Archive for category: News

You are here: / News

Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H Expand Youth Programming with Live Talkback and Behind-the-Scenes Workshop

DepotTheatre_Youth Hadestown bannerThis June, the Depot Theatre Academy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County’s 4-H program continue their growing partnership with two new opportunities designed to bring young people closer to the creative process, both onstage and behind the scenes.

On Friday, June 12, following the evening performance of Hadestown: Teen Edition, the Depot Theatre will host a youth-focused Depot Dialogue, a post-show conversation created with area students in mind. The talkback will offer a chance to reflect on the performance, ask questions, and explore the themes and storytelling choices of the production in a setting that is welcoming, informal, and youth-centered.

To support access, 4-H will sponsor a block of reduced-price tickets for Essex County youth, helping make the experience available to more students while creating a natural connection to 4-H programming throughout the year.

“This partnership is about creating meaningful entry points for young people,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. “Experiences like this don’t just introduce students to the arts, they open the door to continued engagement, connection, and growth through 4-H.”

The following weekend, on Saturday, June 20, the Academy will host its next Theatre Pop-Up Workshop: Inside the Build: Set, Production, and Process at the Depot Theatre.

Timed between productions of Hadestown: Teen Edition and Tick, Tick…Boom!, the two-hour workshop invites students into the working environment of a live theatre in transition. Participants will have the opportunity to observe scenic and production elements up close, engage with aspects of the build process where appropriate, and gain insight into how a professional production comes together.

The workshop is designed to be hands-on, flexible, and grounded in real-time learning, offering students a chance to explore not only artistic roles but also the planning, coordination, and problem-solving that underpin every production.

“Theatre is one of the few places where art, logistics, and people all collide at once,” said Aaron Jodoin, the Depot Theatre’s Artistic Director. “This partnership is about opening that world up and giving young people a way to step inside it, ask questions, and see where they might fit.”

These June programs build on the partnership launched earlier this year between the Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H, which focuses on communication, mentorship, and creative skill-building for Essex County youth through theatre-based experiences.

Additional workshops and youth programs are planned throughout the summer. For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, email essex4h@cornell.edu or visit https://bit.ly/Depot4H.

You can also see this article in the Sun Community News. 

Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H Bring Youth Workshops and Career Programming to New County Facility

April workshops launch the first public event in Essex County’s new Youth and Agriculture Building, with expanded career-focused programming to follow.

The Depot Theatre Academy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County (CCE) will continue their county-wide 4-H youth partnership this spring with a new series of workshops in Essex County schools and community spaces.

The program will host an afterschool session on Friday, April 17 at the Mountain View Campus through OASIS, with a companion regional workshop scheduled for Saturday morning, April 18 at the newly constructed Essex County Youth and Agriculture Building at the Fairgrounds in Westport.

The April 18 workshop will mark the first public program held in the new facility, located at 6 Fairground Way, representing a significant moment for youth programming in the county.

In addition to the April workshops, the partnership will continue this spring and summer with a series of career-oriented theatre workshops open to 4-H and area youth, exploring careers in set building and carpentry, lighting and design, sound and acoustics, casting direction, and production management.

A Depot Dialogue post-show Q&A event will also be held in conjunction with Hadestown: Teen Edition on Friday, June 12, offering 4-H and area youth the opportunity to engage directly with artists and production staff in conversation about theatre-making and creative careers.

The partnership between the Depot Theatre Academy and 4-H is designed to support youth development through theatre-based communication, mentorship, and experiential learning aligned with the 4-H Thrive Model.

“Programs like this are about creating space for young people to find their voice,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. “Through the 4-H Thrive framework, we focus on positive youth development, helping young people build confidence, connection, and competence. This partnership expands those opportunities in a creative and engaging way.”

The April sessions will be led by theatre artists Tyler Nye and Mason Barber, local professionals who are both part of the Depot Theatre community and whose work spans performance, directing, and youth arts programming.

“This is exactly the kind of work we hope to see happening through the Academy,” said Scott Gibree, President of the Depot Theatre Board of Trustees. “Creating opportunities for young people to build confidence and communication skills, whether at the theatre, in schools, or in new community spaces, is central to how we think about our role in the region.”

Together, these initiatives represent a multi-layered approach to youth development, combining communication skills, mentorship, and creative exploration within a supportive community setting.

For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, email essex4h@cornell.edu or visit https://bit.ly/CCE_DT.

About The Depot Theatre / Depot Theatre Academy

The Depot Theatre, located in Westport, New York, is a professional producing theatre dedicated to artistic excellence, youth education, and community engagement. The Depot Theatre Academy provides training, mentorship, and performance opportunities for young artists throughout the region.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County provides research-based programming in youth development, agriculture, and community well-being. Through 4-H, CCE supports experiential learning, skill exploration, and leadership pathways for young people across the county.

See this article in the Sun Community News.

Depot Theatre Opens Season Pass Sales for 2026 Main Stage Season

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 distinctive performance venues.

The 2026 season features three compelling productions presented in the Depot’s historic 1876 train station on the shores of Lake Champlain. 

Season Pass holders receive one ticket to each Main Stage production, along with early seat selection, flexible ticket exchanges, and the opportunity to purchase additional single tickets before general sales open.

“Season passes invite audiences to enjoy the full rhythm of summer at the Depot Theatre,” said Aaron Jodoin, Artistic Director of the Depot Theatre. “Set against the beauty of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain, our season is designed to be entertaining, uplifting, and full of heart. We want coming to the theatre to feel like one of the pleasures of summer — something you look forward to, share with others, and leave smiling.”

The Depot Theatre is the oldest professional Equity theatre in the Adirondacks, operating under agreement with Actors’ Equity Association and presenting professional productions each summer in its uniquely intimate setting.

Season Pass Packages go on sale March 16, with individual ticket sales for the summer 2026 Main Stage season as well as the Depot Theatre Academy’s production of Hadestown: Teen Edition beginning on April 16.

Passes can be purchased online at or by calling the Depot Theatre Box Office at 518-962-4449.

In addition to its Main Stage productions, the Depot Theatre’s summer season includes the Depot Theatre Academy and the Dark Nights Series. The Academy opens the summer with Hadestown: Teen Edition on the Main Stage, features a special two-night Academy concert production of Ride the Cyclone, and culminates with youth programs including Seussical Jr.  Meanwhile, the Dark Nights Series brings staged readings, cabarets, and special theatrical events to the Depot stage throughout the summer.

About the Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a nonprofit professional theatre located in a historic, still-functioning 1876 train station in Westport, New York, on the shores of Lake Champlain. As the first and oldest theatre in the Adirondack Park operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the company brings professional actors, directors, and designers to one of the region’s most distinctive performance spaces. Each summer, the theatre’s Main Stage productions, Academy, and special programming transform the station into a vibrant gathering place where artists and audiences come together to experience live storytelling in the heart of the Adirondacks.

See this in the news: Broadway World.

Depot Theatre and 4-H Launch County-Wide Theatre-Based Communication & Mentorship Program

The Depot Theatre / Depot Theatre Academy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County (CCE) have formalized a new county-wide partnership to bring theatre-based communication skills, career exploration, and mentorship opportunities to 4-H and regional youth across Essex County.

The partnership will launch this spring with a series of Pop-Up Theatre Workshops designed to help students build presentation skills, confidence, and leadership capacity through structured, experiential learning.

Beginning March 30, professional teaching artists from The Depot Theatre will facilitate 60–90-minute after-school sessions for the middle & high school students of Boquet Valley Central School, with the objective of expanding to other county schools this year.  

School-based sessions will be supported by regional half-day Saturday morning workshops in Westport, open to middle & high school aged youth from multiple districts. Registration information for the first Saturday workshop on April 18  can be found here. 

Beyond in-school programming, the partnership includes a series of career-oriented workshops introducing youth to the many professional pathways within theatre production, including set building and carpentry, lighting and projections, sound and acoustics, casting direction, and production management. 

A special Depot Dialogue post-show Q&A event in conjunction with Hadestown: Teen Edition in early June will invite area youth into conversation with artists and production professionals.

In addition, the agreement establishes a framework for optional one-to-one mentorship collaboration, aligning with successful mentoring models already active in Essex County. 

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that communication is a life skill,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. “The 4-H Thrive Model emphasizes experiential learning and youth leadership development. By integrating theatre-based methods into that framework, we are expanding how young people practice clarity, confidence, and collaborative problem-solving in ways that are both rigorous and engaging.”

“Theatre offers young people something increasingly rare — focused presence,” said Gigi Mason, Director of The Depot Theatre Academy. “When students practice speaking with intention in a supportive environment, they aren’t just performing; they are learning how to advocate for themselves, lead projects, and communicate clearly in school and beyond. These are transferable skills that last.”

“This initiative sits squarely within several of our core strategic pillars,” said Scott Gibree, Chair of The Depot Theatre Board of Trustees. “The Academy has long been a training ground for young artists on our stage in Westport. This partnership expands that reach, bringing our educational programming directly into schools and into communities across the county. It reflects our commitment to making the arts accessible as a tool for growth and opportunity.”

The collaboration will run through December 2026, with potential for annual renewal, and is supported through funding administered by CCE.

Additional information & registration for upcoming workshops can be found here. 

About The Depot Theatre / Depot Theatre Academy

The Depot Theatre, located in Westport, New York, is a professional producing theatre dedicated to artistic excellence, youth education, and community engagement. The Depot Theatre Academy provides structured training programs, performance opportunities, and mentorship for young artists throughout the region.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County provides research-based education and programming in youth development, agriculture, and community development. Through 4-H programming, CCE supports youth leadership, experiential learning, and lifelong skill-building. 

See this in the news from Sun Community News and Press Republican. 

Depot Theatre Announces NYC & Local Equity Auditions for 2026 Season

The Depot Theatre, a professional Equity theatre based in the Adirondacks, is pleased to announce NYC and local Equity auditions for its 2026 Main Stage season. Audition notices are now live across Playbill, Actors Access / Breakdown Services and the AEA website. 

The 2026 season reflects the Depot’s continued commitment to artist-forward storytelling, ensemble-driven work, and meaningful collaboration between New York City and regional theatre communities.

DEPOT THEATRE 2026 SEASON – NYC EPA

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Actors’ Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St, 16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Lunch 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

PERSONNEL

  • Artistic Director: Aaron Jodoin
  • Executive Producer: Sarah Wilson
  • Contract: Independent Theatre Contract
  • Pay: $480 weekly minimum — plus housing, travel
  • Casting: Holly Buczek, HDB Casting

NYC Equity Auditions

In addition to the NYC EPA listed above, the Depot Theatre will hold NYC auditions by appointment in February. The best way to be considered for an appointment is to submit via Actors Access / Breakdown Services. Artists without access to those platforms may submit materials to HDB Casting at hdbauditions@gmail.com. Please note: Do not email the Depot Theatre directly with audition inquiries.

Shows Casting from NYC

TICK, TICK…BOOM!
• Initial self-tapes begin immediately
• NYC callbacks by appointment on February 25, 2026

INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
• Initial self-tapes begin immediately
• NYC callbacks by appointment on February 23, 2026
• The role of BECKY will be cast locally only

RING OF FIRE
• Initial self-tapes begin taping immediately
• If we need further information we will reach out directly

Local Equity Auditions  

The Depot Theatre will also hold Local Equity auditions on:

February 21, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Depot Theatre
Westport, New York

February 22, 2026 – This audition is sponsored by the Skidmore College Arts Administration Program.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Skidmore College
Arthur Zankel Music Center, Room 215
815 N. Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Additional Information

  • All 2026 season audition notices are live on Actors Access / Breakdown Services
    • Local audition updates and details are also available at: depottheatre.org/auditions and hdbcasting.com/the-depot-theatre
    • Artists are encouraged to review individual show breakdowns carefully before submitting
  • Local EPAs (Westport, NY, and Saratoga Springs, NY will be run on a 1st come, 1st served basis beginning on the morning of the audition. The Door will open at 9:30 am.
  • If you can not attend auditions, you can submit a self-tape to hdbauditions@gmail.com

With a season that spans contemporary musicals, sharp-edged comedy, and music-driven storytelling, the Depot Theatre looks forward to welcoming both returning collaborators and new voices into the room!

See the audition listing on BroadwayWorld and Playbill. 

Depot Theatre Announces 2026 Season of New Voices, New Energy, and Expanded Creative Pathways

New Artistic Director Aaron Jodoin and long-time Academy Director Gigi Mason bring fresh perspectives to a season that bridges professional and educational work

WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre, the Adirondacks’ first and oldest professional Equity theatre, has announced its 2026 season—a vibrant blend of new voices, beloved music, and intergenerational storytelling that reflects the company’s continued artistic evolution and deep community roots.

The 2026 season marks the first under the artistic leadership of Aaron Jodoin. A familiar face to Depot Theatre audiences and artists alike, Jodoin brings Broadway-level experience alongside a strong commitment to arts education and the Westport community. Having served as music director for past Main Stage and Academy productions, he has worked closely with Academy Director Gigi Mason to mentor young performers and cultivate the next generation of theatre artists. His collaborative approach and passion for developing artists at every level strengthen the Depot Theatre’s creative community and reinforce its commitment to excellence in performance and education.

“I’ve made theatre in a lot of different rooms, it’s a gift to build a season in a community that feels like home and I’ve come to love. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life at the Depot Theatre and grateful for the trust in me from Sarah and the Board of Directors,” said Jodoin.

Aaron Jodoin at the keyboard

Aaron Jodoin at the keyboard

2026 Season Highlights

The season opens with the Depot Theatre Academy’s production of Hadestown: Teen Edition by Anaïs Mitchell, a licensed youth adaptation presented under agreement with Concord Theatricals. The production places young artists at the center of a contemporary musical story, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to professional-level training and ensemble-driven work.

The Academy will also present two Main Stage concert performances of Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition) by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell in July. The musical’s darkly comic tone and ensemble-driven storytelling make it a natural fit for Academy performers.

The Main Stage season continues with Tick, Tick… Boom! Jonathan Larson’s inspiring, semi-autobiographical musical about creativity, persistence, and the courage to follow one’s artistic dreams. 

Mid-summer brings Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help by Katie Forgette, a heartfelt and hilarious look at family, faith, and survival.

The season concludes with Ring of Fire, created by Richard Maltby Jr., a high-energy celebration of Johnny Cash’s music that closes the summer with rhythm, grit, and heart.

“This season is a powerful reflection of where the Depot Theatre is headed,” said Sarah Wilson, executive director. “We’re deepening our artistic range, strengthening our Academy’s visibility, and building bridges between professional artists, students, and audiences. The result is a lineup that’s as entertaining as it is meaningful.”

Academy 

Under the guidance of Academy Director Gigi Mason, the Depot Theatre Academy continues to grow as a regional leader in performing arts education—offering professional-level experiences for students while building audiences of the future.

“Our young performers are fearless,” said Mason. “They bring fresh energy and authenticity to every story we tell. Seeing them step onto the Main Stage in Hadestown: Teen Edition will be a thrilling way to open the summer.”

The Academy will continue with its August Junior Program at the Whallonsburg Grange as well. 

New Programming

In addition to its Main Stage and Academy productions, the Depot Theatre will launch Dark Nights programming—offering intimate concerts, new play readings, and special performances between productions. These limited engagements will spotlight regional talent, Academy performers, and emerging artists, strengthening the Theatre’s role as a year-round creative hub. The series also revives the spirit of the Depot Theatre’s earlier Intermezzo series, offering intimate performances that echo a beloved tradition while looking ahead to new creative possibilities.

The Dark Nights series will be developed under new artistic producing oversight, with Artistic General Manager Amy Fitts helping shape its concerts, readings, and small-format performances.

”The Depot Theatre’s mission has always included developing artists at every level,” said Scott Gibree, President of the Board of Trustees. “This season brings that commitment into clearer focus by more fully connecting our Academy with the Main Stage. With Aaron’s leadership, we’re strengthening that partnership while continuing to deliver the high-quality work our audiences rely on.”

Gift certificates for the Depot Theatre’s 2026 Main Stage season are now available at https://depottheatre.org/gift-certificates/. 

Visit DepotTheatre.org and subscribe to our email list or follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with season detail announcements, including when season passes and ticket sales begin.  

See this in the news from Sun Community News and BroadwayWorld. 

Depot Theatre’s Radio Play of A Christmas Carol is a Story of Hope and Forgiveness

The 2024 Performance of a Christmas Carol, Presented by The Depot Theatre Academy & Whallonsburg Grange Hall. (Credit: Official Show Photography by Betsy Bacot)

The 2024 Performance of a Christmas Carol, Presented by The Depot Theatre Academy & Whallonsburg Grange Hall. (Credit: Official Show Photography by Betsy Bacot)

“The holidays are a time to revisit old classics, whether it’s your favorite Christmas movies or annual performances of the Nutcracker. This Sunday, the Depot Theatre Academy in Westport is revisiting the Charles Dickens tale, ‘A Christmas Carol.’

It will be the 4th annual presentation of the story in the form of a radio play, written by Philip Grecian and performed at the Whallonsburg Grange. The play is co-directed by Amy Fitts and Gigi Mason and begins at 3 pm.

Mason spoke with Emily Russell about the performance, which will raise money and collect food donations for local pantries.”

(Link to full NCPR interview here.)

Depot Theatre Academy Celebrates Holiday Season with Festive Events

The Depot Theatre Academy is celebrating the holiday season with two special events bringing together community, creativity, and the rising young artists who are shaping the Academy’s future. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A RADIO PLAY

On Sunday, Dec. 21, the Depot Theatre Academy and the Whallonsburg Grange Hall invite audiences to gather for a heart-warming Adirondack holiday tradition: the 4th Annual presentation of A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play by Philip Grecian, based on the much-loved novel by Charles Dickens.

Co-directed by Gigi Mason and Amy Fitts, this live radio-style performance blends period-inspired storytelling, Foley sound effects, and a spirited cast of Academy alumni and local artists. Together, they conjure the world of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in a way that is both nostalgic and freshly engaging.

Enjoy refreshments at 2 p.m., performance begins at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted to support area food pantries.

New this year, audiences will be able to tune in live and share in this holiday storytelling tradition, with streaming available on the Depot Theatre’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

MISCAST CABARET: A NEW YEAR FUNDRAISER FOR THE ACADEMY 

The Depot Theatre Academy ushers in the new year on Friday, Jan. 3, with an intimate, supper-club style Miscast Cabaret, featuring Academy alumni performing songs and scenes they’d never be cast in—unexpected, playful, and full of heart.

Held at The Mill, with food and beverages available for purchase from The Knock, this special evening brings together families, friends, and supporters in a celebration that directly benefits the Academy’s 2026 summer season.

The night will include a short but impactful paddle raise, supporting scholarships, production costs, and the opportunities that help young performers grow.

“This cabaret is pure joy,” co-director Mason said. “It’s a chance to watch our alumni stretch, surprise us, and have a blast—while everyone in the room makes a real impact on the opportunities we can offer next season.”

Doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m. at The Mill in Wadhams. Tickets $50; visit depottheatre.org/academyjan3.

“These two events reflect what makes the Depot Theatre Academy so special — the creativity of our young artists, the generosity of our community, and the shared belief that storytelling can bring people together,” said Sarah Wilson, Executive Director of the Depot Theatre. “We’re grateful for everyone who supports the Academy’s mission and helps us nurture the next generation of performers, technicians, and creative thinkers.” 

See this in the news: Sun Community News. 

ON THE SCENE: Depot Theatre in Westport Wraps up a Great Season

LPNews Depot Aug2025 article

Naj Wikoff lives in Keene Valley and has been writing his column for the Lake Placid News since 2005. He visited the Depot Theatre in August and interviewed some of the cast and crew. He also shares his thoughts on a performance he attended: “If you missed The Million Dollar Quartet, you missed an informative and lively hoot.”

Read the full article here.

106.3 WNBZ-FM SPECIAL SHOWS: The Roommate

Leslie Dame and Beth Glover at 106.3 WNBZ-FM

The cast and director of THE ROOMMATE got a chance to be on the radio! If you missed it:

Station Takeover:

https://www.wnbz.com/…/nbz-fm-takeover-the-depot…/

Interview with cast & director:

https://www.wnbz.com/…/beth-glover-leslie-dame-and…/

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.

Email Sign-up

Get the latest Depot Theatre News!

Sign-up

Recent News

Read all News

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.

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.