THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING LEWIS
An Evening of Stand-up with Lewis Black
Main Stage
Monday, July 9 @ 7:30pm
$100 - Prime Orchestra seating with a private post-performance reception with Lewis Black
$60 - Orchestra or First Balcony seating
$40 - Second Balcony seating

Grammy Award-winning comedian Lewis Black takes over the Main Stage for one-night-only benefit performance to present his unique — and frequently apoplectic — views on life in the 21st Century. And it’s an election year, so buckle up. You’ll laugh yourself into hysteria when this critically acclaimed comedian, actor, and author returns to Williamstown, the idyllic little corner of the Berkshires he loves (and hates) with every fiber of his being.

A limited number of $100 tickets also include a private post-performance reception with Lewis and other Festival artists. All proceeds from this performance will support WTF’s signature training programs.

LATE NIGHT CABARET
Goodrich Hall
July 12-14, July 26-28, August 9-11 @10:30pm
$25

The stars come out at night! Festival family, both established and emerging, sing, dance, and surprise you in these intimate and unforgettable evenings. Cabarets are held in Goodrich Hall, just a few blocks from the Main and Nikos Stages. WTF Donors receive first access to these limited seating events.

SUSIE WITH AN ESS
A Night with Susie Essman
Main Stage
Monday, July 23 @ 7:30pm
$60 - Orchestra and First Balcony seating
$30 - Second Balcony seating

She’s the only woman who can make Lewis Black blush and a 25-year veteran of the New York comedy scene who the Los Angeles Times once called “The most lyrical purveyor of profanity on television. She makes the entire cast of The Sopranos look like rank amateurs. It really is a gift.” Best known for her eight season run as Susie Green on the wildly popular HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm, her memoir, What Would Susie Say? was published last fall by Simon & Schuster. This summer, in a benefit stand-up appearance, she’ll share her uniquely salty thoughts on her life... and, spontaneously, on yours.

"8"
by Dustin Lance Black
Main Stage
Monday, August 6 @ 7:30pm
All seats - $40

The Williamstown Theatre Festival proudly partners with Broadway Impact to present a one- night-only reading of "8" by Dustin Lance Black, the Academy Award-winning writer of Milk and J. Edgar. This unprecedented documentary play chronicles the federal legal challenge to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which banned the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples and cast a glaring light on one of the most contentious social issues of our time. Featuring a cast of Festival actors and special guests, this exclusive event is a benefit for the American Foundation for equal rights.

NEW FOR 2012!
FAMILY FRIDAY WORKSHOPS
Every Friday July 6 - August 10, 4-6PM
FREE

This year, WTF introduces a new program which offers kids and their families a behind-the-scenes look at all that happens at the Festival each summer.

Young people aged 8-14, and their families, can join us for a series of free afternoon workshops that will explore the realms of playwriting, improv, costume design, technical tricks, and more that are part of daily creative life at the Festival. Each session will feature a mix of activities targeted for kids aged 8-10 and 11-14. Workshops will be led by professional Festival artists and members of the WTF Apprentice Company.

Space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended for all workshops. Contact the Festival Box Office at 413-597-3400 to reserve. All sessions will start in the ‘62 Center Lobby at 4pm and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

After the afternoon workshops, we encourage you to enjoy a family picnic on the theater lawn before attending an evening performance. For Friday evening Main Stage performances, families can get one free ticket for a child 18 or under with each full-price adult ticket purchased.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SCHEDULE

FELLOWSHIP PROJECTS

Theatre from scratch. America’s most talented young writers join forces with WTF’s Boris Sagal and Bill Foeller Directing Fellows and actors from the Non-Equity Company to take an original play and musical from concept to performance in just eight weeks. Share in the excitement as we create these brand new works of theatre. WTF Donors at the Sustainer level and above receive first access to these limited seating events.

A New Play
By Greg Keller
Directed by Oliver Butler
Directing Studio
July 15 & 16 @ 7pm & 11pm
Free (reservations required)

A New Musical
Book by Janine Nabers
Music & Lyrics by Sharon Kenny
Directed by Mike Donahue
Directing Studio
August 12 & 13 @ 7pm & 11pm
Free (reservations required)

Supported by The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust and The Dramatists Guild Fund

FRIDAYS@3
Paresky Center
July 13 – August 17 @ 3pm
$5 (suggested donation, reservations recommended)
Free for WTF donors at the supporter level and above.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SCHEDULE

TUESDAY TALKBACKS

Lively and informative Q & A discussions with company members, WTF Literary staff, and special guests follow the first Tuesday evening performance of each production.