MA
Serious Play Theatre Ensemble works toward reshaping society’s conversation on prominent social issues through the art of ensemble theatre. We strive to inspire curiosity, and challenge, tantalize, and engage audiences, and to pose the uncomfortable questions. We are committed to attracting audiences back to the power of the live moment. For Serious Play Theatre Ensemble, theatre is a potent art form. We work collaboratively to seek the truth in each dramatic moment by creating a physical form of expression that engages audiences in a fresh new way, as a true theatrical celebration! We challenge ourselves to explore our individual histories, creativity, and voices, and to fuse our experiences into engaging theatre with strong contemporary messages through “total physical expressiveness on stage.”
We create original devised work, stage new scripted plays, and reinterpret classic and modern plays informed by the perspective of the ensemble. We perform, teach, and tour locally, nationally, and internationally. Our new Edinburgh Fringe Performance Exchange welcomes important international voices into our national cultural dialogue sharing diverse global perspectives directly with our audiences.
SERIOUS PLAY THEATRE ENSEMBLE is a project of Cultural Images Group, Inc., a tax exempt corporation. Serious Play has received support from the Ford Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Mass Cultural Council, Mass Foundation for Humanities and Public Policy, Kahn Institute of Smith College, Sheila Fortune, Arts Angels, Puffin Foundation, Northampton Arts Council, BJ Goodwin Fund, MCC Creative Schools Grant, Network for Ensemble Theaters, and individual donors. We are an Artist Associate with APE Northampton and the Northampton Comunity Arts Trust, a member of the Network of Ensemble Theaters, and one of the 65 non-profit organizations in Massachusetts chosen by the Phillips Foundation Catalogue for Philanthropy
Additional Content:
MOVING WATER -Excerpts from 2021 at the Workroom at APE@Hawley, Northampton
14 minute compilation of moments from "Moving Water" co-produced with Ko Festival in July 2021.
Jonny Rodgers / Playtronica 2021 workshop
Jonny demonstrates how water conductivity is used to trigger sound files in MOVING WATER
The multigenerational ensemble, pairs a 5-member nuclear family dressed in black with their inner selves dressed in white, revealing what lurks beneath the veneer of polite civility. This work was inspired by the rehearsal process of Pina Bausch
Excerpts from Endgame Project at the Academy of Music, Northampton
An adaptation of Beckett's Endgame with puppets as Hamm's parents Nell and Nagg. Beckett's minimalist style, absurdist relationships and wry humor raise relevant questions about what it means to be consciously alive. Collaborating artist David Regan.
Excerpts from The Red Guitar written by John Sheldon in collaboration with director Sheryl Stoodley.
Toured to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016 and 2018. A unique blend of storytelling & layered virtuoso guitar licks
Serbian recording of "Milosevic at the Hague"
Staged for JoakimInterfest in Kragujevac, Serbia winning the International Award for Innovative Theatre
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange
Adaptation by Sheryl Stoodley and Kaliis Smith. Performed at APE Gallery, Northampton, and Northfield-Mount Hermon school.
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
1992
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
1992
Primary Discipline:
Theater - Devised / Artist-LedAdditional Disciplines:
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NEST Eligible Artist
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Fee Range:
$5,000 - $15,000State of Residence:
MassachusettsMinimum Number of Performers:
1Maximum Number of Performers:
8