Welcome to ShirleyArts!
Scroll down for Our Latest News, plus: our Slideshow, Mission Statement, Statement of Non-discrimination, Contact Information
ShirleyArts! is sponsoring Shirley Fest 2022. This community event will be held on the historic Shirley Center Common on June 4th from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Come out and enjoy the food, crafts, games, music, and more!
We are very excited to announce the return of our summer children's musical program after a 2-year hiatus!
Email Director Meredith Marcinkewicz for more information, or scholarship requests at mmarcinkewicz@shirleyarts.info.
Words and Music by BENJ PASEK and JUSTIN PAUL
Book by TIMOTHY ALLEN MCDONALD Based on the book "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
For ages 9 -17, this educational program will culminate in three performances of “Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” Shirley residency is NOT required, and scholarships are available.
**All participants must be fully-vaccinated. Please bring proof of vaccination to the audition.**
Director Meredith Marcinkewicz and choreographer Merrick Henry will lead the children through auditions, rehearsals, and performances, as well as theater games, music skills, and cooperative team-building activities. Merrick will also serve as choreographer and health and safety supervisor.
Auditions Tuesday 6/21 - 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm
No preparation is needed for the audition, but you will be expected to stay for the full 2 hours to have time to learn a short song, read from the script, and play some theater games. Please arrive early to fill out paperwork.
The leading roles include - James, the Narrator, two wicked aunts, and five larger-than life insects. Chorus members will play at least three roles including reporters, sharks, garden club ladies, seagulls, sailors, and more. Everyone who commits to the rehearsals and performances will be cast in the show.
Read-through Rehearsal Wednesday 6/22 - 1:00 – 4:00
Rehearsals M-F 7/5 – 7/22 from 1:00-4:00 pm
Performances 7/22 and 7/23 7:00, 7/24 at 2:00.
Auditions, rehearsals, and performances will be held at the Ayer/Shirley Regional Middle School Auditorium, 1 Hospital Rd, Shirley, MA 01464.
Participation Fee *Scholarship assistance is available*
non-members: $200.00 members: $180.00
Tickets to the performances:
non-members: $15.00 members: $13.50
The Reviews Are In!
Thank you to everyone who enjoyed our virtual production of "How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play", by Don Zolidis.
“The show was excellent. The acting, costumes, props and production were top notch. We made some dinner and laughed our way through our date night with such a wonderful production....[The cat] made me spit soda out my mouth. ”
You guys!!!!! I loved this show and your performances.
“LOL...it was GREAT! Wonderful job by everyone! Loved the backdrops and costumes. Fun to hear the accents. The storyline kept you wanting to see what zany scene was coming up next! WELL DONE!”
“Enjoyed it! Got some very good and much needed laughs! Thanks very much to all!”
“Great job everyone! I laughed heartily all the way through!”
"Just finished watching the show. That was great! Wonderful job by the whole cast and crew!! I really enjoyed the whole thing...I loved [the narrator’s] cheerful attitude towards all the macabre subjects.
My favorite parts: Henry and his adorable soldiers!
Cleopatra!! Killer asp, by the way...
Romeo and Juliet!
Lady MacBeth and the nurses.
You guys were all great. Bravo!!"
"Enjoyed the show immensely — congratulations to you and all of the cast!"
For more information about what it means to be a member, visit our SUPPORT/GET INVOLVED page.
If you are paying by check, please use the white link below to register for membership. Your information is never shared or sold.
You do NOT need to fill out this form if you were a member in 2021.
Join ShirleyArts today!
Enjoy these benefits of membership, and more:
· 10% off tickets, tuition, and participation fees
· Priority seating for performances
· Special offers from our Merchandise Shop
· Special members-only activities
Annual Membership Fees for 2022:
Individual: $25
Family of 3 or more: $60
Membership Fees are tax-deductible.
Announcing our ShirleyArts! Merchandise Shop
Visit our online store at https://shirleyarts.threadless.com or use the blue link below to show off your artistic side and to support our educational and artistic programming and charitable giving. Order our logo or artwork from our projects on:
A variety of apparel for men, women (including plus sizes), and children - You choose the style, size, and color.
Mugs, Masks, Car Magnets, Buttons
Beach Towels, Tote Bags, Greeting Cards, and More!
Donations make it possible for us to offer high-quality, low- and no-cost educational experiences for children, teens, and adults. You help us pay our fees for storage, rehearsals, and performances. And you make it possible for us to support important local charities. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations are tax deductible.
Our Mission
It is the mission of ShirleyArts! to support and promote the visual and performing arts for education and entertainment. We are a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that has been serving North Central Massachusetts since 2004.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
ShirleyArts! is a non-profit corporation committed to the principle of equal opportunity in casting, education, membership, attendance, volunteering, and employment. ShirleyArts! does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, disability, or economic status. To ensure equal opportunity for students and performers, scholarships are available for most activities.
2022 ShirleyArts! Board of Directors
Managing Artistic Director/Treasurer: Meredith Marcinkewicz
President: Roy Ellis
Vice President: Desiree Feigley
Secretary/Website/Merchandise Shop: Laurie Marcinkewicz
Members-at-large: Kathy Ellis, Diane King, Janna Kucharski-Howard, Victoria Landry, Nancy Sawyer