The Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF) has unveiled the lineup for its highly anticipated “WTF IS NEXT” event, set to take place from Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. This reimagined festival promises a blend of theater, community, and the natural beauty of the Berkshires, offering a unique experience for attendees.
“WTF IS NEXT” aims to expand the traditional theater experience by integrating a variety of activities and events throughout the weekend. From morning to late-night, guests will be treated to a series of immersive experiences designed to deepen their connection to the arts and the community.
Raphael Picciarelli, a key figure in the festival’s organization, expressed his excitement about the new format. “At the start of the year, the team and I set out to create a prototype that would make our vision for the future of the Festival experience tangible. In many ways, this weekend is a rebirth with all that entails. I cannot wait for audiences to celebrate with us and meet our newly reimagined Williamstown,” he said.
The lineup includes a variety of performances and events, such as the world premiere of “Pamela Palmer” by David Ives, directed by Walter Bobbie, and the WTF Cabaret. Additionally, the Fridays@3 reading series will feature the new play “KILL CORP” by Sofia Alvarez, directed by Portia Krieger, and “The Plastic Bag Store” by Robin Frohardt.
One of the standout events is “StoryCourse,” created by Adam Kantor. This interactive dining experience combines theater and food, offering a multi-chapter, multi-course meal where the story informs the menu and vice versa. “StoryCourse” will take place at The Williams Inn Ballroom on Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2 at 5:30 PM.
Another highlight is “Open Mic Night,” an experimental theater piece by Peter Mills Weiss and Julia Mounsey. This performance, which explores the end of an experimental theater, will be held at The Directing Studio at ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance on Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2 at 10:00 PM.
For early risers, “Britton & The Sting: Unplugged” will offer a morning show on Friday, August 2 at 10:00 AM at The Reflecting Pool at The Clark Institute. This 45-minute experience features original music and personal testimony, exploring themes of water and spirituality.
Chef Tu Le will host a unique dining experience on Friday, August 2 at 5:30 PM, featuring a pig roast barbecue with locally sourced ingredients. This event will take place in the backyard of a local Berkshires home, providing a casual yet bespoke culinary experience.
Britton & The Sting will also present “MAMA” on Friday, August 2 at 10:00 PM at Goodrich Hall. This 70-minute performance delves into the significance of water as a life-giving element, blending gospel, alternative rock, and soul music.
On Saturday, August 3, the festival will host “Normal Gossip Live” at 11:00 AM at The MainStage at ’62 Center for Theatre & Dance. This live podcast event, hosted by Kelsey McKinney and producer Alex Sujong Laughlin, will feature entertaining gossip about strangers.
The community is invited to an Outdoor Block Party on Saturday, August 3 at 5 PM at Paresky Lawn. This free event will include food trucks, drum lines, cirque performers, and dancers, with a performance by Fogo Azul, a Brazilian Samba Drumline.
Saturday evening will feature “Speakeasy,” an immersive mixology experience created by Holly-Anne Devlin. This event, held at Goodrich Hall at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, will combine cirque, burlesque, and musical theater with a cocktail flight and appetizers.
On Sunday, August 4, “The Wake” will be performed at 9 AM and 11 AM. Created and performed by Lindsey Noel and Francis Menotti with Jon Gruver, this magical and musical experience explores the space between life and death.
The festival’s summer season will also include fully staged shows at the new 150-seat CenterStage at Williams College’s ’62 Center for Theatre & Dance. Highlights include Sara Porkalob’s “Dragon Mama,” Part II of The Dragon Cycle, and the world premiere of David Ives’ “Pamela Palmer.”
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Rachel Bloom will bring her musical comedy “Death, Let Me Do My Show” to the MainStage from July 5 through July 14. The WTF Cabaret series will also return, curated by Asmeret Ghebremichael with music direction by Joel Waggoner.
For more information on the “WTF IS NEXT” lineup and to purchase tickets, visit the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s official website.
