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Depot Theatre Announces Cast for RADIANT VERMIN

Depot Theatre Announces Cast for RADIANT VERMIN

Philip Ridley’s Savage Satire on Real Estate, Morality, and the Price of Desire

(As seen on BroadwayWorld)

Westport, NY  (July 9, 2025) — The Depot Theatre, a Professional Equity company, presents the biting and fastpaced black comedy RADIANT VERMIN, written by internationally acclaimed “master of modern myth” Philip Ridley. The play premiered in 2015 at Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol, before transferring to Soho Theatre in London.

When a young couple is offered an ideal house by a mysterious stranger, it prompts the chilling question: How far would any of us go to get our dream home? What follows is a provocative, pitch-black satire that skewers our fantasies about having it all.

Directed by Chan Harris, who directed EVERY BRILLIANT THING at the Depot Theatre last season, this cutting-edge, thought-provoking comedy teeters on the brink of mayhem while shining a light on the human condition, the haves and have-nots, and the inequities of life. 

“…RADIANT VERMIN is a blithely told fable for the age of unaffordable housing… nasty and energetic fun.” —BenBrantley, The New York Times (Off-Broadway) 

“A darkly funny morality play… extraordinary.” —The Guardian

“RADIANT VERMIN is dark, devastating, and true to our times.” —Jim Catapano, ArtsIndependent (2024) 

THE CAST:

Featuring the return of a beloved Depot Theatre alum and two actors making their highly anticipated debut on our stage:

Peter Corley (Ollie) returns to the Depot Theatre after last year’s ANALOG & VINYL. Recently Peter has appeared in two Martin McDonagh plays, as Katurian in THE PILLOWMAN and Ray in BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE, as well as George Bailey in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Billy in Stoppard’s THE REAL THING, and Fred/Young Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL in Northwest NJ. Peter is a graduate of the musical theatre program at New York’s Circle in the Square, where he played Konstantin in THE SEAGULL and Cooper in ISLAND SONG. 

Laura Menzie (Jill)’s previous credits include TWELFTH NIGHT and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING with Saratoga Shakespeare Company, DOLLS HOUSE PART 2 and DOUBT with Franklin Stage Company, WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT A PRESENTATION… at Stage’s Rep, RICHARD III at Houston Shakespeare Festival and HAMLET and TARTUFFE with Titan Theatre Company in NYC. Laura has also worked locally with Adirondack Stage Rats & Pendragon Theatre. She has her MFA from the University of Houston and currently teaches acting and voice and speech at Skidmore College. She is excited to be making her Depot Theatre debut. 

Emily Abruzzi (Miss Dee / Kay)  is delighted to be making her Depot Theatre debut! Originally from Pennsylvania, Emily toured with arts-in-education programs for 10 years, including five years as company member of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre. Emily has also toured in Taiwan with Enchantment Theatre Company (puppetry). As a dancer, she performed at Philadelphia Fringe Festival and DUMBO dance festival in NYC. More rently Emily has acted in local shows including WIT with Artistry Community Theatre, MRS. FARNSWORTH with Book & Blanket, and ANTIGONE with Pendragon Theatre. She holds a BA in Theatre and Dance and an MS in Occupational Therapy and works in early childhood services throughout Essex County. 

THE DIRECTOR:

Chan Harris grew up in the part of East Texas where it always smells like something’s burning. After graduating from The Juilliard School, he worked in professional theatre in New York, Regional Theatre, National Tours, International Tours. Other directing projects: New York: MISS JULIE (Pearl Theatre Company), OPERA FOR DUMMIES (Westbeth). National Tour:  FOREVER PLAID. Regional Theatre: A COMEDY OF TENORS, ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, ALTAR BOYZ, CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES (1, 2, 4 AND 5), THE BIKINIS, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, SOCIAL SECURITY, ALONE TOGETHER, LET’S MURDER MARSHA, THE PAJAMA GAME, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, FULLY COMMITTED, HARPS & HARMONICAS (world premiere), 5/31/89: THE FLOOD (world premiere), CRAZY FOR YOU, THE KING AND I, HONKY-TONK ANGELS, 42ND STREET, MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, PUMP BOYS & DINETTES, CINDERELLA, to name a few. 

 

 

 

 

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FIRST DATE – A Review

 

Review Contributed by Shir Filler. Ms. Filler is a Professor of English and the Humanities Department Chair at North Country Community College. Before that, she was the Editor of the Lake Placid News. Shir Filler contributed this review at the request of The Depot Theatre.

FIRST DATE, directed by Beth Glover at the Depot Theatre in Westport, is a hilarious and imaginative take on the scenario of, you guessed it, a first date. Over the course of one evening, Casey and Aaron alternately interest and annoy each other with fun repartee, but the best part is that the audience gets to experience the angst each one suffers from the warring voices in their own heads: He’s too boring. She’s not Jewish. What if he’s the one? Why can’t I just get back with my ex? What if I’ll never find the one? Does ordering a salad mean I’m not a real man? Read more

FIRST DATE to Kick Off Depot Theatre’s Main Stage Season

FIRST DATE runs June 26-July 13 at the Depot Theatre.

Depot Theatre’s Main Stage Season Premieres with the Broadway Hit FIRST DATE

Westport, NY  (June 16, 2025) The Depot Theatre’s 47th Main Stage season kicks off with a hilarious, high-energy match made in musical theatre heaven: FIRST DATE, the offbeat Broadway hit that proves sometimes love shows up when you least expect it. FIRST DATE premiered on Broadway in 2013 and has since played to sold-out houses across the country.

Book by Austin Winsberg
Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner 

Directed and choreographed by Beth Glover from the Depot Theatre’s Artistic Production Management Team, with music direction by Aaron Jodoin, FIRST DATE runs June 26–July 13 and features a dynamic cast of returning Depot Theatre alums and exciting new faces.

Since its Broadway debut, FIRST DATE has played to sold-out houses nationwide and drawn critical acclaim:

“A fast-paced, 90-minute charmer that’s equal parts heart and hilarity.”
— Variety

“A winning crowd-pleaser delivered with comic verve and charm.”
— The Hollywood Reporter

“A slick, crowd-pleasing comedy with Broadway polish and off-Broadway bite.”
— TheaterMania

THE CAST:

Aaron Penzel (Aaron) makes his Depot Theatre debut as the buttoned-up blind date who finds himself wildly unprepared for what the night has in store.

Tiara Whaley (Casey) returns to the Theatre as the edgy, quick-witted serial dater who’s seen it all—until now.

Amy Fitts (Woman #1) brings her signature charm and comedic timing back to the Depot Theatre, fresh off stages from NYC to Tokyo (and Riverdale High School, where she now teaches drama).

Khalid Rivera (Man #1), a Broadway and TV veteran, adds flair to every scene, whether playing a disapproving dad, a fabulous ex, or the voice inside your head.

Vincent DiGeronimo (Man #2) returns to Westport after his crowd-pleasing turn as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, now tackling a series of scene-stealing characters.

The music pulses live from the pit thanks to an all-star band featuring Jane Boxall (drums), Andy Tompkins (guitar), and Felix Haskins (bass). The production is stage managed by Lydya Felix.

“FIRST DATE is a zany, heartfelt ride through every awkward, unexpected, and potentially romantic twist a blind date can throw at you,” says Glover. “It’s fast-paced, sharply written, and performed by an extraordinary ensemble who bring these wonderfully human characters to life.”

Audiences looking for a deeper dive into the creative process are invited to attend the Depot Dialogue, a post-show discussion with cast and crew following the Thursday, July 3 performance.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

When tightly wound Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a riotous exploration of modern dating, as every ex, friend, and inner voice crashes the party. With clever songs and rapid-fire banter, FIRST DATE is a celebration of risk, connection, and the courage it takes to put your heart on the line.

TICKETS & INFO:

Preview Performances – $25 Tickets

Be part of the behind-the-scenes magic and experience the show before the critics and the crowds:

  • Thursday, June 26— The very first public performance of FIRST DATE. This is your chance to witness the moment the show hits the stage for the first time. Even though it’s not opening night, expect that unmistakable opening-night electricity, plus the thrill of knowing you’re seeing it before anyone else.
  • Friday, June 27— Our official Preview Night, fully staged and performed at a lower ticket price to make professional theatre more accessible for all.

Regular performances run June 28–July 13.

FIRST DATE runs June 26–July 13 at the Depot Theatre, located in a restored 1876 train station in the heart of Westport, NY. Tickets are available at depottheatre.org or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449.

SPONSORS:

FIRST DATE is sponsored by Chazy Westport Communications. The Depot Theatre’s 47th season is sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Comes to Depot Theatre Academy

As seen on BroadwayWorld 

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Comes to the Depot Theatre Academy

Performances will take place June 12-14 and will open the Main Stage season at the historic Depot Theatre in Westport, New York.

The Depot Theatre Academy will present the first of its 2025 summer youth productions: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. This Tony Award-winning musical comedy will be brought to life by a cast of talented local youth performers under the guidance of seasoned theatre professionals.

With a script that cleverly blends nostalgia with satire, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE offers audiences a joyous, witty escape into a 1920s musical within a musical, complete with mistaken identities, dream sequences, and toe-tapping numbers. The Academy’s production promises all the sparkle and spirit of the original, while offering a fresh, youthful take that reflects the creativity and dedication of its student ensemble.

The program will be led by a team of experienced professional teaching artists. It will be directed by Gigi Mason, Depot Theatre’s Director of Outreach & Education, with live musical direction and accompaniment provided by music and drama educator Kim Weems. Choreography is by co-director Jackie Robertin. The production has also received assistance from theatre educator and actor Amy Fitts, the Depot Theatre’s Artistic Production Management Team, Beth Glover & Karen Lewis, and other local and visiting professional artists.

“THE DROWSY CHAPERONE gives our students a chance to tap into big comedy, big characters, and big heart,” said Gigi Mason. “But beyond the laughs, what’s most powerful is watching these young artists find their voices, support one another, and light up the stage with something they’ve built together. That kind of experience stays with them long after the final bow.”

Founded to provide authentic theatrical training to area youth, the Depot Theatre Academy has grown into one of the region’s most beloved educational programs. Known for sold-out productions and deeply invested students, the Academy emphasizes collaboration, discipline, and creativity in a welcoming, professional setting.

Auditions for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE were held in March; there is no cost to participants.

Performances of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE will take place at the Depot Theatre, the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The theatre is located in a historic 1876 train station in Westport, NY. A cultural anchor in the Adirondacks for over four decades, the Depot is committed to presenting live theatre, fostering local talent, and providing arts education through its Academy program.

The cast of The Drowsy Chaperone includes:

Cooper Halloran, Jocelyn Bessette, Kaden Dwyer, Keiran Shult, Tristan Shult, Lee Fay, Hanna Bailey, Ayden Christensen, Madeline Young, Parker Scanio, Destini Bresette, Lindsay Haner, Araya Pierre Louis, Olive Stewart, Kalyn Kivlehan, Evalee Hamilton, Lillian Baker, Felix Haskins, Emma Drowlette.

The Depot Theatre Academy is underwritten by The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

The Academy senior program for experienced student artists, including performances of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, is sponsored by The Mill.

Depot Theatre Welcomes the Year Ahead

 As seen on the Sun Community News 

Depot Theatre welcomes the year ahead

New five-year strategic plan focuses on sustainability and community partnerships

WESTPORT | The Depot Theatre has announced the appointment of Sarah Wilson as its new executive director. Wilson, an accomplished communications executive and community builder with deep Adirondack roots, succeeds the Depot’s first executive director, Kim Rielly, who will continue to serve on the theatre’s Advisory Committee.

Wilson brings extensive experience in strategic communications and engagement. As the founder of PoP! Communications Campaigns, she has led successful campaigns for clients including Lionsgate Entertainment and Hearst Publishing. Her background also includes a fellowship in Behavioral Insights and Communications at the International Rescue Committee’s Airbel Impact Lab, and service on local boards such as the Regional Office for Sustainable Tourism, Adirondack Film and Adirondack Health. She holds an MA in Media Studies from the New School.

“The Depot Theatre has long held a special place in the cultural fabric of the Adirondacks,” said Wilson. “I’m honored and thrilled to lead such a vibrant and beloved institution into its next chapter, building on Kim’s extraordinary legacy and expanding our connection to audiences, artists, and the broader community.”

Depot Theatre Board Chair Scott Gibree added, “We are excited to welcome Sarah Wilson. Her exceptional leadership skills, strategic vision, and passion for the arts, storytelling, and community engagement uniquely position her to lead us forward as we approach an ambitious 2025 season and the development of our next five-year strategic plan. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kim Rielly for her dedication and leadership.”

The 2025 Main Stage season will include two plays and two musicals, reaffirming the Depot’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovative programming. Award-winning Creative Directors Beth Glover and Karen Lewis shared, “While we wish Kim well and will miss her dearly, we are thrilled to welcome Sarah. It’s especially fitting that this season’s productions are filled with themes of hope and renewal, reflecting the fresh energy and promise Sarah brings to the theatre’s future.”

DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY EXPANDS

The Depot Theatre Academy will also expand, with over 60 young actors and student crew members participating this year. “We are thrilled to offer our most ambitious season yet for the Depot Academy,” said Ginene Mason, Outreach and Education Director. “Our Teen Academy will perform The Drowsy Chaperone in June to open the Main Stage, and The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition will be presented by our Junior and Intro to Theatre students in August. We cannot wait to share the exceptional talent of our young performers with the Depot community!”

NEW PLANS

Wilson’s early priorities will include a new five-year strategic plan focused on sustainability, deeper community partnerships, and enriched audience experiences. She will also explore new ways to creatively expand the theatre’s local and regional impact. “Sarah’s innovative approach to storytelling and community-building will be instrumental as we continue to grow our audiences,” said Rielly. “I’m delighted to support her leadership and vision in my continued role on the Advisory Committee.”

Located in a historic 1876 train station—and still serving as an Amtrak stop on the New York–Montreal route—the Depot Theatre remains a cherished cultural destination for locals, seasonal residents, and visitors alike.

For more information about the Depot Theatre, upcoming productions, or educational programs, visit depottheatre.org.

 

 

Depot Theatre Welcomes Sarah Wilson as Executive Director

As seen on BroadwayWorld 

Depot Theatre Welcomes Sarah Wilson as Executive Director

The Depot Theatre has announced the appointment of Sarah Wilson as its new Executive Director. Wilson, an accomplished communications executive and community builder with deep Adirondack roots, succeeds the Depot’s first Executive Director, Kim Rielly, who will continue to serve on the theatre’s Advisory Committee.

Wilson brings extensive experience in strategic communications and engagement. As the founder of PoP! Communications Campaigns, she has led successful campaigns for clients including Lionsgate Entertainment and Hearst Publishing. Her background also includes a fellowship in Behavioral Insights and Communications at the International Rescue Committee’s Airbel Impact Lab, and service on local boards such as the Regional Office for Sustainable Tourism, Adirondack Film and Adirondack Health. She holds an MA in Media Studies from The New School.

“The Depot Theatre has long held a special place in the cultural fabric of the Adirondacks,” said Wilson. “I’m honored and thrilled to lead such a vibrant and beloved institution into its next chapter, building on Kim’s extraordinary legacy and expanding our connection to audiences, artists, and the broader community.”

Depot Theatre Board Chair Scott Gibree added, “We are excited to welcome Sarah Wilson. Her exceptional leadership skills, strategic vision, and passion for the arts, storytelling, and community engagement uniquely position her to lead us forward as we approach an ambitious 2025 season and the development of our next five-year strategic plan. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kim Rielly for her dedication and leadership.”

The 2025 Main Stage season will include two plays and two musicals, reaffirming the Depot’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovative programming. Award-winning Creative Directors Beth Glover and Karen Lewis shared, “While we wish Kim well and will miss her dearly, we are thrilled to welcome Sarah. It’s especially fitting that this season’s productions are filled with themes of hope and renewal, reflecting the fresh energy and promise Sarah brings to the theatre’s future.”

The Depot Theatre Academy will also expand, with over 60 young actors and student crew members participating this year. “We are thrilled to offer our most ambitious season yet for the Depot Academy,” said Ginene Mason, Outreach and Education Director. “Our Teen Academy will perform The Drowsy Chaperone in June to open the Main Stage, and The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition will be presented by our Junior and Intro to Theatre students in August. We cannot wait to share the exceptional talent of our young performers with the Depot community!”

Wilson’s early priorities will include a new five-year strategic plan focused on sustainability, deeper community partnerships, and enriched audience experiences. She will also explore new ways to creatively expand the theatre’s local and regional impact. “Sarah’s innovative approach to storytelling and community-building will be instrumental as we continue to grow our audiences,” said Rielly. “I’m delighted to support her leadership and vision in my continued role on the Advisory Committee.”

Located in a historic 1876 train station—and still serving as an Amtrak stop on the New York–Montreal route—the Depot Theatre remains a cherished cultural destination for locals, seasonal residents, and visitors alike.

 

Staged Play Reading on April 13: TRUE WEST by Sam Shepard

WESTPORT, NY —The Depot Theatre and the Westport Wadhams Community Alliance are pleased to present a staged play reading of TRUE WEST by Sam Shepard on Sunday, April 13 at 3pm at the Westport Heritage House. The reading is produced by Saranac Lake-based Adirondack Stage Rats.

A darkly comedic exploration of the American dream, sibling rivalry, and the nature of identity, TRUE WEST was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1983.  Estranged brothers, Austin and Lee, are reunited in their mother’s suburban California home. The brothers’ relationship becomes increasingly volatile as they confront their own failures and resentments.

Samuel Shepard Rogers III (November 5, 1943 – July 27, 2017) was an American playwright, actor, director, screenwriter, and author whose career spanned half a century. He wrote 58 plays as well as several books of short stories, essays, and memoirs. He won 10 Obie Awards for writing and directing, the most by any writer or director. Shepard received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979 for his play BURIED CHILD and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of pilot Chuck Yeager in the 1983 film THE RIGHT STUFF. He received the PEN/Laura Pels Theater Award as a master American dramatist in 2009. New York magazine described Shepard as “the greatest American playwright of his generation.”

The staged reading is directed by Karen Lewis and features Peter Corley, Beth Glover, Bill McColgan and Tyler Nye.

The event is free and open to the public. The Westport Heritage House is located at 6459 Main St, Westport, NY.

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About the Adirondack Stage Rats

ADIRONDACK STAGE RATS is a collective of theatre artists and devotees dedicated to creating theatre that inspires, enriches, and educates residents of, and visitors to, our region. Utilizing minimal lighting & set pieces ADIRONDACK STAGE RATS creates “small-batch” personal, intimate, thought-provoking productions for adventurous, discriminating audiences. adirondackstagerats.com

About the Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” DepotTheatre.org

About the Westport Wadhams Community Alliance

The mission of The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance is to nurture collaborations among public and private entities and support economic growth, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability in the Westport-Wadhams community. gowestportny.com

Depot Theatre Announces Expanded 2025 Main Stage Season

Westport, NY — The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York, is pleased to announce its dynamic, energetic, and expanded 2025 professional main stage season lineup, including two plays and two musicals.

Lights go up on the main stage with FIRST DATE, a musical rom-com in which a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner.

Blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, and in a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron’s inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes, and protective parents, who sing and dance them through icebreakers, appetizers, and potential conversational land mines. Performances of FIRST DATE will be June 26-July 13.

Next up on the stage is RADIANT VERMIN, a fast-paced, provocative, pitch-black satire that skewers fantasies of having it all. A young couple is offered an ideal house by a mysterious stranger, prompting the question: How far would any of us go to get our dream home? This thought-provoking comedy teeters on the brink of mayhem while shining a light on the human condition, the haves and have-nots, and the inequities of life. Performances will run from July 17 to August 3.

Beginning August 7, the Depot will produce the Tony® Award-nominated musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. The musical is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever.

Featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more! MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will run from August 7-24.

The expanded season continues with a special limited run of THE ROOMMATE, a dark comedy about what it takes to re-route your life – and what happens when the wheels come off.

The play features two women in their mid-fifties: Sharon, who is recently divorced and needs a roommate to share her Iowa home, and Robyn, who needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. But as Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely. THE ROOMMATE will run for four performances from August 28-31.

The 2025 season was curated by the Depot’s team of Artistic Directors, Beth Glover and Karen Lewis.

“Our lineup for 2025 is inspired by the tremendous response to last summer’s exciting, audience-pleasing season,” said Beth Glover. “We’re thrilled to once again offer an emotional, laugh-filled, and tune-packed shared experience for our patrons this summer!’

The professional productions are preceded on the main stage by a special Depot Theatre Academy production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with four performances by the region’s experienced student artists on June 12-14.

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, NY, and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association.

2025 Season Passes will go on sale on April 15, and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449. Individual tickets will be available beginning May 15.

Auditions will be held in Westport, NY on March 29, and in New York City on April 4. More details, information about the Depot Theatre Academy youth program, additional events, and news updates can be found online at DepotTheatre.org.

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About the Depot Theatre The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2025 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with additional support from the Essex County Arts Council.   The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.

Depot Theatre Academy Announces 2025 Programs

2025 Season Begins with Performance Opportunity for Experienced Student Artists

Westport, NY —The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce its 2025 Academy outreach and education programs, beginning with a main stage performance opportunity for experienced student artists.

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.

Following a successful inaugural program in 2024, the Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program will once again open the theatre’s main stage season, this time with a production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with four performances on the Depot Theatre stage during the weekend of June 12-14, 2025.

This special opportunity is for young artists ages 13 and older enrolled in school, inclusive of home school and college. The program will feature the same process that professional artists experience on the main stage, with competitive auditions and demanding rehearsals, culminating in performances on the Depot Theatre main stage.

The program will be led by a team of experienced professional teaching artists. It will be directed by Gigi Mason, Depot Theatre’s Director of Outreach and Education, live musical direction and accompaniment will be provided by music and drama educator Kim Weems, choreography by Jackie Robertin, and assistance from theatre educator and actor Amy Fitts, and workshops by a number of visiting professional artists throughout the rehearsal period.

Auditions for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE will be held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall on Sunday, March 30, from 10am – 1pm. There is no cost for participation. Interested participants should contact Gigi Mason at gmason@depottheatre.org to access audition preparation information.

2025 ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAM

The Depot Academy will once again offer a three week Junior program for artists ages 8-18. The summer program will be held July 21-August 7, culminating in three performances of THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION on August 8-10 at the Whallonsburg Grange.

For the second time, The Depot Academy will again offer a program for new younger performers this summer. Lovingly dubbed “Munchkin Camp,” this opportunity for 5-8 year olds new to theatre will be a two week experience from July 28-August 7th at the Whallonsburg Grange, culminating with students performing with the Junior program as Munchkins in THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION on August 8-10.

Details and registration forms for both age groups for the summer program will be available online at the depottheatre.org beginning April 15th.

“We’re thrilled to offer these three programs again this year,” said Gigi Mason. “From ages 5 through college, our young artists will have access to professional expertise on stage, and there will also be workshop opportunities for those interested in learning about various off-stage careers in the arts, such as technical disciplines.”

Tickets for the Academy performances of DROWSY CHAPERONE will go on sale on May 15 and will be available online or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449. For more Depot Theatre programming information and news, visit depottheatre.org.

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The Depot Theatre Academy program for experienced student artists, with performances of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, is sponsored by THE MILL.

ABOUT THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce.

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical,” THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.

ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.”

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage. DepotTheatre.org

Staged Play Reading: THE THANKSGIVING PLAY to be held on March 9

WESTPORT, NY —The Depot Theatre and the Westport Wadhams Community Alliance are pleased to present a staged play reading of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY on March 9 at 3pm at the Westport Heritage House. The reading is produced by Saranac Lake-based Adirondack Stage Rats.

Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally woke teaching artists scramble to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.

Larissa FastHorse (a member of the Sicangu Lakota tribe) is a playwright and choreographer based in Santa Monica, California. In 2023, she became the first known female Native American playwright produced on Broadway with THE THANKSGIVING PLAY at Second Stage’s Hayes Theater.

The staged reading is directed by Beth Glover and features Peter Corley, Laura Farrell,
Tyler Nye, and Tara Palen.

The event is free and open to the public. The Westport Heritage House is located at 6459 Main St, Westport, NY.

About the Adirondack Stage Rats

ADIRONDACK STAGE RATS is a collective of theatre artists and devotees dedicated to creating theatre that inspires, enriches, and educates residents of, and visitors to, our region. Utilizing minimal lighting & set pieces ADIRONDACK STAGE RATS creates “small-batch” personal, intimate, thought-provoking productions for adventurous, discriminating audiences. adirondackstagerats.com

About the Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” DepotTheatre.org

About the Westport Wadhams Community Alliance

The mission of The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance is to nurture collaborations among public and private entities and support economic growth, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability in the Westport-Wadhams community. gowestportny.com

Our Mission & Vision

Mission: The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

Vision: The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.

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Recent News

  • Depot Theatre Opens Season Pass Sales for 2026 Main Stage SeasonMarch 16, 2026 - 4:13 pm

    Summer lineup features Tick, Tick… Boom!, Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Ring of Fire  WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre opened sales for its 2026 Main Stage Season Pass Package on March 16, offering audiences an opportunity to secure seats for a summer of professional theatre in one of the Adirondacks’ most […]

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The Depot Theatre receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

With special thanks to the following for their support of the Depot’s ongoing strategic objectives: Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, Cloudsplitter Foundation, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Adirondack Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Rogers Carroll Family Foundation, Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

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