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Enrollment open and auditions set for 2018 Boquet River Theatre Festival

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BRTF program staff addressed participants at an informational gathering in April. (L-R: Diana McGuigan George, program coordinator; Jackie Robertin, senior show director; Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre executive director; Gigi Mason, advisor; Cheri La Duke, junior show director.) Photo by Overtime Photo Booth

Westport, N.Y. – The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce that enrollment is open, and a date for auditions has been set for the Boquet River Theatre Festival (BRTF) 2018 program.

Auditions for both the junior and senior BRTF programs will be held on June 9 beginning at 9am at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall. Participants who enroll before or on June 9 can take advantage of the discounted registration fee of $185 per child. Regular registration is $200.

The 2018 BRTF Junior production, directed by Cheri La Duke, will be Willy Wonka, and rehearsals will start July 23 with performances August 10, 11, 12. The Senior production, directed by Jackie Robertin, will be determined after auditions, based on the number of cast members. Rehearsals for the senior program will start July 30 with performances August 17, 18, 19.

“The Depot Theatre has taken BRTF under its wing to ensure that this incredible program and tradition carries on for young actors in our area. I am excited to be involved with the next chapter of this program,” said Diana McGuigan George, Depot Theatre Outreach Coordinator. “I’m so looking forward to working with everyone involved, and particularly excited that Jackie Robertin and Cherie La Duke will continue on as Directors and that Gigi Mason will continue to add her immense talent and knowledge to the program again this summer.”

Diana McGuigan George will be happy to answer any questions regarding the 2018 BRTF program. For more information email her at brtf@depottheatre.org or call 518.962.8072.  More information, downloadable Participant Guidelines and online registration is now available at www.depottheatre.org/outreach.

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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 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 2018 Season, its 40th, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.

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The Curtain Closes for this Senior

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”6029,6030,6033,6031,6000,6001″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.6″ hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] Throughout these past months, I have learned so much about the process of writing and about the Depot Theatre. I am constantly, pleasantly surprised by the hard work, dedication and creativity that went into all the […]

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The Depot Theatre 1994: Oklahoma!

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Oklahoma! (1994)

Whether it’s the theatre, museums, concerts or dance, what was your earliest encounter with the arts?

As a shy second grader, I pursued my dreams by joining the chorus. That fateful year, the annual concert focused thematically on musical theatre. Sadly, I did not make the cut for any solos and my singing career lasted just one year. But I did get a nice, foundational repertoire of songs, from Phantom of the Opera, to Jesus Christ Superstar, and many more. This year, while looking through the Depot’s production history, a lot of songs drift through my head, and consequently get stuck there.

One of these songs just happens to be the title number “Oklahoma,” from Oklahoma!, a bright musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. This musical is an old classic from 1943 that the Depot Theatre performed in 1994. Looking back through the Depot Theatre’s playbill and photographs, I realized one of the settings is the Skidmore Ranch. As I happen to go to Skidmore, and our mascot is a horse, I felt that my second-grade experience with chorus truly came full circle. While “Oklahoma” is a catchy song, there are a lot of great ones, including “Oh What a Beautiful Morning!”

Click on any image below to enlarge and begin a slideshow of cast photos and images of the playbill for the Depot Theatre’s 1994 production of Oklahoma!

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Follow the Depot Theatre on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/depottheatre?lang=en

About the Depot Theatre Archival Project:

Lindsey Poremba is a senior at Skidmore College. She is from Brookline, New Hampshire, but in the past few years has grown to love living in upstate New York. At Skidmore, she is studying art history and arts administration, which led her to learn about the Depot Theatre, and the Westport community. This semester, she is continuing the work of archiving visual materials for the Depot Theatre.

Note: The Depot does its best to identify photos and other materials in our archives. Given the 40-year span, there may be missing or incomplete information. We welcome any additional information, corrections and edits that will help complete the archive for years to come!

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Behind the Curtain: Insider Tips on Subscriptions

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″] Insider Tips on Subscriptions Did you know? Season Subscriptions are on Sale Now! If you’re on our mailing list, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or recently ran into me at the coffee shop, you might have heard […]

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The Depot Theatre’s Lucky 13th Season

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Nunsense, 1991

Happy Friday the 13th!

This Friday we have an unlucky holiday coming up – Friday the 13th.  While we only have a day of the unlucky number this week, the Depot Theatre took on its auspicious 13th season in 1991. Luckily, it was an exciting season with lighthearted comedies and musicals. Nobody seems to have broken a leg.

One of the musicals that stuck out to me is Nunsense, a musical comedy written by Dan Goggin. It follows the antics of five nuns from The Little Sisters of Hoboken. The musical seems perfectly suited for the Depot Theatre, as it happens to take place in a depot train station as well! Take a look through the amusing photographs of the nuns, and reviews of the musical. And this Friday, be careful not to walk under any ladders, break mirrors, and try to avoid black cats.

Click any image to enlarge and start a slideshow.

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Follow the Depot Theatre on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/depottheatre?lang=en

About the Depot Theatre Archival Project:

Lindsey Poremba is a senior at Skidmore College. She is from Brookline, New Hampshire, but in the past few years has grown to love living in upstate New York. At Skidmore, she is studying art history and arts administration, which led her to learn about the Depot Theatre, and the Westport community. This semester, she is continuing the work of archiving visual materials for the Depot Theatre.

Note: The Depot does its best to identify photos and other materials in our archives. Given the 40-year span, there may be missing or incomplete information. We welcome any additional information, corrections and edits that will help complete the archive for years to come!

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Depot Theatre to host informational gathering for BRTF children’s theatre program

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Westport, N.Y. – The Depot Theatre invites all interested participants and families to attend an informational gathering at the Whallonsburg Grange at 6 p.m. on April 25 to learn all about the 2018 Boquet River Theatre Festival (BRTF) children’s theatre program.
 
BRTF is an organization that was designed to provide young people with theatrical training and experience. Each summer, BRTF features both junior (ages 8-12) and senior (ages 12 and up) programs that culminate in musical theatrical performances held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall during August.
 
The Depot Theatre has taken the program under its wing, and beginning in 2018, will be featuring the BRTF children’s theatre as their signature education and outreach program.
 
In addition to 2018 program information, the gathering will serve as an opportunity to introduce Diana McGuigan George as the BRTF Program Coordinator, as well as to meet the other program staff, including longtime BRTF director Gigi Mason, who will serve in an advisory role this summer.
 
Diana has extensive experience working with theaters and with youth, primarily as Director of the theater and drama program at Camp Dudley, and as Drama Advisor at Westport Central School. In addition to her own acting experience in London, New York and Los Angeles, she is adept at directing, teaching acting, coordinating set, costume, lighting and sound design.
 
The 2018 BRTF program will be held from July 23- August 19, 2018. Junior program rehearsals begin July 23, with performances on August 10, 11 and 12. The senior program will begin rehearsals on July 30, with performances on August 17, 18 and 19.
 
For more information about the Depot Theatre and BRTF, visit 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 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 2018 Season, its 40th, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.
 
PHOTO: Whallonsburg Grange

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Early Renovations at the Depot Theatre

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Building a Better Future:

The Depot Theatre is unlike any other – the formation and evolution of the theatre was and has always been a community generated effort. To an outside perspective like my own, I was surprised when I first heard about the Depot Theatre and intrigued by the story.

To take the long view, it all began in 1876, with the construction of the Westport train station. A little over a hundred years later, in 1978, Westport came together to save the historic site from demolition. That year, the Depot Theatre began presenting theatre within the space, while retaining its rich heritage as a station.

Since its inception, volunteers, staff, and members of the community have made this unique space Westport’s own. Within the archives, there is evidence of the help and hard work that ensures the Depot Theatre’s continued success. There are a few pictures of the train station’s renovation, which is tentatively estimated to be from 1998. If you recognize any faces, please contact us so that we can give credit where credit is due!

Check out More History Below:

https://depottheatre.org/backstage/production-history/

Follow the Depot Theatre on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/depottheatre?lang=en

About the Depot Theatre Archival Project:

Lindsey Poremba is a senior at Skidmore College. She is from Brookline, New Hampshire, but in the past few years has grown to love living in upstate New York. At Skidmore, she is studying art history and arts administration, which led her to learn about the Depot Theatre, and the Westport community. This semester, she is continuing the work of archiving visual materials for the Depot Theatre.

Note: The Depot does its best to identify photos and other materials in our archives. Given the 40-year span, there may be missing or incomplete information. We welcome any additional information, corrections and edits that will help complete the archive for years to come!

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The Odd Couple, 1986

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The Odd Couple, 1986

A Couple of Thoughts:

In the past four years as a college student I’ve had quite a few living arrangements. I’ve been in singles, doubles, apartments with three other people, and apartments with five other people. Moving in with someone new can be an overwhelming experience – it can be challenging to adjust to living with people with different habits and outlooks than you. I won’t get into roommate horror stories, but I’ve been fortunate to meet some great people and make amazing friends.

I think any soon-to-be college student should watch The Odd Couple, a hilarious take on what happens when two totally different personalities collide. The neat, uptight Felix Unger moves in with his sloppy friend Oscar Madison during marital troubles, only to discover that living with one another is not easy either. Although this play premiered on Broadway in 1965, it remains timeless. For those who haven’t seen it, look through these beautiful black and white photographs of the Depot Theatre’s production of The Odd Couple in 1986.

Click any image to enlarge!

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Follow the Depot Theatre on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/depottheatre?lang=en

About the Depot Theatre Archival Project:

Lindsey Poremba is a senior at Skidmore College. She is from Brookline, New Hampshire, but in the past few years has grown to love living in upstate New York. At Skidmore, she is studying art history and arts administration, which led her to learn about the Depot Theatre, and the Westport community. This semester, she is continuing the work of archiving visual materials for the Depot Theatre.

Note: The Depot does its best to identify photos and other materials in our archives. Given the 40-year span, there may be missing or incomplete information. We welcome any additional information, corrections and edits that will help complete the archive for years to come!

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1987 at the Depot Theatre

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A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1987

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1987

 

March Madness: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Spring has officially sprung! And yet the snow will not seem to let up and melt away. During these last, long few months of winter, I’ve started to think ahead to sunny, summer days. What better place to be than transported back to the Depot Theatre in 1987 and William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play takes place in an enchanted wood outside of Athens – a welcome change from chilly upstate New York! Look through some photos and peruse the playbill from the Depot’s take on this Shakespearean staple.

Click on any image in the gallery below to enlarge and begin a slideshow.

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Follow the Depot Theatre on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/depottheatre?lang=en

About the Depot Theatre Archival Project:

Lindsey Poremba is a senior at Skidmore College. She is from Brookline, New Hampshire, but in the past few years has grown to love living in upstate New York. At Skidmore, she is studying art history and arts administration, which led her to learn about the Depot Theatre, and the Westport community. This semester, she is continuing the work of archiving visual materials for the Depot Theatre.

Note: The Depot does its best to identify photos and other materials in our archives. Given the 40-year span, there may be missing or incomplete information. We welcome any additional information, corrections and edits that will help complete the archive for years to come!

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The Depot Theatre’s 10th Season, Thirty Years Later

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1988: The Depot’s Tenth Anniversary

Biloxi Blues Program

As the Depot Theatre approaches its fortieth anniversary season, I wanted to take a look at what other landmark anniversaries the Depot has celebrated. In 1988, the Depot Theatre kicked off its tenth season with a great repertory – Biloxi Blues, The Gin Game, Little Shop of Horrors, and Galileo. Biloxi Blues, the season opener, is the second installment in a series of semi-autobiographical plays by Neil Simon. The Depot Theatre put on the first play of Simon’s series, Brighton Beach Memoirs, the previous summer in 1987.

Look through the playbill of Biloxi Blues below to see if any familiar names stand out to you! The cast includes Sig Libowitz as Arnold Epstein, Roger Raines as Eugene Morris Jerome, and Ed Rice as Sergeant Merwin J. Toomey.

You can also check out what the Lifestyles section of the Press-Republican had to say about the play right before its opening night.  In 1988, the price of tickets for the Depot Theatre was $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. My favorite line of the article comes right at the end, “A word of warning: the Depot Theatre advises that some of the language in “Biloxi Blues” may be inappropriate for younger children.”

Follow the Depot Theatre on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/depottheatre?lang=en

About the Depot Theatre Archival Project:

Lindsey Poremba is a senior at Skidmore College. She is from Brookline, New Hampshire, but in the past few years has grown to love living in upstate New York. At Skidmore, she is studying art history and arts administration, which led her to learn about the Depot Theatre and the Westport community. This semester, she is continuing the work of archiving visual materials for the Depot Theatre.

NOTE: The Depot does its best to identify photos and other materials in our archives. Given the 40-year span, there may be missing or incomplete information. We welcome any additional information, corrections and edits that will help complete the archive for years to come!

Click any image to enlarge!

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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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    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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