Thank you for supporting our mission through your participation and your donations!
You may use this button to make a donation to ShirleyArts!
***Shirley residency is NOT required for any of our programs and events.**
January -March Music and Movement Classes for Grades K - 2
February 15th Annual Meeting
February 17th & 19th Adult Comedy Auditions
All current and potential Supporting Members are invited to join us for our Annual Meeting.
Feb. 15th, 2026 @ 2:00 pm. Phoenix Park Conference Room. 2 Shaker Rd, Shirley, MA 01464; Entrance D to 2nd floor - accessible by stairs and elevator.
We will: review the 2025 season, go over financial summaries, discuss plans for 2026, and elect a new Board of Directors.
***We are looking to expand our current Board, so please let us know if you would like to learn more about what our Board members do.***
Use the link below to let us know if you will attend in-person or would like a Zoom meeting link.
You can also learn more at https://histage.com/night-comes-early
"Night Comes Early” is a fast-paced farce that shows the anxiety of a director attempting to mount a production of a play that is way beyond the capabilities of her cast and crew."
Auditions for actors ages 18+ will be held Tuesday February 17 at 7:00 pm and Thursday February 19 at 7:00 pm at the Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School 1 Hospital Road Shirley, MA. Shirley residency is NOT required.
Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in March and April starting Monday March 9th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School.
Tech Week rehearsals are currently scheduled for Monday April 27, Tuesday April 28, and Thursday April 30, times to be determined.
Performances will be held Friday May 1st at 7:30 pm, Saturday May 2nd at 7:30 pm, and Sunday May 3rd at 2:00 pm at the Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School.
Contact Director Matt Valeri at mattvaleri@gmail.com with questions.
Use the link below to sign up to audition. Character descriptions can be found in the sign-up form. Walk-ins are welcome, but signing up ahead of time lets us know how many materials to prepare.
Synopsis: "The director of the Moon Lake Community Theater, Missy Bailey, has dreamed about directing a production of a 1930s psychological melodrama called “Night Comes Early.” As a teenager she saw a professional production of the play and it had a lasting impact. Now that the opportunity has come, she encounters overwhelming obstacles: cast members who don’t know their lines, who drop out at the last minute, who have psychological issues, and workmen who can’t finish building the set. No one is ready on opening night, but the show must go on, even without enough actors to fill the roles. Actors constantly switch costumes and roles and the workmen continue to work on the set – during the performance. It’s an absolute mess, but the audience seems to be growing as the show continues, with viral videos fueling an internet sensation. "
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 may use the button below to make a credit card payment, or you may send a check to ShirleyArts at P.O. Box 49, Shirley, MA 01464.
"We LOVE ShirleyArts! (My daughter) had an amazing time in two of their productions and can’t wait for this summer session. They are super welcoming, professional and family centered. Being a theater kid mom was a highlight of my year, watching Iris, the other kiddos, making props and catching every performance. If you have a little one interested in drama I highly recommend this program." ~ Emily A.
"Through my experiences with ShirleyArts! as a kid, I learned to have confidence, make friends, and explore the arts! I'm certain that without ShirleyArts I would not have developed such a love for the arts." ~ Olivia P.
"This is the one best community theatres I have been a part of because the people are so nice and nurturing. I love the care the production team takes with each and every cast member, bringing out the best in them each and every time regardless of their abilities." ~ Katie B.
"I was new to ShirleyArts!, but they welcomed me in and made me feel like family. I can’t wait to do more with them." ~ Chay T.
"I can't believe what a great show you put on in such a short amount of time. People must come from far away for a program [summer children's musical] like yours." ~ Steve G.
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.
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.
**We will elect a new Board of Directors during our Annual Meeting.
Please let us know if you are interested in serving.**
Managing Artistic Director/Treasurer: Meredith Marcinkewicz
President: Desiree Feigley
Secretary/Website/Merchandise Shop: Laurie Marcinkewicz
Members-at-large: Tony Dean, Donna King, Karen Rau, Nancy Sawyer, Sarah Stevens
We are now accepting registration for membership for 2026.
Broach Family, Tony Dean, Angie Edmunds, Gamache Family, Hyde Family,
Diane King, Victoria Landry, Marcinkewicz Family, Amy Newberg
As part of our mission to make the arts accessible to all, some of our events will be labeled "Sensory-Friendly".
What to expect:
• Pre-show introduction to potentially frightening characters or startling situations (if applicable)
• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds
• Audience lights remain turned on at a low level in the theater during the performance
• A minimum of strobe lighting and lighting focused on the audience
• Audience members may bring items needed to help with their sensory experience – seat cushion, noise-cancelling earphones, fidget items, etc.
• There are plenty of seats available - groups are encouraged to leave a few seats open between their party and another group.
• There will be a designated quiet area for those who need to step out.
• Audience members may leave and return when they are ready – not just at designated times.
• Audience, performance, lobby, and restroom spaces are fully accessible.
• No nut or peanut products are available at the refreshment table. (We cannot guarantee lack of cross-contamination.)
• Performers and audience members are discouraged from using scented personal products.