The Berkshires is the perfect compliment of nature and culture. The ways in which the natural landscape augment the viewing experience at the regional performing arts attractions is very apparent if one is to visit the views of the rolling Berkshire Hills of Tanglewood or the sylvan beauty of Becket's Jacob's Pillow. Here are some of the top venues in the area including some lesser-known performing arts venues scattered throughout the Berkshires where you can get a real feel for the locals and their special relationship to this place.
Photo: Jacobs Pillow Dance
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Photo: Berkshire Theatre Group
Berkshire Theater Group- The Colonial Theatre
111 South Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield (780 seats) was built in 1903 and re-opened in 2006, following a $21 million restoration. This stage boasts pristine acoustics, classic gilded age architecture and state of the art technical systems and hosts family entertainment, comedy, live music and more year round. Located in the lobby of the Colonial is THE GARAGE. Its name pays homage to its former owner, Berkshire Auto Co. This newly developed venue, complete with stage, lights and sound system, is our dedicated space for local and regional music and comedy performers and others.
Insider's Tip: Some of the best concerts in the Berkshires can be found at The Colonial. Be sure to check their calendar.
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Photo: Berkshire Theatre Group
Berkshire Theatre Group- Unicorn Theatre
6 East St., Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262Founded in 1928, the Berkshire Theatre Group is one of the oldest performing arts groups in the region. Over the years, the group has produced over 500 productions including revivals, classics and originals. The festival is housed both at The Colonial and at The Fitzpatrick Mainstage (314 seats), founded in 1928, is the ultimate "summer theatre." This iconic building, designed by Stanford White, helped establish the Berkshires as a cultural destination. Each summer, the finest in classical theatre and world premieres are produced on our historic stage.There is also the very unique Unicorn Theatre (122 seats), a theatrical jewel, is the home for new and emerging artists, and challenging and thoughtful work.
Insider's Tip: Don't miss the chance to see one of their premieres. Writers at the BTF have won Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes.
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Photo: Jacobs Pillow Dance
Jacob's Pillow Dance
358 George Carter Rd, Becket, Massachusetts 01223Jacob’s Pillow is lauded worldwide as a “hub and mecca of dancing” (TIME Magazine), “one of America’s most precious cultural assets” (Mikhail Baryshnikov), and “the dance center of the nation” (The New York Times). “The Pillow” is a treasured 220-acre National Historic Landmark, a recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts, and home to America’s longest-running international dance festival. Each year thousands of people from across the U.S. and around the globe visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts to experience the Festival with more than 50 dance companies and 200 free performances, talks, and events; train at The School at Jacob's Pillow, one of the most prestigious professional dance training centers in the U.S.
Insider's Tip: Bring layers of clothing and be prepared to be in the outdoors.
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Lichtenstein Center for the Arts
28 Renne Ave, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201If you are looking for a more local feel, this is a great spot to check out for events. The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a community arts center housed in a historic building in Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District. Inside, there's an exhibiting art gallery and performance area, workshops, working artist studios, a ceramic studio and a darkroom. The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts features performances and readings by a variety of musicians, dancers, actors and poets, like the Town Players of Pittsfield, Berkshire Jazz and other community institutions.
Insider's Tip: You can expect work with a lot of heart at this venue.
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MASS MoCA
87 Marshall St., North Adams, Massachusetts 01247An essential and integral part of MASS MoCA’s mission are the more than 40 weekends of live events staged year-round, including popular music, contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, world music dance parties, outdoor silent films with live music, documentaries, avant-garde theater, and music festivals. Over 500 artists have participated in extensive artist-in-residence and technical workshops.
Insider's Tip: Get your tickets early! Events here usually sell-out fast.
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Shakespeare & Company
70 Kemble St., Lenox, Massachusetts 01240Have you ever been intimidated by attending a Shakespeare play and actually understanding what is going on? For the new and those with very critical tastes, Shakespeare & Company does not disappoint. The mission of Shakespeare & Company is to deliver a sustainable, integrated, and vital program of Performance, Training, and Education for the audience, the artist, the Company, and the community. We embrace the classical ideals and visceral experience of Shakespeare’s work: collaboration, commitment to language, physical prowess and the embodied voice.
Insider's Tip: Be sure to appreciate the costumes at this theatre. They are spectacular.
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Photo: Jon Titus
Tanglewood
297 West St., Lenox, Massachusetts 01240Founded in 1937, the grounds of Tanglewood are absolutely stunning, to say nothing about the performances. This is the summer home in the Berkshires of the Boston Symphony Orchestra & the Tanglewood Music Center. The venue hosts a spectacular lineup of musical guests and programs from classical music icons to the local folk legend, James Taylor.
Insider's Tip: Be sure to pack a picnic. A frisbee is always a plus too!
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The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is South County's leading theatre which is the year-round presenter of performing arts, film, educational and family programs for the Berkshires and neighboring communities. Through programs of the highest quality in dance, music, theatre and opera, they offer a diverse line-up at this beautifully restored historic theater.
Insider's Tip: Be sure to check out one of Heather Fisch's performing arts pieces here. They always sell-out but are a local favorite!
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Whitney Center For the Arts
42 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201Another gem for small, local events, the Whitney Center for the Arts was established by Pittsfield native Lisa Whitney in 2012, saving and creatively reusing the historic 1865 Thomas Colt House in Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District. Named in honor of her parents, the 'Whit' features changing art shows, intimate theatre and music performances, special events, event/party rentals, and also has upstairs offices/studios for rent.
Insider's Tip: This venue is small, but intimate. A great chance to get to know the local community.
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Williamstown Theatre Festival
1000 Main Street, Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267Since 1955, Williamstown Theatre Festival has brought America’s finest actors, directors, designers, and playwrights to the Berkshires, engaging a loyal audience of both residents and summer visitors. Each WTF season is designed to present unique opportunities for artists and audience alike, revisiting classic plays with innovative productions, developing and nurturing bold new plays and musicals, and offering a rich array of accompanying cultural events including Community Works, Late-Night Cabarets, readings, workshops, and educational programs.
Insider's Tip: This festival has some of the finest acting in the world in one of the more picturesque, quaint towns in North County. Don't forget also how close the festival is to North Adams and Mass MoCA.
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