Welcome to ShirleyArts!
Get Ready for Summer
ShirleyFest 2023
Our annual free community event will be held on June 3rd from 11:00 - 5:00 on the historic Shirley Center Common, 41 Brown RD, Shirley, MA 01464.
We are looking for vendors of crafts, toys, books, plants, and more. We will also have space for informational booths and children's activities. If you would like to have a booth, contact Meredith at email@shirleyarts.info for a sign-up form.
Adult Auditions for a Staged Reading of an Historic Play
In a staged reading the actors are allowed to use the script during the performance - so this is a great opportunity for 1st-time actors.
The audition will consist of cold readings from the script.
The Old Peabody Pew Cast of Characters:
The Reader/Narrator (actor may be male or female)
Mrs. Burbank – President of the Dorcas Society and Chairman of the Carpet Committee
Mrs. Baxter – the minister’s wife
Mrs. Miller – wife of Deacon Miller
Mrs. Sargent – The village historian
The Widow Buzzell – willing to take a second risk
Miss Lobelia Brewster – no lover of men
Miss Maria Sharp – quick of speech and sound of heart
Miss Nancy Wentworth – has waited for her romance for ten years
Justin Peabody – sole living claimant to the old Peabody pew
Student Auditions for James and the Giant Peach, JR
Auditions will be Monday, June 26 at 2:00.
Please arrive early so parents can help fill out paperwork.
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 and dance and read from the script.
Rehearsals: June 27-30, July 10 14 & July 17-21 from 2:00-5:00 pm
Performances: July 21 & 22 at 7:00 pm and July 23 at 2:00 pm
Auditions, rehearsals, and performances will be held at the Ayer/Shirley Regional Middle School Auditorium, 1 Hospital Rd, Shirley, MA 01464.
Participation Fee: Non-members: $200.00, ShirleyArts! members: $180.00 (Scholarship money is available.)
Tickets to the performances: non-members: $15.00, ShirleyArts! members: $13.50 Ages 5 – 10: $10
Use the button below to register for this program. Please fill out one form for each child from your home who will participate.
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 and rehearsal CD 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.***
Registration will open on this site beginning March 1st.
Contact Director Meredith at mmarcinkewicz@shirleyarts.info with any questions
You may pay the participation fee using the PayPal link below, or bring cash or check to the audition or mail a check to PO Box 49, Shirley, MA 01464.
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
Members-at-large: Diane King, Victoria Landry, Nancy Sawyer