In the late fall of 2011, after attending a production of OUR TOWN at the Belchertown United Church of Christ, local theaterphile, Irene Thornton approached the church and wondered aloud if they would be interested in hosting a theater company
"It's great space," Irene said.
"Well, we like it," they said.
Conversation ensued. Dreams were articulated. Concerns were addressed.
During the summer of 2013 a group of interested parties gathered at the Grapevine Grille on Route 21 in Belchertown, and decided to make a go of it. The church was on board with sharing their space for the purpose of telling stories that weren't often shared on Sunday mornings. The theater folks were on board with cleaning up their mess after each production.
With Irene's vision and Brian Marsh's affinity for budgets and logistics, The Belchertown Performing Arts Center was born.
Good food, good drink, and good discussions continued, and the idea of putting up "a couple of shows a year" turned into a "season of theater...and maybe some classes...or workshops...or...concerts...or...."
A post office box was acquired.
A facebook presence and website appeared.
A logo was designed by Todd M. LeMieux.
The stage was set, and at the 2013 Belchertown Fair, BPAC will introduce itself and its first season to the public. A week later auditions for our first show will take place. A month and a half later, The Odd Couple will take Belchertown.
Well, that's where we are as of 9/17/2013. Actually, here's where we are as of 9/17/13...
"It's great space," Irene said.
"Well, we like it," they said.
Conversation ensued. Dreams were articulated. Concerns were addressed.
During the summer of 2013 a group of interested parties gathered at the Grapevine Grille on Route 21 in Belchertown, and decided to make a go of it. The church was on board with sharing their space for the purpose of telling stories that weren't often shared on Sunday mornings. The theater folks were on board with cleaning up their mess after each production.
With Irene's vision and Brian Marsh's affinity for budgets and logistics, The Belchertown Performing Arts Center was born.
Good food, good drink, and good discussions continued, and the idea of putting up "a couple of shows a year" turned into a "season of theater...and maybe some classes...or workshops...or...concerts...or...."
A post office box was acquired.
A facebook presence and website appeared.
A logo was designed by Todd M. LeMieux.
The stage was set, and at the 2013 Belchertown Fair, BPAC will introduce itself and its first season to the public. A week later auditions for our first show will take place. A month and a half later, The Odd Couple will take Belchertown.
Well, that's where we are as of 9/17/2013. Actually, here's where we are as of 9/17/13...