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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 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

Whallonsburg Grange Hall and Depot Theatre Academy to present A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Whallonsburg, NY — The Whallonsburg Grange Hall and the Depot Theatre Academy are pleased to present a return to a holiday tradition with a performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A RADIO PLAY on December 17, 2023, with live music and refreshments beginning at 2pm and the reading performance at 3pm.

Based upon the novel by Charles Dickens, this performance will be a radio play reading complete with live sound effects, featuring local artists and professional actors.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public, and donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit the BackPack Program.

“The entire Champlain Valley is looking forward to the annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Grange,” said Mary-Nell Bockman, Grange manager. “It’s a holiday tradition for all ages and a grand celebration with music and refreshments alongside the performance. We’re also delighted to again help raise funds for the BackPack Program in our local schools, the best kind of holiday spirit.”

“The Depot is pleased to return to the Whallonsburg Grange for this annual community gathering, and to support a great cause,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre executive director. “The Grange is the home of our summer Academy outreach and education program, and we’re thrilled to be here for an annual winter event, too!”

The BackPack Program currently serves nearly 7,000 students in 241 schools across 22 counties in New York. Administered locally by Essex County Adirondack Community Action Programs (ACAP), the BackPack Program helps alleviate child hunger by discreetly providing hungry children with backpacks full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food on Friday afternoons so they have food to eat throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit the Whallonsburg Grange Hall website at www.thegrangehall.info or the Depot Theatre website at www.DepotTheatre.org.

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Whallonsburg Grange Hall and Depot Theatre Academy to present A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Whallonsburg, NY — The Whallonsburg Grange Hall and the Depot Theatre Academy are pleased to present a return to a holiday tradition with a performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A  RADIO PLAY, on December 18, 2022, with live music and refreshments beginning at 2pm and the reading performance at 3pm. 
 
Based upon the novel by Charles Dickens, this performance will be a radio play reading complete with live sound effects, featuring local artists, professional actors, and directed by Broadway actor and Depot Theatre alum Jonathan Hadley.
 
Admission to the event is free and open to the public, and donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit the BackPack Program.
 
“The Whallonsburg Grange has hosted holiday celebrations for many decades and we are thrilled to join with The Depot Theatre to bring their production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL to our stage,” said Mary-Nell Bockman, Grange program manager. “We’ll open our doors wide to the community for this joyful event for all ages and give everyone the opportunity to support the Backpack Program in our local schools. We can’t wait!”
 
“The Depot is pleased to collaborate yet again with our partners at the Whallonsburg Grange, and for a great cause,” said Kim Rielly, Depot executive director. “The Grange hosts our summer Academy outreach and education program, and we hope to make this winter celebration an annual event, too!” 
 
The BackPack Program currently serves nearly 7,000 students in 241 schools across 22 counties in New York. Administered locally by Essex County Adirondack Community Action Programs (ACAP), the BackPack Program helps alleviate child hunger by discreetly providing hungry children with backpacks full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food on Friday afternoons so they have food to eat throughout the weekend.
 
For more information, visit the Whallonsburg Grange Hall website at www.thegrangehall.info or the Depot Theatre website at www.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. The Depot Theatre’s 2023 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. Additional support is provided by the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and 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. wwww.depottheatre.org

 
 
ABOUT THE WHALLONSBURG GRANGE HALL
 
The historic Whallonsburg Grange is located in the heart of the Champlain Valley, 5 miles from Lake Champlain and the village of Essex, New York. It sits at the crossroads of NYS Route 22 and Whallons Bay Road in the hamlet of Whallonsburg. The beautifully restored, century-old building is home to concerts by regionally and nationally known performers, a bi-weekly film series, plays, lectures, classes and workshops throughout the year. The Whallonsburg Grange Hall is a volunteer-run, 501c3 nonprofit. It manages the building, which is owned by the Town of Essex, and oversees Grange-sponsored programs including the Champlain Valley Film Series, Lyceum lectures, music and theater series and much more. www.thegrangehall.info

Forest serves as backdrop for Depot Theatre Academy’s INTO THE WOODS, JR.

UPDATE: Performing an outdoor production requires a lot of challenges, and of course, the weather is unpredictable. This weekend it looks like it is going to rain, with a probable thunder/lightning storm Thursday night. Considering this, the Depot Theatre has made the decision to move our performances of INTO THE WOODS, JR. indoors at the Whallonsburg Grange.

As the CDC has now placed Essex County in a “High Transmission” zone – the audience will be limited to vaccinated members of the immediate household of participants. Masks will still be required for both the audience and cast/crew. 
 
Performances will be recorded so that the families can enjoy the wonderful work these artists have done!

 

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Whallonsburg, NY — All are invited to attend the performances of the Depot Theatre Academy production of INTO THE WOODS, JR., which will be held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall on August 20 at 7pm, August 21 at 7pm, and August 22 at 2pm. 

The Depot Theatre Academy is an education and outreach program for artists ages 8 and older, led by theatre professionals from the only professional Equity theatre in the Adirondack Park.

The Depot Theatre Academy summer 2021 program features both junior and senior participants, and included workshops led by Actors’ Equity Association professionals in acting, voice, and dance, culminating this year’s production.

The senior participants ages 13 and older, will also be performing alongside Depot Theatre professionals in a special Academy Cabaret on Friday, August 27 at 8pm inside the Whallonsburg Grange.

Donations are welcomed for tickets for both programs, which will be available on site only for each performance.

The Depot Theatre Academy summer youth program is generously sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation. The Depot Theatre Academy is underwritten by The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

For more information or to donate online, visit DepotTheatre.org. Contact the Depot Theatre box office with any questions at 518.962.4449 or tickets@depottheatre.org.

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DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY 2021 PERFORMANCE DATES:

INTO THE WOODS JR.

  • Friday, August 20 at 7pm 
  • Saturday, August 21 at 7pm 
  • Sunday, August 22 at 2pm

DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY CABARET

  • August 27, at 8pm

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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 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 the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and 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 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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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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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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