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Depot Theatre Back on Track in 2021

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Westport, N.Y. — The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY is pleased to announce a return to live performances in 2021, with three main stage productions originally planned for 2020, featuring iconic figures and everyday heroes.

The only professional Equity theatre in the Adirondacks, the Depot will adhere to both government and Actors’ Equity health and safety guidelines, which will require a number of protocol changes that include limited audience capacity, required face coverings, and ticket sales conducted entirely by phone.

“We are committed to our mission to ‘entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts,’ and the Depot staff is prepared to optimize the experience while meeting this year’s strict protocols,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “Though the audience capacity will look dramatically different this summer, the professional performances on stage will be the high quality experience that our patrons have come to expect!”

The season will open with THE MOUNTAINTOP, a reflective, often funny, touching, and gripping reimagining of the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he examines his achievements, his failures, and his unfinished dreams. In 2011, this poignant play’s Broadway run starred Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett. THE MOUNTAINTOP will run from July 1 through July 18.

Next up on the main stage is WORKING: A MUSICAL beginning July 22 through August 8, 2021. Nominated for six Tony Awards, WORKING: A MUSICAL features vibrant portrayals of 26 real-life American workers – including a schoolteacher, trucker, housewife, fireman, and millworker – played by 6 actors. The show conveys how people’s relationships to their work reveal key aspects of their humanity. The musical includes songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, and favorite numbers by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, and James Taylor.

The season closes on a big note with LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL from August 12-29. This “play with music” recounts the heartbreaking, beautiful, and haunting story of Billie Holiday’s life through the songs that made her one of the most famous icons of the era, including “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “God Bless The Child,” and “Strange Fruit.”

“We’re excited to be able to produce live theatre again on our intimate stage, especially this particular lineup, which exemplifies our vision statement that promises to promote diversity in all that we do,” said Kenney Green, the Depot’s Producing Artistic Director. “These productions represent a range of experiences that will resonate with our audiences, from thought-provoking storytelling that illustrates how some decades-old struggles are still relevant today to pure entertainment.”

Among the changes in protocol this year, ticket sales will be conducted entirely by phone. Tickets will go on sale on June 2, and can be purchased by calling the box office at 518.962.4449. As policies evolve, updates will be posted online and at the Depot. More details, additional events and news updates can be found online at DepotTheatre.org.

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DEPOT THEATRE 2021 MAIN STAGE SEASON

The Depot Theatre 2021 Main Stage Season is generously sponsored by Casella.

THE MOUNTAINTOP
July 2-18, 2021
$25 preview on July 1
By: Katori Hall
RATED: PG-13 (Includes some adult language.)
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: The Galley Restaurant and Bar at Westport Marina

WORKING: A MUSICAL
July 23- August 8, 2021
$25 preview on July 22
From the book by Studs Terkel
Adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso with additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg
Songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz, and James Taylor
Orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire
RATED: PG
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: Chazy Westport Communications/Westelcom

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL
August 13-29, 2021
$25 preview on August 12
BY: Lanie Robertson
RATED: PG-13 (Content includes adult themes and language, including issues of race, substance abuse, and abusive relationships.)
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: Mountain Lake PBS

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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 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 2021 Season 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.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

VISION STATEMENT
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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Depot Theatre awarded support for Academy outreach and education program

Above: Depot Theatre Academy participants rehearse dance steps during the 2020 Physically-Distant, Artistically Connected 2020 program. 
 
The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation to support the Depot Theatre Academy theatre outreach and education program.
 
The 2021 summer Depot Theatre Academy program, held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall August 9-22, encompasses a junior program for young artists ages 8-12, and an enhanced senior program for participants ages 13 and older who are enrolled in school, home school, or college.
 
The Bailey Foundation grant funding will allow the Depot to promote and run its enhanced program, with all necessary PPE measures in place. Funding will be used for overall program support to help underwrite artist fees, necessary equipment upgrades due to the pandemic, and student tuition assistance.
 
“Our intention is to provide a robust educational experience for all of our area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation for providing significant resources toward fulfilling one of our most important strategic goals: to offer the best educational youth theatre program possible to this rural, underserved area of northern New York.”
 
The 2021 Academy summer program will include workshops led by Equity professionals in acting, voice, and dance, culminating in three performances of this year’s production: INTO THE WOODS, JR. Senior Academy participants will also have the option to perform in a Cabaret. 2021 Depot Theatre Academy plans also include an accompaniment workshop and adult rep class.
 
“Despite the challenges of 2020, we’re proud to have successfully conducted a physically-distant and artistically-connected Academy program last summer,” said Kenney Green, Depot Theatre Producing Artistic Director. “We’re pleased that in 2021, we’ll introduce new workshops, and in addition to professional Equity instruction, our summer program will also include live performances as a culmination of the artists’ learning experience.” 
 
Registration for the summer academy program is available beginning April 1. Information about the program and other regional youth theatre opportunities can be found at www.DepotTheatre.org. 
 
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. The Depot Theatre Academy is made possible in part with a generous sponsorship from the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation and by Depot Theatre Academy underwriter, the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, with special thanks to the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.  
 
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ABOUT THE CORNELIA T BAiLEY FOUNDATION
 
The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation is a Florida-based private foundation focused on making grants to promote the arts, education and initiatives that seek to better our world utilizing nature and the sciences.The Foundation’s mission is to utilize its assets to assist any organization which seeks to promote the arts or create programs that not only inspire and engage but also teach. https://ctbfoundation.org/
 
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 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 2021 programming 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 Essex County Arts Council. www.DepotTheatre.org

Regional Summer Youth Theatre Opportunities Announced

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Westport, NY – Theatres throughout the Adirondack North Country are collaborating to promote youth theatre educational opportunities and live theatre programming for the 2021 summer season.

In an effort to provide interested youth with a full menu of this summer’s theatre education options, area theatre producers have curated a current list of programs for youth, and they will continue to update events as new details evolve.

Current programs include:

  • Adirondack Regional Theatre: FROZEN JR. – July 8-11
  • Book & Blanket Players Youth Musical-In-A-Week: Jane Austen’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE an original musical – July 11-18
  • Artistry Community Theatre: PROOF (with student roles) July 14-18 and INTO THE WOODS (with student roles) July 23-31
  • Depot Theatre Academy Summer 2021: In-person theatre education program culminating in a production of INTO THE WOODS, JR – August 9-22

This information has been compiled by a new collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Depot Theatre Academy and their Board of Trustees’ Education and Outreach Committee.

“We’re pleased to participate in promoting our regional partners’ youth programs collectively, to assist parents and students as they organize their summer calendars,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre executive director. “And although we’re still in the planning stages for our main stage season, it benefits us, and our patrons, to work together as we navigate a new, challenging theatre production landscape.”

Although in some cases, plans for summer 2021 live productions are not yet finalized, the group is committed to sharing resources and information as the region emerges from the pandemic lockdown.

Collaborating organizations include the Adirondack Regional Theatre in Plattsburgh, Artistry Community Theatre in Willsboro, Adirondack Stage Rats based in Saranac Lake, Book & Blanket Players in Keene, Depot Theatre in Westport, Essex Theatre Company, and Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake.

Regional youth program details can be found online at www.DepotTheatre.org.

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Depot Theatre Awarded Continued Support from Cloudsplitter Foundation

Cloudsplitter Foundation Director Chenelle Palyswiat (R) presents Depot Theatre Executive Director Kim Rielly with a check for $5,000.

Cloudsplitter Foundation Director Chenelle Palyswiat (R) presents Depot Theatre Executive Director Kim Rielly with a check for $5,000. 

The Depot Theatre has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation for ongoing operational needs and improvements to its artist housing.

The grant represents continued support from Cloudsplitter Foundation for this mission-driven project which will ultimately allow the theatre flexibility to expand programming into the winter months.

In 2019, the Depot was awarded a $4,000 grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation for capital improvements to its artist housing, following a $2,000 grant in 2018 toward Phase 1 of the project, which included upgraded HAVAC and new smoke-CO2 alarm systems.

The 9-bedroom house currently serves as seasonal housing for part-time artistic and educational staff, crew and visiting Actors’ Equity artists. As a professional theatre operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Depot is required to provide housing for its visiting artists who work at the theatre during its summer main stage season. The goal is to ultimately also use the building as a center for artistic collaboration, including community access and year-round programming.

“Our actor housing is not only essential to our operations, but it is a key element of our strategic goals that include year-round programs using that space,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “We are grateful to the Cloudsplitter Foundation for their ongoing commitment to the improvement of our vital infrastructure and support of our mission.”

“It is encouraging to see that even in these challenging times, the Depot continues to pursue its strategic goals,” said Chenelle Palyswiat, Director of the Cloudsplitter Foundation. “We are committed to supporting projects and organizations that improve the quality of life in our communities, and we’re pleased to be part of this Depot Theatre initiative.”

For more information about the Depot Theatre, visit DepotTheatre.org. More information about the Cloudsplitter Foundation can be found at cloudsplitter.org.

ABOUT THE CLOUDSPLITTER FOUNDATION

The Cloudsplitter Foundation is dedicated to improving the future for the flora, fauna, communities, and people of the Adirondacks. Over 70% of the grants made by the Cloudsplitter Foundation go to improve the environment, economies, and lives of the people in the Adirondacks. The primary purpose of the Cloudsplitter Foundation is to improve the environment, both physical and cultural, in the Adirondacks and to make life easier, healthier, and more rewarding for the people who live there. While over 70% of the Foundation’s grants go to institutions in the Adirondacks, their secondary mission, to the extent that funds are available, is to aid other organizations dedicated to humanitarian causes, wilderness preservation, protecting civil liberties, and cultural development. http://cloudsplitter.org/

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 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 2021 programming 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 Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council. http://depotheatre.org

Six character (actors) in search of the Depot

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A Physically Distanced One Act Play

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As we come to the end of what would have been our 43rd season at the Depot Theatre, we felt the need to interview some Depot alumni and see where and how they spent their Summer of 2020.

However, since we are all STARVED for live theatre, we decided forgo the usual interview format and transform their answers into a short One-act play.

Feel free to act it out in your living rooms or back yards!

 

 

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PLACE:

The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY

TIME:

The end of the summer during the Pandemic of 2020

CHARACTERS:

LORI FUNK (Actor, 39 Steps & An Act of God), YVETTE CLARK (Actor, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Route 66) AMY GRIFFIN (Director, 39 Steps & actor, Outside Mullingar) SARAH OVERTURF (Stage Manager 2013-15) JONATHAN HADLEY (Actor, Pete N Keely, 39 Steps, Interim Producing Director 2014-15) and BETH GLOVER (Actor in over 12 productions, Director of Heroes and Wicked City). With some surprise guests.

 

(LIGHTS UP on the beloved Depot Theatre stage; the stage we all love and have seen transformed into any number of exotic places depending on the demands of the show. It is empty now. Suddenly there is the sound of a TRAIN WHISTLE. Six figures appear on the stage – all wearing masks and physically distanced, of course.)

LORI- Hey! We’re on the Depot Stage!! How the heck did we get here? I was walking in Fort Tryon Park with my husband and daughter and suddenly here I am!
BETH – (who is wearing a wide-brimmed sun bonnet) I was in the yard at my house in Saranac Lake, weeding my garden, and suddenly here I am!
YVETTE- (holding a remote control) I was in Brooklyn watching TV with my Mom and my son. Next thing I know..!!
SARAH – (wearing a headset) I was in Astoria on a Zoom call with my job and BOOM! Here I am!
JONATHAN – (holding a martini glass) I was having a cocktail on my roof in Greenwich Village! Cheers!
AMY – I was at my home in Nyack with my husband and son finally organizing my basement …..but I was thinking of my Summers at the Depot.
BETH – Me too!
JONATHAN – So was I!!
SARAH and YVETTE- Me TOO!!!
LORI – Ohhh… I think of the Depot often!

(Everyone sighs. Suddenly KENNEY GREEN, Producing Artistic Director of the Depot, appears and begins playing a jazzy tune on a baby grand piano that has also magically appeared. A second later KIM RIELLY, the Depot’s Executive Director, appears lounging on the piano.)

WHAT THEY MISS AT THE DEPOT…

EVERYONE- HI Kenney!!! Hi Kim!!!!
KENNEY and KIM- Hi you guys!!!
KIM – We certainly have missed you all this Summer!!
KENNEY – Let me ask you guys a question: What do ya’ll miss most about the Depot Summer experience?

YVETTE – You know…I’ve worked at many places but the Depot is special. I miss the mountains and the wrap around porch at the artist’s house.

LORI – The community is so lovely and supportive and welcoming. The space is perfectly quirky and charming. The gorgeous Adirondack setting cannot be beaten. The people I’ve met and worked with, and, subsequently, become great friends with, are some of the best of the best. Mix that with the chance to do what I love, and that sums up pretty much everything I miss the most right now.

AMY – The Depot is such an intimate theatre, and the sense of community is really special. The fact that the company rehearses and performs together all day and lives together in one big house creates a wonderful sense of family.

Jonathan Hadley and Sarah Overturf “working” at the Depot.

SARAH – The people, the art, the collective goal of making excellent theatre accessible to people in that area are what I miss.

BETH – The fast collaborative experience is always thrilling — rehearsing and creating in 9 days demands tight bonds both onstage and off.  When it works (which is 99.99% of the time at the Depot), it is positively…. magical.

(KENNEY plays a verse of “Magic to Do” from Pippin and everyone sings along.)

JONATHAN – Absolutely! I miss the wonderful roles we get to play up here, away from the pressures of the city. Along with the Dogwood pizza and Stewart’s iced coffee!!

SARAH – Oh! The Keene Valley Farmer’s Market on Sundays is the BEST! And the Noon Mark Diner’s pies!

LORI – I want to take advantage of all those goodies once again. And, for me, ‘all those goodies’ means food and shopping. Westport, and places nearby, have fantastic restaurants, along with sweet little hidden retail gems. And I love introducing friends and family to all those places, too.

WHAT THEY’VE BEEN UP TO

Amy Griffin, obviously thinking about the Depot…

KENNEY – (playing an “up tune” on the piano). So what has everyone done to keep busy during this crazy time?

AMY – Well, drinking wine and crying was my major pastime in the beginning. It was–and is–very hard to have basically everything in your profession cancelled with no idea when it will resume.

EVERYONE – Here, Here!!!

JONATHAN – It’s so true! 100% of the theatrical unions are out of work which makes us dependent on whatever we can get from Unemployment. I was in a touring show that was cancelled and we’re just waiting to see when and IF we will be able to return to a theatre. In the meantime, I hope something will come up!

AMY – It’s so rough! But, I will say, I have rallied somewhat. I’ve now been doing a lot of acting coaching on Zoom. Thankfully, one-on-one coaching works well in that format. I’m also continuing my own study (remotely) with my voice and acting teachers. I’m also directing a Zoom play reading coming up, and also acting in a Zoom reading. So that’s what’s keeping me alive creatively!

Beth Glover – shown here wide-brimmed-sun-bonnet-less.

JONATHAN- I painted my entire apartment and read the whole C S Lewis Narnia series. But NOT at the same time!

SARAH- I tried to get caught up on script reading and listening to soundtracks. I began running (not creative, but definitely an outlet). I can’t wait until the city opens up a bit more to be able to get out to museums, music, etc.

BETH – I’ve been doing some writing and reading quite a few plays.  I’ve participated in some readings of plays on Zoom and organized some.  Karen, my wife/partner of 23 years…
EVERYONE: 23 years!!!!
BETH: Yep…while she and I were hunkered down here in the beauty of the Adirondacks we talked quite a bit about figuring out how to produce socially distanced theatre.  We found a play for 2 actors that is PERFECT.  The characters are strangers so using social distancing is natural.  We are now in rehearsals and plan to hold performances in our yard (Mickey and Judy put on a show!) in late September.  The audience will be limited to 20 people so they can also socially distance.  A win for art! A win for theatre! A win for actors!

LORI – Taking inspiration from other friends and colleagues, my husband and daughter and I decided to do a family story time from our living room bean bag chair entitled ‘Bean Bag Story

Lori Funk and her daughter reading in their online series “Bean Bag Story Time.”

Time.’ We post the videos on Facebook. To date, we’ve read close to 50 stories for the little folks (and some big folks, too). We’ve heard from people all over the country who have enjoyed watching. The goal was to create something that could potentially spread a tiny bit of joy. Hoping we’ve done just that. Fun fact: One of the books we read was Ingredients for a Witch, written by the multi-talented John Treacy Egan, who just happened to be our fabulous director for An Act of God at The Depot last season.

YVETTE – I just did my first virtual cabaret on August 28th, “Diva of the ‘Demic” on Facebook Live. Be on the lookout because another one is coming soon! For the past six months I have been posting videos of me singing show tunes on Marie’s Crisis Café page, Marie’s Group. We took our showtune piano bar virtual when our doors closed in mid-March.

 

ON STAGE MEMORIES

Yvette Clark

Yvette Clark – aka “Diva of the “Demic”

JONATHAN – Being on this stage brings back so many memories. Most of them having to do with a train stopping the show!! Beth, do you remember during Born Yesterday after a long train went by, that I picked up the phone on the set and said “Front desk? Can you move me to another room that’s not so near the train tracks??” Do any of you have a good memory to share?

BETH – Oh yes!!! When we were doing Guys and Dolls, Paul Kelly was Nathan Detroit and I was Miss Adelaide, we were in the scene where Adelaide is telling him she writes her mother about the 5 children they have, when a bat began swooping down causing us to duck several times.  Paul Kelly said, pointing at the bat, “Did you tell your mother about this kid? He’s trying to kill us.”

YVETTE – I was in a production of Route 66 in 2014, I believe, and one of my character’s names in the show was Vonda Carter and she was a sheriff. One day in rehearsal, Adam Michael Tilford, who was our musical director, decided that she needed theme music to enter on. Well, I can’t tell how much I enjoyed walking out to my own theme music! HA!

AMY – When I was playing Rosemary in Outside Mullingar, we had a very unexpected moment of audience participation. The play is a very unconventional love story, and in the very last scene the two protagonists finally confess their long-hidden love for each other and share a long-awaited kiss. In one unforgettable performance, the fabulous actor, Todd Cerveris, embraced me, kissed me tenderly, and we heard (as usual) the “Ahhhh” of the touched and happy audience. Then, after one beat of silence, we heard a male audience member yell out a top volume: “GET A ROOM!” Todd and I began silently laughing so hard our shoulders were shaking and our teeth clicking together in our stage kiss! Thankfully, we only had about ten more lines before the play ended and we managed to keep it together till the lights went down.

SARAH – The people have always been the highlight of The Depot for me. But if I had to pick one memory, I would have to say the chicken story, and if you know, you know!!

(Suddenly in the distance we hear the rumbling of a train.)

SARAH – Ladies and Gentlemen, as your stage manager, I must inform you that a train is coming. We’ll need to dim the lights, as is tradition. Margaret! Margaret are you here?

(MARGARET SWICK, ace Lighting Designer and Master Electrician answers from the lighting loft).

MARGARET – Sure, I’m here! I’ve spent the whole pandemic up here. It’s very peaceful.

SARAH – Can you begin to dim the lights please? It looks like our time is up here, folks.

LOOKING AHEAD

KIM – You know, no matter how bleak it seems now, we’ve got lots of plans for our theatre in the coming months, and the Depot WILL be back next summer! We can promise you that! But before you all leave one more question: is there any project you’d like to do or role you’d like to play when we are able to be back on this stage for real, sometime in the future? No promises, but we can add them to Kenney’s “potential show” list. Right, Kenney?

(KENNEY plays a fanfare on the piano and everyone cheers.)

SARAH- I know that when the train is back up and running I want to be available however The Depot needs me. I would love to stage manage in the train station again.

BETH – I’d like to play Polly in Other Desert Cities; Mame in Mame (if Depot ever started having large cast shows again); Mrs. Kitty Warren in Mrs. Warren’s Profession; Virginia in Native Gardens to name a few.

YVETTE – Anything written by August Wilson. If Fences were done, I would love to play Rose.

AMY- Oh, gosh, so many! Proof, I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, Good People, God Of Carnage, Daddy Long Legs, ….the list goes on and on!

LORI – Oh I’d be happy to play ‘2nd tree from the left,’ in any production at The Depot, quite honestly. But, if I had my ‘druthers,’ it would be an honor to reprise either of my roles in an upcoming anniversary season of “favorites.” hint-hint ;) I also think an all-female production of ‘Art‘ could be pretty fantastic. And, I’ve always wanted to play ‘Miss Hannigan’ in Annie. Hey, a gal can dream!

(KENNEY begins to play a dreamy version of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” on the piano as the lights slowly dim and fade to black.)

See you all next summer!

 

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Depot Theatre Academy offers Musical Theatre/Monologue Rep Class

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Depot Theatre AcademyWestport, N.Y. –The Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program is pleased to offer an in-person Musical Theatre/Monologue Rep Class from September 28-October 26 on Mondays from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

This 5-week course is ideal for those interested in preparation for auditions, public speaking training and general acting craft development. Participants ages 18 and older will learn two monologues and two songs, and work together with instructors to find a monologue that complements the song to form a seamless package to utilize for auditioning and showcasing.
 
Course instructors are the Depot’s Producing Artistic Director Kenney Green and Adam Michael Tilford, both seasoned theatre professionals. “We’re excited to offer this new program,” said Kenney Green. “Participants will learn how to ACT a song, not just sing it, and to learn how to find and implement new techniques of expression.” 
 
The class will be held at the Depot Theatre at 6705 Main St., Westport, NY, and is limited to 10 participants. Face coverings will be required while entering and exiting the theatre, and any time when in close proximity to others. Strict physical distancing will be implemented, with designated seating in the theatre, and one participant on stage at a time.
 
Interested individuals should contact Katie Shepard by email at ks@depottheatre.org to reserve their spot and/or print and send the registration form to Depot Theatre, PO Box 414, Westport, NY 12993. More information and the registration form is available online at DepotTheatre.org. 
 
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Depot Theatre Producing Artistic Director Kenney Green addresses physically-distanced 2020 senior Academy students. The theatre will welcome participants for its Musical Theatre/Monologue Rep Class this fall.

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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 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 2020 programming 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 Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council.

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Depot Theatre sets dates for “Plan B” Academy outreach and education program

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Westport, N.Y. – The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce that it has developed an alternate outreach and education program for in-person learning this summer.

The Depot Theatre Academy 2020 outreach and education program, originally set to be held inside the Whallonsburg Grange Hall as in past years, will be held outdoors, under a large, open-sided tent in the one-acre parkland behind Whitcomb’s, the Grange-owned building directly across the street. The dates for the junior program (ages 8-12) are July 13-24, and the senior program (ages 13+) dates are July 27-August 7, 2020.

“We are partnering with the Whallonsburg Grange Hall to provide a safe, outdoor space for this ‘al fresco’ version of the Academy. The Grange will be sponsoring community events some evenings under The Big Tent as well,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre’s Executive Director. “I think it’s imperative for arts organizations to alter our perspectives and to find creative and collaborative solutions in order to persevere in the current environment and into an unknown future.”

“The Grange is thrilled to help with this innovative Academy program. Our entire community will benefit from a program that brings people together safely and provides an outdoor space for events,” said Mary-Nell Bockman, program manager at the Grange. “We’re looking forward to hosting music, movies, and food under The Big Tent.”

“The curriculum we’ve developed will provide the junior participants with safely-distanced training in dance, voice and scene work, and the ability to connect with each other to produce a take-home video compilation of their individual and collective performances, which we intend to present in a pubic showing,” said Adam Michael Tilford, Depot Theatre Academy Artistic and Musical Director. “The senior program will include scene and song study using modern day Broadway hits (such as Dear Evan Hansen, Hadestown, Mean Girls and many more), will include audition preparation for stage and acting on-camera, and participants will take home a demo reel of their work.”

“We developed this alternate program for in-person learning in consultation with past participant families,” said Kenney Green, the Depot’s Producing Artistic Director. “Of course, strict physical distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed, in accordance with federal and state recommendations and guidelines, and pursuant to New York State’s approval of the North Country Region entering reopening phase 4.”

The Depot Theatre Academy is made possible in part with a generous sponsorship from the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation and by Depot Theatre Academy underwriter, the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. Special thanks to the Whallonsburg Grange Hall and the Hub on the Hill.

Program details, frequently asked questions, and registration is available at www.DepotTheatre.org. Scholarships are available. Although it will be held in the great outdoors, space is limited, and participants will be accepted in the order of registrations received. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Adam Michael Tilford at academy@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 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 2020 programming 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 Essex County Arts Council.

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Tent site for the 2020 Depot Theatre Academy program adacent to the Whallonsburg Grange.


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WORKING…from home

[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=”4.4.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″] Hot off the presses, the Depot Theatre’s 2020 season brochure has landed in mailboxes and is available upon request! Dear friends, Like many of you, we are staying informed about the events surrounding the global outbreak of COVID-19. At […]

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New Depot Theatre Academy gives area youth professional theatre experience, on and off stage

[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″] Participants will have opportunity to become Equity Membership Candidates Westport, N.Y.  Young thespians will have the opportunity to perform on the Depot Theatre main stage alongside professionals through the organization’s new education and outreach program, the Depot Theatre Academy. […]

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Expanded 2020 Season Announced

[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″] Depot Theatre Announces Expanded 2020 Main Stage Season Westport, N.Y. – The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce its 2020 main stage lineup, which features iconic figures and everyday heroes in an expanded season that includes four productions for […]

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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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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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