Welcome to ShirleyArts!

Vote for ShirleyArts!

We have been nominated for Action Unlimited's Non-profit of the Month for June. You can vote for us from the post on our Facebook page, or by emailing your vote the articles@actionunlimited.com. 

To share your reasons for voting for us, write to julieann@actionunlimited.com


Get Ready for Summer

ShirleyFest 2023

Our annual community festival will be held on June 3rd from 11:00-5:00 on the historic Shirley Center Town Common.

We look forward to visiting with old and new friends as we enjoy the sales and informational booths, great food, fun games, line dancing, local musicians, a dance school, and a magician - all on the scenic common. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on-leash. This is a non-smoking, alcohol- free event.

Student Registration for James and the Giant Peach, JR

ShirleyArts! is very excited to announce our summer youth musical program for 2023!  

 For ages 8 -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. Director Meredith Marcinkewicz and Stage Manager/Choreographer Laurie Marcinkewicz will lead the children through auditions, rehearsals, and performances, as well as theater games, music skills, and cooperative team-building activities.

 

“Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR. is a brand-new take on this "masterpeach" of a tale.  Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.”


“When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.”


“The possibilities for creative costuming and puppetry abound, and young actors will love playing the outlandish and larger-than-life human and insect characters.”

 

 The leading roles include: James, Ladahlord (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. As soon as tuition is paid, students will receive a script to start working on at home. 

 

***We need at least 20 participants in order to run this program. We are also looking for students who want to learn how to work behind the scenes as stage crew.***


Contact Director Meredith at mmarcinkewicz@shirleyarts.info with any questions

You may pay the participation fee using the PayPal link, or bring cash or check to the audition or mail a check to PO Box 49, Shirley, MA 01464.

Thank you to the United Way for their Out-of-School-Time Grant, which allowed us to reduce our participation fee for up to 30 students. 


You may use this button to make a donation to ShirleyArts!

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 2022. DO send us an email so we know you have paid via PayPal or are sending check.

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 2023:

Individual: $25

Family of 3 or more: $60

Membership Fees are tax-deductible.

 

ShirleyArts!' Merchandise Shop

Support ShirleyArts! and show off your artistic side with clothing, accessories, magnets, pillows, and more. A portion of every purchase goes to support the work of ShirleyArts!


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.  

2023 ShirleyArts! Board of Directors

Managing Artistic Director/Treasurer: Meredith Marcinkewicz

President: Desiree Feigley

Secretary/Website/Merchandise Shop: Laurie Marcinkewicz

Board Members-at-large: Diane King, Victoria Landry, Jenn Pacheco, Nancy Sawyer


2023 Supporting Members

Jim Bargnesi, Virginia Egan, Kathy Ellis, Roy Ellis, Hyde Family, Marge Halloran, Diane King, Donna King, Victoria Landry, Nicky Demko Lowney, Laurie Marcinkewicz, Meredith Marcinkewicz, Jennifer Pacheco, Nancy Sawyer