Theatre
Community theatre gives people a place to tell stories, try something new,
work together and create experiences that can only happen live.
The Hampshire County Arts Council supports theatre primarily through
HAMS — Hampshire Actors and Makers of Shows, bringing together
actors, directors, writers, designers, builders, technicians and volunteers
interested in creating theatre in Hampshire County.
HAMPSHIRE ACTORS AND MAKERS OF SHOWS
HAMS
HAMS is HCAC’s community theatre group, coordinated by
Dale Brady. The group develops theatre projects as opportunities,
ideas and interested participants come together.
You do not need previous theatre experience to participate. If you are curious,
willing to learn or have a skill that could help bring a production to life,
there may be a place for you.
Theatre Needs More Than Actors
A successful production depends on many different talents. HAMS welcomes people
who want to participate onstage, backstage or behind the scenes.
On StageActing, singing, storytelling, dramatic readings and other performance roles. |
BackstageStage management, sets, props, costumes, lighting, sound and production support. |
Behind the ScenesDirecting, writing, publicity, ticketing, front-of-house, organizing and volunteering. |
Interested in the Next Theatre Project?
HCAC does not currently list a new HAMS production on the public calendar,
but building a list of interested participants makes it much easier to start the next one.
If you would like to act, direct, help backstage, work on sets or costumes,
volunteer with production support or simply be notified when something new begins,
let us know.
Past Productions & Programs
HCAC theatre activities have taken many forms over the years — from staged readings
and community performances to programs for young people.
Words of Love with Cookies
Begun in 2015, this Valentine-season program has brought together original writing,
favorite readings and live performance in a warm community setting.
Missoula Children’s Theatre
HCAC collaborated with Missoula Children’s Theatre on youth productions including
Hansel & Gretel in 2022 and The Secret Garden in 2023.
Community Readings & Performances
Past HCAC theatrical activities have included Love Letters,
Women’s Voices (Speaking Our Experience),
Soldier, Come Home, and other staged and dramatic readings.
Dr. Seuss School Performances
HCAC performers have also brought theatre directly to local students,
including school performances of Dr. Seuss material such as
Green Eggs and Ham.
Have an Idea for a Show?
Community theatre often starts with someone bringing forward a script, an idea,
a group of interested people or a story worth telling.
If you have an idea for a play, staged reading, youth theatre activity,
storytelling program or other theatrical project, email
info@HampshireArts.org.
Theatre Coordination
HCAC’s Theater Group (HAMS) is coordinated by Dale Brady,
whose background includes directing, stage management, acting and writing.
General theatre inquiries can be sent to
info@HampshireArts.org.
Help Bring the Next Story to the Stage
Whether you want to perform, build, sew, direct, write, organize or simply lend a hand,
community theatre becomes possible when people show up and create together.