Renaissance Center Theatre Co.
The Renaissance Center Theater Company is to dedicated to enriching the cultural programming of the Pioneer Valley through compelling performances of plays from or about the Renaissance in a manner that enlivens the scholarly activities of the Center, enlightens the public’s understanding of the period and its drama, and enhances the visibility of the Center itself and its unique contributions to the field and the region.
In addition, the RCTC, as the performance arm of the Massachusetts Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies, develops and executes outreach efforts to bring educational programs about the Renaissance to the surrounding communities, and especially the underserved urban school districts of Holyoke and Springfield, Massachusetts. RCTC welcomes the participation of all interested individuals in its productions and its outreach efforts.
Auditions are open to all, and technical and financial support is most appreciated. We look for opportunities to teach and perform, and to assist educators interested in integrating performance techniques into their class work.
The 2011-2012 Season
Coming Soon
MCTC Personnel
Associate Directors
Ann Garner
Nathaniel Leonard
Matteo Pangallo
Valerie Gramling
Technical Director
Nathaniel Leonard
Outreach Programs
Summer 2008
“Youth and Shakespeare: Reconstructing the Connection” – a five week summer school program for eighth – and ninth- graders in Holyoke. Text study and performance preparation, culminating in August performance of scenes from Romeo and Juliet at the Renaissance Center.
Spring 2009
“Shakespeare’s Women in Today’s World” – 12-week program for pregnant and parenting teen women at the Holyoke Care Center combining text study with performance training.
“Saturdays with Shakespeare” – eight-week program for 6 to 8-year olds. Two hours each Saturday, culminating in performance of improvised play.
Summer 2009
“Youth and Shakespeare: Reconstructing the Connection” – extension of 2008 program to the Springfield Renaissance School.
Company History
May 2003
Inaugural UMass Shakespeare Festival. Midori Harris and Shannon Stillings, Co-founding producers and artistic directors.
Fall 2003
Organization of the Amherst Renaissance Company (ARC) by Theater Department undergraduates and local high school students. Adam Sanders and Midori Harris, Co-Artistic Directors, Dr. Alec Wild, Faculty Advisor
January 2004
Performance of A Merry Play of John John (John Heywood) at the Amherst Club (ARC)
Spring 2004
Performance of The Changeling (Thomas Middleton); Jones Library, Amherst, MA; Greenfield Historical Society; Boltwood Community Center; Frontier Regional High School
May 2004
Shakespeare Festival, Midori Harris, Producer and Artistic Director, Dr. Dominica Borg and Dr. Arthur Kinney, co-advisors
Spring 2005
Performance of Arden of Faversham (anon.), directed by Lucinda Kidder
May 2005
Shakespeare Festival, Midori Harris, Producer and Artistic Director.
November 2006
Performances of Endymion (John Lyly) , directed by Ann Garner
April 2007
Rough Magic – a compilation of scenes from Renaissance Drama, directed by Ann Garner
May 2007
ShakespeareFest, Department of Theater students
Fall 2007
Re-organization as Renaissance Center Theater Company (RCTC)
Spring 2008
Creation of black box theater space in Center barn
April 2008
Performances of Measure for Measure (Shakespeare), directed by Matteo Pangallo
May 2008
Renaissance Festival, Department of Theater students, Amherst Renaissance Dancers, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School Commedia Troupe
October 2008
Performances of Macbeth (Shakespeare), directed by Nathaniel Leonard
Spring 2009
Recording and broadcast of The Henriad, (Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Henry V), directed by Matteo Pangallo
April 2009
Performances of Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Ann Garner
October 2009
Performances of The Knight of the Burning Pestle, directed by Nathaniel Leonard
February 2009
Performances of Everyman, directed by Valerie Gramling
April 2010
Performances of Doctor Fasutus, directed by Lucinda Kidder
September 2010
Performances of Noah, directed by Valerie Gramling
April 2011
Staged Readings of Surprised by Love, translated and adapted by Dennis Porter, The Mandrake, directed by Nathaniel Leonard, and El Amor Medico, translated and adapted by Josephine Hardman and Sara Brew.
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