Berkshire Fringe Festival

The second 24hr Berkshires/Capital Region Theatre Project brings together playwrights, directors, designers, stage managers, technicians and actors from both the Berkshires and the Capital Region armed with the common task of mounting 5 new short works by female playwrights; all written, rehearsed and performed in 24 Hours.

The New Stage Company above Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield is presenting A Thousand Clowns by Herb Gardner from July 15 to August 1. A Thousand Clowns is the hilarious and touching Tony Award winning play that was later adapted into an Academy Award winning film starring Jason Robards. It is the story of an unemployed television writer trying to adapt his cantankerous worldview in order to find work and retain custody of his 12-year-old nephew.

In a pre Holiday meeting Joe Thompson, director of Mass MoCA, greeted staff, volunteers and the media followed by curators presenting a preview of the coming season. Musician and performance artist, Laurie Anderson, will be in residence with a dialogue on January 16. After a dinner break there will be Alt Cafe that night. Time to mark your calendars.

composers, cutting edge dance or perhaps an absorbing evening of great theatre? Take time to indulge your senses and treat yourself to some of the Berkshire's legendary performing arts attractions. They all have great deals for residents and visitors alike. Use our handy Picks and Previews guide to help decide.

Summer's abundance is all around us, and so is the Berkshire's annual bounty of music, theatre and dance choices. Here's another of our detailed guides to help you choose.

Looking for live performances that use biting satire, dripping irony and hot button issues to entertain? You've got a new BFF in the Berkshire Fringe Festival. Each summer a host of new writers, artists and ideas takes over the Daniels Center of Bard College at Simon's Rock for just three weeks.

The awesome array of Berkshire arts events in July is astounding. Our theater, music and dance companies create their schedules one by one, but taken together it's going to be one sensational Summer Festival right here in our own backyard. Enjoy.

Part Two of our report on saving money while enjoying the Berkshire's many performing arts attractions. Theater, music and dance are available at a discount, sometimes even Free!