Season Discounts & Ticket Information
BTGY (Young Adult)
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 can purchase one ticket to any BTG produced show for $30 (fees included). This offer is available by phone or in person only. Additionally, one BTG presented show ticket may be purchased for 10% off the single ticket price (rental events not included).
EBT Card to Culture Program
The EBT Card to Culture program in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Department of Transitional Assistance, is available to anyone with EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare Insurance. This offer includes four tickets for performances or events at The Colonial Theatre and two tickets for performances at The Unicorn Theatre per household at the rate of $5 each. All additional fees are waived. Tickets are subject to availability as seating is limited. This offer is available by phone or in person only.
Berkshire Resident
Full-time Berkshire residents receive a 25% discount to any Friday BTG produced show. Limit two tickets per patron per performance. Exclusions include previews, openings and special events. Tickets must be purchased by phone or in person at our box office. A valid Berkshire County driver’s license is required when picking up tickets.
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) members are eligible for a discount of 20% off orders to any BTG show. Education is a core value of BTG, and we appreciate those who are doing the work in our community. To redeem this discount, mention it while ordering over the phone at 413-997-4444, or in person at our box office.
Military Personnel
U.S military personnel, veterans and their immediate families are eligible for a discount of 20% off orders to any BTG show to extend our gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving our country in the US armed forces. To redeem this discount, mention it while ordering over the phone at 413-997-4444, or in person at our box office.
AAA
AAA members are eligible for 10% off on orders to any BTG show. To redeem this discount, mention it while ordering over the phone at 413-997-4444, or in person at our box office.
Tickets for all of BTG’s productions are on sale now. All plays, schedules, casting and prices are subject to change. To purchase tickets, visit www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org or contact the Box Office by calling 413-997-4444.
The Box Office is open Tuesday through Sunday 12pm-5pm or on any performance day from 12pm until curtain. BTG’s Pittsfield Campus is located at 111 South Street, (The Colonial Theatre) Pittsfield, MA. The Box Office at the Unicorn is open on performance dates only. BTG’s Stockbridge Campus is located at 6 East Street, (The Unicorn Theatre) Stockbridge, MA.
About Berkshire Theatre Group
The Colonial Theatre, founded in 1903, and Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928, are two of the oldest cultural organizations in the Berkshires. In 2010, under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, the two organizations merged to form Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG). Berkshire Theatre Group’s mission is to support wide ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment. Every year, BTG produces and presents performances to over 68,000 attendees and, through our Educational Program, serves over 10,000 Berkshire County school children annually. In July 2020, Berkshire Theatre was the first company in the United States to earn approval from Actors’ Equity Association to produce a musical (Godspell) in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In 2028, Berkshire Theatre Group will celebrate 100 years of theatre.