<div dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-06c7a9d4-0f71-0bbf-1b1b-0c15f5341b22"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Cambria;font-size:16px;white-space:pre-wrap;line-height:1.38;background-color:transparent">February 23, 2016</span><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Contact: Gail Burns, Marketing and Publicity Associate</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/#_blank" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">www.wamtheatre.com</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"><a href="mailto:pr@wamtheatre.com">pr@wamtheatre.com</a>; 518.243.9627</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Press Photos can be found at:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wamtheatre/sets/72157648698789976/#_blank" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">https://www.flickr.com/photos/wamtheatre/</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:right"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">WAM Theatre Announces 2016 Season Highlights</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Berkshire-based theatre company launches its seventh season</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">with exciting new collaborations and the third annual Fresh Takes reading series</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">LENOX, Mass. (Feb. 23, 2016) — WAM Theatre’s Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven announced plans for the company’s 2016 season today. The Berkshire-based professional theatre company celebrates its seventh year with some notable special events, a thought-provoking series of play readings, and an exciting new collaboration for the fall mainstage production.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">“I’m delighted to announce the programming we’ve planned for WAM Theatre’s seventh season,” said van Ginhoven. “We have a dynamic lineup of events from February through October that fulfill our vision of creating opportunity for women and girls through our mission of theatre as philanthropy.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">FEBRUARY</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">2016 started off with WAM co-producing the very successful staged reading of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Facing Our Truth</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> - six ten-minute plays commissioned in 2013 by New Black Fest to explore Trayvon Martin, race and privilege - that involved dozens of artists and community members using arts as activism in the Berkshire community. More than 400 people packed the Colonial Theatre for the February 6 event and panel discussion. As a beginning to this year of collaboration, WAM co-produced this event with Multicultural BRIDGE and Yvette “Jamuna” Sirker.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">On February 19, WAM participated once again in the 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival in Pittsfield as one of the five local arts organizations involved in the </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In Motion Pittsfield Literary Party</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">. With a piece directed by WAM Artistic Associate Molly Clancy and performed by Jennie Jadow and Dana Harrison, WAM shared a short piece combining the words of Henry David Thoreau’s </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">letter of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Civil Disobedience</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">with those of living writers, including Nicholas Kristof, shared in an exploration of transcendentalism in our world today.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">MARCH</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">WAM Theatre, with playwright and actress </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Rachel Siegel,</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> will co-produce a workshop production of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Special</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> at the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge March 18-20. Created and performed by Siegel, and based on personal experience and interviews with mothers of children with special needs, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Special</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> follows one woman's journey after she discovers she is pregnant with a child with Down syndrome. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">WAM Advisory Board member </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Jayne Atkinson</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> will direct this funny, unstinting, and ultimately inspiring look into the complexities and possibilities of love. “</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I am very honored to be part of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Special</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">,” Atkinson said. “It is a humorous, poignant, at times dark journey - an eye of the needle experience that will move us all deeply.” </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">A portion of box office proceeds will be donated to the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers, Whole Children, and CATA.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">APRIL</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Back by popular demand, the </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">24-Hour Theatre Project</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, a staple of past WAM seasons,  returns to the Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany on April 2. </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Combining the spontaneous creativity of improvisational theatre with the rigorous professionalism and production value of scripted theatre</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, the project brings together </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">more than 50 of the best playwrights, directors, and actors from across the Capital Region and the Berkshires to beat the clock as they race to write and stage five new theater pieces in a 24-hour period.  This year’s playwrights will be </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Kat Koppett, Jessica Provenz, Maizy Scarpa, Yvette “Jamuna” Sirker</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, and </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Randolyn Zinn</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">. Taking the directing reins will be </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael Burns, Molly Clancy, David Girard, Margaret Hall</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, and </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Yvonne Perry</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">FRESH TAKES READING SERIES: APRIL-SEPTEMBER</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The third season of WAM’s popular Fresh Takes Play Reading Series kicks off on April 17 with a reading of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Last Wife</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Kate Hennig</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, directed by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Molly Clancy</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">.  We are returning once again to the gallery space at No. Six Depot Roastery and Café in West Stockbridge at 3pm on Sunday afternoons starting  on April 17 and including: May 15, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Photograph 51</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Anna Ziegler</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, directed by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Kelly Galvin</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">; June 19, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Oregon Trail</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Bekah Brunstetter</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, directed by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Estefanía Fadul</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">; August 21, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Samsara</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Lauren Yee</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, directed by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Megan Sandberg-Zakian</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">; and September 11, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Grand Concourse</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Heidi Shreck</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, directed by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Sheila Siragusa</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">. These are all professional readings of thought-provoking plays that have had successful productions elsewhere but are new to Berkshire audiences, written by women and telling the stories of women and girls. Molly Clancy curates the season, which is sponsored by No. Six Depot and Kristin and James Hatt. There is a talkback with the cast and director after every reading.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">This year, in response to our audiences request for deeper discussion around the women’s issues raised in each play, WAM Theatre is partnering with OLLI to co-present a companion class called ‘Fresh Takes/Your Take’. Starting with the May reading of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Photograph 51</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, a companion class will be offered on the Monday evening following the Sunday readings. This class will be led by WAM Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven and will provide a more in-depth look at the central issues infused in each play. During the companion class, van Ginhoven will share the underpinning of the piece and its author, setting the scene for discussion of your questions, reactions, and experiences as they were evoked by the Sunday reading. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">JULY</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">After the success of last summer’s benefit at </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Hilltop Orchards</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> - WAM is doing it again! Save the date of Thursday, July 14 for our </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">2nd Annual Stars in the Orchard Summer Benefit</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> - a magical midsummer night’s cocktail party with wonderful music, stellar entertainment, delicious food, and wine made on site by Furnace Brook Winery. </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The evening’s guests will be the first to learn about this year’s beneficiary and to learn more about WAM Theatre’s fall co- production of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Bakelite Masterpiece</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">We are delighted to announce that this year our fall Main Stage play will be a </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">co-production with the Berkshire Theatre Group</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> on the Larry Vaber Stage in The Unicorn Theatre. WAM Artistic Director  Kristen van Ginhoven will direct the American Premiere of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Bakelite Masterpiece</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> by </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Kate Cayley</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, with </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">David Adkins</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> and </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Corinna May.</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> The show begins previews on September 29, opens on October 1, and closes on October 23.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The end of World War II. Holland is in chaos. The artist van Meegeren is arrested. His crime? Selling a long-lost painting by the Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer to Hermann Goering, Nazi leader. His defense? It was a perfect forgery painted by him. His proof? In front of his prosecutor (art historian and resistance fighter) Geert Piller, he must paint another flawless Vermeer to save his life. A play that debates beauty, faith, memory and the reconstruction of a country.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In keeping with WAM’s double philanthropic mission, a percentage of the box office proceeds from </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The Bakelite Masterpiece</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> will be donated to an organization that creates opportunity for women and girls.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"As the daughter of Dutch parents who lived through WWII, I feel compelled to tell this story," said Kristen van Ginhoven. "The play came to me via a close colleague in Canada who acted in the original production. I immediately envisioned it at the Unicorn and approached Kate Maguire, Berkshire Theatre Group Artistic Director/CEO, who loved the play. WAM Theatre is very excited that the Berkshire Theatre Group has opened their doors to make this a co-production. This collaboration makes it possible for this story to reach a wider audience, which, ultimately, makes it possible for WAM to make a larger donation to our beneficiary for the production.“</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“I was very excited when Kristen van Ginhoven proposed co-producing  the captivating </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The Bakelite Masterpiece</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">,” said Kate Maguire. “We look forward to this project with WAM Theatre, and certainly are honored to know that the enormously talented David Adkins and Corinna May will perform these complicated and provocative roles."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">WAM THEATRE’S 2016 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">March 18-20</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Special</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Workshop Production/Play in Development</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Created and Performed by Rachel Siegel</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Directed by Jayne Atkinson</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Co-produced by Rachel Siegel and WAM Theatre</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">March 18-20</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">on the Larry Vaber Stage in the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, Stockbridge, MA</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Based on personal experience and inspired by interviews with mothers of children with special needs, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Special</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> follows one woman's journey after she discovers she is pregnant with a child with Down syndrome. </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Special</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> is a funny, unstinting, and ultimately inspiring look into the complexities and possibilities of love. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">A portion of box office proceeds will be donated to the following organizations:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">March 19: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">March 18 and 20: Whole Children and CATA</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Dates/Times:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Friday, March 18 @ 7:00 </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Saturday, March 19 @ 8:00 * Special benefit for BFWW</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Sunday, March 20 @ 2:00 </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Tickets:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">$20</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Tickets available through the WAM website. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Cast and Creative Team:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">ABOUT Rachel Siegel</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Rachel has performed widely in the Berkshires, New York, and abroad in theatre at venues such as Stageworks (Hudson); Shakespeare & Co.; Williamstown Theatre Festival; Berkshire Theatre Festival. She trained at RADA in the UK and performed there at The New End Theatre, Birmingham Rep, and The Royal Court. Her TV work includes </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Chappelle’s Show</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> (3 episodes), </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Wit</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> (HBO), and BBC Drama. Writing credits include </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Von Trapp Family Inn</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> (premiered Boston Women in Comedy Festival 2013); </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">So Sing Already!</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> at the New End, London; </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">I Heart Cory Booke</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">r (WAM/MOPCO 24-hour fest); </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Callback</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">.  </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Funnycryhappy.net</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">ABOUT Jayne Atkinson</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Jayne has enjoyed a long and varied career as an actress, wife and mother. She has appeared in regional theatre, off-Broadway, and Broadway, and counts two Drama Desk, an Outer Critics Circle and Tony nominations to her name. She is best known on television for her long-running roles in </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">24</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Criminal Minds</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, and the current Netflix original series </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">House of Cards</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, and on film for her roles in </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Free Willy</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, and </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Free Willy 2</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">. Directing credits include </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Motherhood Out Loud</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> and </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Can You Hear Me, Baby?</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, both for the BFWW. She runs Jadana Productions, which specializes in entertainment development. </span><a href="http://www.jayne-atkinson.com" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">www.jayne-atkinson.com</span></a><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">April 2</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">24 Hour Theatre Project</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 pm</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">One night to write…one day to play.  The clock starts ticking when the playwrights' fingers hit their keyboards and ends with a final bow from 50+ theatre artists who have convened for just 24 hours to create and present five new works.  Combining the spontaneous creativity of improvisational theatre with the rigorous professionalism and production value of scripted theatre, this fast-paced, adrenaline-packed event boasts the best in theatre talent from across the Capital Region and the Berkshires.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Presented by the Performing Arts Center in collaboration with WAM Theatre and in conjunction with the NYS Writers Institute. Support provided by the University at Albany Foundation, University Auxiliary Services, and Hampton Inn.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Tickets</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Advance tickets: $15 general public</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">$10 students, seniors & UAlbany faculty-staff</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Day of show tickets: $20 general public</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">$15 students, seniors & UAlbany faculty-staff</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><a href="http://www.albany.edu/pac/prime_performances.shtml?tab=tab4" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">http://www.albany.edu/pac/prime_performances.shtml?tab=tab4</span></a></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Cast and Creative Team:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Playwrights:</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Kat Koppett, Jessica Provenz, Maizy Scarpa, Yvette “Jamuna” Sirker, and Randolyn Zinn</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Directors:</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Michael Burns, Molly Clancy, David Girard, Margaret Hall, and Yvonne Perry</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Actors:</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> TBA</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">April through September</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Fresh Takes Play Reading Series</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Curated by WAM Theatre’s Artistic Associate Molly Clancy and hosted by No. Six Depot Roastery and Café on 6 Depot Street in West Stockbridge, MA, on select Sundays at 3 pm. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The companion class, ‘Fresh Takes/Your Take’, will run on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm at the OLLI campus at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The readings and classes will take place on the following dates - May 15/16, June 19/20, August 21/22 and September 11/12.  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Tickets/Registration:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$20 for reading only</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$139 for all 4 readings/companion classes</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$40 for one reading/companion class. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Tickets and registration through the WAM Theatre website. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Please note there are only 30 tickets available per reading. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Café. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The 2016 Fresh Takes series is sponsored by No. Six Depot Roastery and Café and Kristin and James Hatt.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">April 17, 2016</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Last Wife</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">by Kate Hennig</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">directed by Molly Clancy</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Kate is smart, poised, and passionate, a rising star in a world of intense competition, but her obligatory marriage to Henry is rife with the threat of violence and deceit, her devotion to the education of his daughters is putting strain on her marriage. A contemporary retelling of the compelling relationship between Katherine Parr and Henry VIII; WAM Theatre invites audiences to a powerful examination of patriarchy, sexual politics and women’s rights.The play had its world premiere in 2015, with a sold out extended run at the Stratford Festival in Canada.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">May 15, 2016</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Photograph 51</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">by Anna Ziegler</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">directed by Kelly Galvin</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">An intriguing portrait of British scientist Rosalind Franklin and her—often overlooked—role in the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure. This complex tale explores how Rosalind, an intelligent, stubborn and courageous woman, navigated a world dominated by men. This critically acclaimed play</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> ran on London’s West End in 2015, featuring Nicole Kidman. A</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> balance of the historical, romantic, and scientific, Photograph 51 is a touching play that dramatizes the fight for education, equality and access for women.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">June 19, 2016</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Oregon Trail</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">by Bekah Brunstetter</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">directed by Estefanía Fadul</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">A tale of two young women, both named Jane. One is an awkward middle schooler with body odor and epic skills </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">for </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The Oregon Trail computer game. The other Jane is the woman in the game, living through the hardships of trail life with her family. Looking at the impact of memory and the legacy of sadness across generations, the play weaves parallel stories of survival, and asks the age-old question – do you want to ford the river? WAM is proud to present Brunstetter’s funny, imaginative and poignant play, which had it’s world premier</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">e </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">at the 2015 Women’s Voices Theatre Festival in Washington D.C.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">August 21, 2016</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Samsara</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">by Lauren Yee</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Katie and Craig are having a baby, with a surrogate who lives in India. A month before the baby’s due date, Craig travels to the subcontinent, where he meets Suraiya, their young, less-than-thrilled surrogate. As all three “parents” anxiously wait for the baby to be born, flights of fancy attack them from all sides, in the form of an unctuous Frenchman and a smart-mouthed fetus. WAM Theatre </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">is proud to share</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> this vibrant and whimsical take on modern day colonialism.</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">September 11, 2016</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Grand Concourse</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">by Heidi Shreck</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">directed by Sheila Siragusa</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Called to a life of service, Shelley is the devoted manager of a Bronx soup kitchen, but lately her heart’s not in it. Enter Emma: an idealistic but confused young volunteer, whose recklessness pushes Shelley to the breaking point. With keen humor and startling compassion, Schreck’s play navigates the mystery of faith, the limits of forgiveness, and the pursuit of happiness. WAM Theatre is</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> pleased to share a play which was a nominee for the 2015 Lucille Lortel Award and a finalist for the 2015 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">July 14</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">2nd Annual Stars in the Orchard Summer Benefit</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">at Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, MA</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">A magical midsummer night’s cocktail party to benefit WAM Theatre with:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Wonderful music, stellar entertainment, an exciting auction, delicious food, and wine made on site by Furnace Brook Winery. The evening’s guests will be the first to learn about this year’s beneficiary and to learn more about WAM Theatre’s fall co- production of </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Bakelite Masterpiece</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ticket information coming soon.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">September 29-October 23</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">The Bakelite Masterpiece</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">American Premiere</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">by Kate Cayley</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Directed by Kristen van Ginhoven </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">with David Adkins and Corinna May</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Co-produced by the Berkshire Theatre Group and WAM Theatre</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">on the Larry Vaber Stage in the BTG’s Unicorn Theatre</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">, Stockbridge, MA</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The end of World War II. Holland is in chaos. The artist van Meegeren is arrested. His crime? Selling a long-lost painting by the Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer to Hermann Goering, Nazi leader. His defense? It was a perfect forgery painted by him. His proof? In front of his prosecutor (art historian and resistance fighter) Geert Piller, he must paint another flawless Vermeer to save his life. A play that debates beauty, faith, memory and the reconstruction of a country.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">A portion of box office proceeds will be donated to an organization that benefits women and girls. This year’s beneficiary will be announced at WAM’s summer benefit on July 14.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Dates/Times:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Previews September 29 & 30</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Opening October 1</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Closing October 23</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Tickets:</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">$45-$50</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Tickets available through the Berkshire Theatre Group website or at 413-997-4444.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">OUR SEASON SPONSORS</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Our 2016 sponsors include the  Brabson Library & Educational Foundation, Dylandale Foundation, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, International Schools Theatre Association, Jon Gotterer DMD, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Nina Molin MD, No. Six Depot Roastery and </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Café,</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> RBC Wealth Management, Petricca Industries, and Regina Burgio.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">WAM Theatre is also supported in part by grants from the Lenox, Alford-Egremont, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Cultural Council of Northern Berkshires , Washington Cultural Council, Monterey Cultural Council, Stockbridge Cultural Council, West Stockbridge Cultural Council, Richmond Cultural Council – local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">ABOUT WAM THEATRE</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, WAM Theatre is Where Arts and Activism Meet. The company was co-founded in 2010 by Canadian director, actor, educator, and producer Kristen van Ginhoven. WAM’s vision is to create opportunity for women and girls through the mission of theatre as philanthropy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Inspired by the book </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide</span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, WAM donates a portion of the proceeds from its theatrical events to organizations that benefit women and girls. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent">Over the past six years, WAM Theatre has donated more than $21,000 to eight nonprofit organizations and provided paid work to more than 175 theatre artists. In addition to the main stage productions and special events, WAM Theatre’s activities include a comprehensive educational outreach program and the Fresh Takes Play Reading Series. For more information, visit </span><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:transparent"><a href="http://www.WAMTheatre.com">www.WAMTheatre.com</a></span></p><br><span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Cambria;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"># # #</span></span><br clear="all"><div><br></div><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">Gail M. Burns<br><div><i>Marketing + Publicity Associate<br></i></div><div><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/" style="font-size:12.8px;color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">www.WAMTheatre.com</a><span style="font-size:12.8px"> </span><br></div><div><div><div><div style="font-size:12.8px"><div style="font-size:12.8px"><font size="2"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><a style="color:rgb(17,85,204)"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline"><span dir="ltr"><span dir="ltr"><span><img width="0" height="0"><span>413-274-8122</span><span></span></span></span></span><br><br></span></a></span></font></div><i style="font-size:12.8px">Our 7th Season:</i><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/special/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:12.8px" target="_blank">Special </a><span style="font-size:12.8px">| </span><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/2016-24-hour-theatre-project/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:12.8px" target="_blank">24hr Project</a><span style="font-size:12.8px"> | </span><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/fresh-takes-2016/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:12.8px" target="_blank">Fresh Takes</a><span style="font-size:12.8px"> | </span><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/stars-in-the-orchard-2016/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:12.8px" target="_blank">Stars in the Orchard</a><span style="font-size:12.8px"> | </span><a href="http://www.wamtheatre.com/the-bakelite-masterpiece/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:12.8px" target="_blank">Bakelite Masterpiece</a><br style="font-size:12.8px"><br style="font-size:12.8px"><span style="font-size:12.8px"><font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Make a donation </span><a href="https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/WAMTheatreInc/donate.html" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">now</span></a><span style="font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> to WAM Theatre!</span></font></span><br></div></div></div></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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