EASTHAMPTON, MA — Easthampton Theater Company, in keeping with its vision to become a community destination and resource for theatrical arts, has started two weeks of youth theater programming funded largely through a DCR Summer Nights grant. The DCR Summer Nights program is a free, community-based initiative by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) providing recreationaland educational activities for young people in urban areas across the state. It aims tofoster community engagement, personal development, and a connection with nature
during the summer months.
“Last year, we were fortunate to receive pilot Summer Nights funding via Mad Science, an organization that has had multiple years of experience delivering arts and science Summer Nights programming.” – explained Michael Budnick, President and co-founder of Easthampton Theater Company, “The one-week introduction to theater arts in 2024 was a great success, as surveys showed youth and parents were thrilled with the content and eager for more.”
The concept is unique: unlike many area youth theater programs that typically emphasize and culminate in performance of a large theatrical production, ETC’s Summer Nights program is an inclusive exploration of theatrical arts, including acting, dance, tech, introduction to monologue, audition tips and tactics, improv and theater games. The program is designed to give kids a taste of many aspects of theater, both on and off stage, and also includes “specials” – which are guest appearances by established theater artists both in person and via Zoom. The program is directed by Eva Husson-Stockhamer, a long- established Valley theater director and educator and ETC’s Vice President, She is joined this year by four assistant instructors, all of whom are experienced educators and theater enthusiasts. The program runs for two weeks, with a different group of kids each week. PO Box 885, Easthampton, MA 01027 info@easthamptontheater.com www.easthamptontheater.com
The diversity of the participants is also one of its strengths and allure: the program advertises for and draws kids from Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield and Holyoke. This year, with additional funding from Easthampton Cultural Council, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and ETC itself, these participants can be joined by a contingent from Easthampton as well as from surrounding communities in Western Mass. The program also relies on the generosity of Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, which is providing access to their state-of-the-art, 250-seat theater and black box theater/classroom. Use of these facilities and the addition of new staff have helped the program to expand from 21 kids in 2024 to 60-70 kids his year, all between the ages of 12-17. “We’re excited to have ETC and Summer Nights at Williston this year,” says Director of Summer Programs Kevin Burke. “Williston has a long history of theater, and it’s great to be a part of bringing even more youth theater arts programs to Easthampton.”
Easthampton Theater Company continues to create a buzz within the emerging live performance scene in Easthampton and throughout the region. Established in 2022, the company has produced relevant and popular theater productions that are moving, thrilling, comical and thought-provoking. With five successful and largely sold-out production runs now under its belt, the company has embarked on the next phase of its mission as a community theater: youth education and participation in the theatrical arts.
About Easthampton Theater Company:
Easthampton Theater Company was created by Easthampton and nearby residents to bring
quality community and regional theater productions to the city. Its founding board and members are dedicated to establishing community-based live theater productions, theater education and related events as a premier destination for the Valley.