Charlemont’s Piti Theatre Co. launching ‘Bee and Blossom’ nature and arts program

Children play outside Piti Theatre Co.’s barn on Avery Brook Road in Charlemont.

Children play outside Piti Theatre Co.’s barn on Avery Brook Road in Charlemont. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

Staff Writer

Published: 09-16-2024 1:22 PM

CHARLEMONT — Outdoor time anyone? Piti Theatre Co., an award-winning theater troupe, is launching “Bee and Blossom,” a program designed to encourage nature and arts exploration for children up to 8 years old.

The program allows kids time to play outside and explore nature while incorporating activities that promote rhythm, such as music, yoga, art and games. The program, offered on Piti Theatre’s 34 acres of land on Avery Brook Road, runs on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an optional extended playtime until 3 p.m.

“Research clearly shows that children who learn and play in nature are healthier mentally and physically, so we will be offering abundant play outside while incorporating an arts-themed activity each week,” Elana Kirshenbaum, one of the program’s co-teachers, said in a statement. “Our hope is that children end their day with dirty feet, messy hair and sparkling eyes, embodying the spirit of joyous discovery.”

“My best memories from childhood are largely running around outside with my friends,” added co-teacher Laura Josephs, who was a teacher at an outdoor education program in Texas before joining Piti Theatre.

The program had its first session on Sept. 6 and will continue until May 30. Sessions will not be held on Nov. 11, Dec. 20, Dec. 27, Jan. 3 and Jan. 10.

Children under the age of 2 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 3 and older may be dropped off, however adults are welcome to stay if they wish. Limited transportation can be provided for families living in the Greenfield area.

Prices vary from $850 to attend 17 of the 34 sessions to $1,700 to attend all 34 sessions, allowing families to choose the package that best fits their schedule and financial means.

Other programs

Piti Theatre also recently announced its other fall programs: Youth Troupe, an after-school theater program in Greenfield and Shelburne Falls where actors ages 7 to 12 use improvisation to create their own play; and Valley Playwright Mentoring, a program offered in Greenfield, Shelburne Falls and Holyoke where teens create a show inspired by their own stories.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Two housing development plans emerge for Leverett/Amherst Kittredge estate
Newton School principal announces resignation, effective Nov. 27
Victims in fallen tree incident in Orange sue property owner
My Turn: Northfield shouldn’t take step backward
Two teen boys injured in rollover crash in Deerfield
Charlemont looks to curb abandoned properties, improve housing stock

Valley Playwright Mentoring begins in October and space is limited. Only 12 teens will be selected.

Participants create a performance or podcasts based on stories from their lives that are shared with the community. They are paid a $200 stipend for their stories. They learn vocal warm-ups and how to develop scripts, theater games and storytelling skills.

Mentoring sessions take place in Greenfield on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

Through Youth Troupes, participants learn improv and acting skills, and develop their own short play.

The troupes meet weekly, with the Greenfield sessions running on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 22, at 4:30 p.m. at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., and the Shelburne Falls sessions running on Mondays beginning Oct. 21, at 3:45 p.m. at the Water Street Barn & Studio, 31 Water St. Prices are on a sliding scale from $90 to $175 and the program runs through the end of February.

“No one will be turned away for a lack of funds,” Piti Theatre Co-Artistic Director Jonathan Mirin noted in an interview.

For more information or to register, visit ptco.org.

Reach Madison Schofield at mschofield@recorder.com.