Please Note:

Women’s HERstory Month 2020 events that were scheduled for March 13 or later have been postponed. We hope to reschedule most, if not all, of these performances.
If you have not already done so, please join our email list to receive the latest news from The Actors Studio.
 

Women’s HERstory Month 2020

For the last 13 years, the Actors Studio of Newburyport has been pleased to participate in Women’s History Month each March. In 2017, the Studio expanded its offerings to create Women’s HERstory Month—a full roster of original programming in celebration of women. 
 
Our goal is to educate and entertain as we showcase the contributions of women throughout history and in the present day. In March 2020, performances include: a variety show that will feature local and regional performing artists, including school children; an original play about the role of women in Greater Newburyport’s rich maritime history; one-woman shows by professional actors who portray important figures in history and culture; an improvisational comedy show with a focus on women; an evening of Shakespeare’s strong women characters; and a culminating dance party featuring Wendy Sobel and her all-female band. 
 
Our further goal in these events is to showcase the performing arts community of Greater Newburyport, We see our month of events as an opportunity to feature all that Greater Newburyport is famous for – an area rich in history, a vital community of visual and performing artists, and a tourist destination worthy of consideration. Collaborators for this year’s events include the Firehouse Center for the Arts, the Maritime Museum and Custom House, Acting Out Productions, Exit Dance Company, Dance Place, Powow River Poets, and the Theater in the Open.
 
Sponsors for Women’s HERstory Month 2020
(as of February 10, 2020)
Presenting Sponsors
Arlene Barnard and Jeremy Barnard
Kimberly and Greg Holliday
State Automotive
Cooperating Sponsors
Dr. Saira Naseer Ghiasuddin, MD
Show Sponsors
Camille Garro
Gordon Rug Company
David Hall, The Tannery Marketplace
Astrid Lorentzson and Jack Santos
Judy Mouradian and Ted Ruetenik
Carol Raiche
Downtown Banner Sponsors
Camille Garro
Kimberly and Greg Holliday
Astrid Lorentzson and Jack Santos
Michelle Mombrinie
Judy Mouradian and Ted Ruetenik
Carol Raiche
Deb Severo
Patrons
Richard’s Appliances
Mark Richey Woodworking
Friends
Jan Lorrey Flowers
Ben McPhail, A Little Bit of Naples
Nancy’s Marshview Café
Special Thanks
Sheila Bridgland, Dingo Design
Chococoa Baking Company and Café
Dianne’s Fine Desserts
Harborside Graphics
Pomodori
Tendercrop Farms
 
 
 
 
Download Schedule PDF

Full Schedule:

 

Celebrating Women: A Variety Show

Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m.
Firehouse Center for the Arts 

In the spirit of the Ed Sullivan and Carol Burnett Shows, our kick-off event will feature popular local performers, with Ms. Allyn Gamble as celebrity host. Enjoy music, dance, skits, and plenty of surprises! Guest artists include singer/songwriter Liz Frame and Boston Comedy Chicks’ Carolyn Plummer.

View Calendar Event

Captains’ Wives and Daughters

Saturday, March 7, at 7:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

In Captains’ Wives and Daughters by Adair Rowland, a bold contingent of historic Newburyport women compare their lives aboard ship, in foreign ports, and in the houses they came home to.

View Calendar Event

Women of ’76

Sunday, March 8, at 5:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

Rita Parisi — actor, writer, and founder of Waterfall Productions — brings unique and dynamic characters to life in her one-woman shows. You’ll meet the unsung women, both patriot and loyalist, who helped forge the course of the American Revolution.

View Calendar Event

Vintage Radio Shows

Friday, March 13, at 8:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

Scripts of radio shows first broadcast in the ‘40s and ‘50s come to life, when our talented character actors take the stage.

View Calendar Event

Poetry Live!

Saturday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 15, at 5:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio
Poet, writer, translator, and educator Rhina Espaillat and other members of the Powow River Poets present Wise, Wonderful and Willful: Women Who Deserve to Be Remembered. In a workshop led by Espaillat, participants researched remarkable women—from antiquity to the present day—then wrote imaginary correspondences to and from these women. The performance will include readings from thought-provoking works inspired by women who excelled in diverse fields, including science, mathematics, politics, social work, military work, social reform, and all of the arts.
 

View Calendar Event

Timeless: Shakespeare’s Women

Friday, March 20, at 8:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

The Bard’s comedies, tragedies, and histories are inhabited with fascinating, complex women. Selected scenes present women who speak directly to us through the ages, embodied by some of the area’s most talented actors.

View Calendar Event

WHM Full Moon Story Slam

Saturday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

The theme is SHEROES! Whether you choose to share a story of your own or come to experience the intimacy of the evening, Story Slam provides a venue for connection and community through the art of telling true, personal remembrances.

View Calendar Event

Meet Amelia Earhart, Pioneer in Aviation

Sunday, March 22, at 5:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

In addition to her film and television credits, actress and educator Sheryl Faye brings history-making women to life in her engaging one-woman shows. Think you know all there is to know about Amelia Earhart? Think again!

View Calendar Event

Improv!

Friday, March 27, at 8:00 p.m.
The Actors Studio

Experience theater without a net! Join Charles Van Eman and a cast of outstanding improvisers for an entertaining evening. Audience participation is highly encouraged!

View Calendar Event

Dance Night Out!

Saturday, March 28, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Newburyport Senior Center

Our month-long WHM celebrations come to a close with a smashing evening of fun. Mix, mingle, and dance to live music provided by Wendy Sobel and her wildly popular rock band, Girls’ Night Out Quartet. Light fare included. Beer and wine bar will be available.

Dance Night Out!