BASIC Berkshires

Tinker Tots
2024-06-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA, 012201
Come tinker and explore with the library and Pittsfield’s CFCE!
Each week children ages 0-2 (siblings welcome) and their caregivers engage in child-centered play, art, music, storytime, and sensory activities to encourage social, fine and gross motor, and pre-literacy skills.
¡Venga a jugar y explorar con la biblioteca y el CFCE de Pittsfield! Cada semana, los niños y sus cuidadores participan en juegos, arte, música, lectura de cuentos y actividades sensoriales centradas en los niños.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult 18+ at all times.
For more information call the Children’s Library: 413-499-9480, ext. 5.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum.
Attendance at library programs constitutes consent to be photographed; photos may be used in print or electronic publicity for the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Preschool Play & Learn
2024-06-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA, 012201
Join Miss Jenn from Pittsfield’s CFCE for Preschool Play & Learn Thursday mornings at 10 am. Preschool Play & Learn is a parent/child program that is centered around a theme from children’s literature and integrates preliteracy, math, and fine and gross motor skills. There are a variety of exploration stations for children 3 to 5 years old to discover.
Una variedad de oportunidades de exploración para niños de 3 a 5 años. Facilitado por el CFCE de Pittsfield.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult 18+ at all times.
For more information call the Children’s Library: (413) 499–9480, ext. 203 or Jenn Faulconer, CFCE Coordinator at (413) 441–0974.
The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant is funded through the Department of Early Education and Care.
Attendance at library programs constitutes consent to be photographed; photos may be used in print or electronic publicity for the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Community Day
2024-05-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, 01240
Shakespeare & Company will host a free, family-friendly Community Day on its campus in Lenox, Mass. on Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring food, music, and several other Berkshire-based nonprofits on hand to share the myriad ways each serves the region.
Company Manager Natalie Love explained that this new endeavor is designed to offer an accessible event for all Berkshire County residents, and to foster greater awareness of Berkshire County’s nonprofit resources including cultural institutions, education programs, professional development opportunities, health and human services, and others.
The event’s entertainment will include a drag story-hour, a performance by the Eagles Band Trombone Ensemble, and guided talks about Shakespeare & Company’s season, in addition to theater games for kids. CHP Berkshires will be present with a mobile health unit to offer their health services, and local food trucks La Chalupa Y La Enchilada, BB’s Hot Spot, and Charlie’s Bistro Bus will sell food throughout the day. Water will be provided for free, and Josie’s Place, a full-service bar at the Tina Packer Playhouse lobby, will be open for beverage purchases.
Nonprofits such as Ventfort Hall, Lenox Library, Drag Story Hour Berkshires, and UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Western Massachusetts have signed on to participate. Local organizations interested in participating at Community Day may fill out an interest form. For more information, visit shakespeare.org, or call (413) 637-1199, ext. 339.

Moving Life Stories (Pittsfield)
2024-05-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-04-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Berkshire Family YMCA, 292 North St, Pittsfield, 01201
Open to all ages; FREE
Pittsfield Series:
Tuesdays, Apr 4 – May 23
6-8pm
Location: Pittsfield YMCA
292 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
To express interest or get in touch, please contact berkshire.pulse@gmail.com or call 413-274-6624.
Moving Life Stories (MLS) is a creative movement class created for and geared toward the immigrant population and their allies in the Berkshires. MLS provides opportunities to share personal journeys, stories, and connections to places past and present through movement games, exercises, dancing, and community building.
In this series of workshops, we will learn various ways to tell and embody our stories through play, creative movement, and the creation of mini-dances. No prior movement experience is required, and the class is appropriate for all ages.
A Spanish-speaking interpreter will be present, childcare is provided, and transportation can be arranged.
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Historias de Vida en Movimiento es una clase de movimiento creativo creado para la comunidad inmigrante en los Berkshire. La clase brinda la oportunidad de compartir experiencias personales e historias de y conexiones con lugares de su pasado y presente a través del movimiento, ejercicios, baile y construcción de comunidad.
En esta serie de talleres aprenderemos varios métodos para contar y expresar nuestras historias a través del juego, movimiento creativo, y la creación de bailes cortos. No se requiere experiencia previa y la clase es apta para todas las edades.
Un traductor de habla hispana estará presente y se puede organizar el transporte gratuito.

Faithful Friends: Community Dog Day at Norman Rockwell Museum
2024-05-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Road Route 183, Stockbridge, MA, 01262, United States
Free!
Join us for a Community Dog Day inspired by Norman Rockwell and his love for dogs.
Enjoy dog demonstrations, themed activities all day, therapy dog story time, raffles & prizes, caricatures, and opportunities to show off your Faithful Friends! Meet dog-loving Berkshire businesses and find dog-themed merchandise.
We are pleased to partner with the Great Barrington Kennel Club (GBKC) & Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) for this fun day!
RSVP to be entered to win a free dual plus membership Norman Rockwell Museum, with reciprocal admission to thousands of other museum across the country, and a special dog-themed gift bag!
11:30am – 12:00pm: Rockwell Dog Show
Arrive ten minutes prior to fill out an entry ticket for your dog’s category.
Prizes for: Most Rockwellian Dog, Best Smile, Dog-Owner Look-Alike, Dog with the Waggiest Tail
Canine Good Citizenship Demonstration: A 10-skill Certification that teaches good manners essential for any dog, and responsible dog ownership practices.
Scent Work – The Nose Knows! The sport that celebrates the joy of sniffing! Learn how to turn your dog’s favorite activity into a rewarding game.
Trick Dog Paw-ty! Is your dog the entertainment at every party? GBKC & BHS trainers demonstrate the various Tricks your dog can learn and show off yours!
Rally Obstacle Course A fun family sport to show off you and your dogs’ teamwork! Navigate a course side by side, doing tricks along the way and avoiding distractions.
Meet the Breeds at the Great Barrington Kennel Club Tent!
This event will be held outside, rain or shine, on the Norman Rockwell Museum campus. Please bring dogs who are comfortable around large groups of people and other dogs, and always keep them leashed on a non-retractable lead. This event is fully outdoors, please enjoy the grounds with your faithful friends, and refrain from leaving pets unattended in vehicles.
Dogs with an AKC registration can receive titles for Trick and Scent Work at the Great Barrington Kennel Club Tent after participating in each area trial.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
2024-05-04 19:00 - 21:30 | Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA, 01230
$8 / $5 ages 12 and under
ConnectorCare/WIC/EBT Card to Culture*

Experience the triumph of the Force in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. In the epic conclusion of the original trilogy, the Empire prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, while the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor. (PG, 2h, 11min.)
Image: © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
*We accept ConnectorCare/WIC/EBT cards! Four free tickets to movies or HD broadcasts per individual.

Hike The Boulders Trail, Dalton Massachusetts
2024-04-29 08:30 - 11:30
This walk is offered specifically to Spanish speakers and those interested in Spanish immersion.
The Boulders’ 645 acres offer more than six miles of trails, in addition to the spectacular boulders that give the area its name and offer views to the west. At this gathering, we will take the Blue Trail, approximately 3.2 km round trip, on a wooden path that leads to the summit of The Boulders.
Rain date: Sunday, May 5

Hike The Boulders Trail, Dalton Massachusetts
2024-04-28 08:30 - 11:00
This hike is specifically offered to Spanish speakers and those interested in Spanish immersion.
The Boulders’ 645 acres offer more than six miles of trails, in addition to the spectacular boulders that give the area its name and offer a view to the west. On this hike we will take the Blue Trail, approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) round-trip, on an old wooden path that leads to the summit of The Boulders.
Rain Date: Sunday, May 5

Shakespeare & Co Center for Actor Training Weekend Intensive
2024-04-21 10:30 - 16:30, 2024-04-20 10:30 - 16:30, 2024-04-19 10:30 - 16:30 | Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, 01240
Shakespeare & Company will host a Weekend Intensive at its Lenox, Massachusetts campus from April 19 – 21, designed for professional actors and theater students who seek an introduction to Shakespeare & Company’s training methods, as well as alumni who wish to refresh and reconnect with the work.
Designed for professional actors and theater students who seek an introduction to Shakespeare & Company’s training methods, as well as alumni who wish to refresh and reconnect, Shakespeare & Company’s Weekend Intensives integrate voice, movement, and monologue work. Rigorous attention is paid to identifying and offering skills specific to the needs of the participants throughout the weekend.
This Intensive will be led by the Center for Actor Training’s Director Sheila Bandyopadhyay, Producing Associate and Designated Linklater Voice Teacher Ariel Bock, and Training Programs Manager Kristen Moriarty. Tuition is $385, and scholarships are available for BIPOC artists. Alumni and union member discounts are also available.
For more information or to apply, visit shakespeare.org or call 413.637.1199, ext. 114.
Shakespeare & Company’s Center For Actor Training
The aesthetic of Shakespeare & Company was created within the training devised by Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer and a cadre of expert teachers. It is through these programs that the aesthetic is continually investigated, redefined, and reinvigorated, and that welcomes actors, directors, writers, and teachers from all over the world to work with the Company’s faculty. Through the Center for Actor Training, Shakespeare & Company’s performance artists, education artists, and artist managers develop a common artistic vocabulary and a coherent approach to performing Shakespeare.
Faculty Bios
Sheila Bandyopadhyay is the Director of Training for Shakespeare & Company, leading its Center for Actor Training. A director, deviser, movement specialist, Alexander Technique, and yoga teacher, Bandyopadhyay has been part of the faculty at Shakespeare & Company since 2007. Her Movement Direction credits include Macbeth (The Humanist Project); Mother Courage and her Children, The Cherry Orchard (American Academy of Dramatic Arts Company); Hamlet, Measure for Measure (NYU Gallatin), and Twelfth Night (FSU Conservatory/Asolo Rep). She has directed shows in New York at the Brick, the United Solo Festival (Theater Row), the Tank, the Women in Theater Festival (the Gural), the West End Theater, and the 72nd St Theater Lab. Bandyopadhyay’s favorite roles include Stephano in The Tempest (Stages on the Sound), Tamora in Titus Andronicus (The Humanist Project), and Bianca/Grumio in The Taming of the Shrew (Tempest Ladies). She is a proud member of the Humanist Project and a sponsored artist with Leviathan Lab.
Ariel Bock has been an actor, director and voice teacher at Shakespeare & Company for more than 20 years, she’s served as Artistic Associate and Producing Associate, and has been on the faculty as an acting or voice teacher at Dartmouth College, Smith College, and MIT, and has led many workshops both for professional and pre-professional actors and for those interested in Theater-in-Education.
Kristen Moriarty is a teaching artist, actor, mom, sentimentalist, and an infinite seeker of thinking and feeling deeply. After earning her BFA in Acting/Dance at Adelphi University, she worked as an actor and movement choreographer in Chicago for several years before going back to school to pursue an MFA in acting/teaching at the University of Montana. In 2011, while earning her MFA, she also began her actor training with Shakespeare & Company where she fell in love with Shakespeare’s language and its capacity to reveal the truth; the power of listening, honesty, and being present; and the Berkshires. Under the guidance of her teaching mentors Dennis Krausnick and Andrew Borthwick-Leslie, she began her journey as a teacher trainee with the Company in 2017, and joined the multi-hyphenate and exceptional faculty at Shakespeare & Company in 2022 where she currently teaches Text, Basics, and Weekend workshops. Passionate about contributing to brave spaces and creating a more just and welcoming theatre, and society, for all people, Kristen loves working with actors who are curious—about themselves and the world—and helping facilitate personal growth and deepening belief in self. A boundless student, Kristen is grateful to continue learning from her students, colleagues, and certainly her daughters, and hopes to become a Designated Linklater Teacher someday.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Open-caption Performance
2024-04-20 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, 01240
Shakespeare & Company presents a series of open–caption performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare.
Open-captioned shows, accessible to Deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members, feature projection screens above and to the sides of the stage that display the actors’ lines via “supertitles.” These shows are family-friendly and patrons of all ages are welcome to attend.
Four performances will be staged during public school’s April Vacation Week:
– Wednesday, April 17 at 2 pm
– Thursday, April 18 at 7 pm
– Friday, April 19 at 7 pm
– Saturday, April 20 at 2 pm, including Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash
The Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare reaches more than 20,000 students, teachers, and audience members each year, and has been part of Shakespeare & Company’s repertoire since 1982.
