71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 413-648-SHEA

Shea Theater Arts Center

Board of Directors

  • Monte Belmonte, President
  • Josh Goldman, Vice President/ Treasurer
  • Emily Lichter
  • Christopher McInerney
  • Francia Wisnewski
  • Annmarie Cloutier
  • Suzanne LaMonto, ex officio

Staff

We’re Creating Something For Everyone

When Turners Falls asked the community what to do with the Shea Theater, a group of us imagined a place that would serve all of us — artists, families, students, elders, youth, businesses, and nonprofits — who make our homes in Franklin County. The Shea Theater Arts Center is Franklin County's only publicly owned performing arts center. This premier space is the gem of Montague and the economic engine for the town's revitlization.

Now, we have a rare opportunity to create something amazing: an arts center and community space for the 21st century. A place for those who have been here for generations and those just arriving.

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Franklin County has an exceptional community college, a new generation investing in social entrepreneurship and the local food economy, a blossoming arts scene, and a strong sense of community. A publicly owned, non-profit theatrical performance space will enhance all these efforts, making our community an even better place to live and visit.

With 330 seats, the Shea is the perfect venue to encourage the growing local arts scene. 25 years after its initial renovation, the Shea Theater Arts Center (STAC) will realize the original vision of providing a dynamic center for performing arts.

STAC will offer diverse, creative programming – from punk rock to poetry slams – supported by energetic marketing, strong operational and fiscal management, and a commitment to inclusive community engagement.

Join us in ensuring that the Shea becomes a vital asset, making our community stronger for all of us.

Recognition

“We are excited about the possibilities for our music, theatre and dance students to showcase their talents. We are especially appreciative of the efforts to open the doors to the arts and culture for all. The creative economy is alive and well in franklin county!” - Bob Pura, President GCC

“I am very excited about the new leadership and energy that will guide the Shea Theater to a more prominent place in the arts and culture scene of Turner Falls and the entire Valley. It is a special venue, which deserves our support to make it a more vibrant and sustainable centerpiece of our community’s creative economy.” - Steve Kulik, State Representative

Discrimination Policy

STAC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, members,volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and audience.

STAC is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Underwriters

Australis Aquaculture • Artisan Beverage Cooperative • Benjamin Company • Berkshire Brewing Company • Cohn and Company Real Estate Agency • Community Credit • Common Capital • Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts • Connecticut River Internists • Dean's Beans • Easthampton Savings Bank • FirstLight GDF Suezna • Gill Tavern • Goff Media • Great Falls Harvest • Green River Festival • Greenfield Community College • Greenfield Cooperative Bank • Greenfield Savings Bank • Loot • Massachusetts Cultural Council • Montague Bookmill Montague WebWorks • Northeast Solar • People's Pint • Rainmaker Consulting • The Rendezvous • Solar Store of Greenfield • Stobierski and Connor • Told Video • True North Transit • Turn It Up

Exciting News for A Happening IV: Leviathan

Cloudgaze and Eggtooth Productions are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant from the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice to support our 2024 Immersive Arts Festival, “A Happening IV: Leviathan.”

This festival will transform the Shea Theater into an exploration of theme, hosting installations, music, theatrical performances, and movement pieces, featuring the collective contributions of over 30 local artists. Audiences will experience otherworldly environments and narratives inspired by folklore, fairy tales, horror motifs, American literature, and the mythos of the Old Testament, all of which delve into the central question guiding the festival: "What does it mean to encounter something greater than yourself and to be consumed by it?" Through this theme, we explore how a community reemerges and imagines itself after destruction and transformation.

With the support of the Markham-Nathan Fund, we are excited to create an event that complicates perspectives and fosters meaningful dialogue. We are grateful for this partnership and for the work of the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice.

Thanks to the Mass Cultural Council for their vital support this year.We'd also like to thank the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their support in the form of a Flexible Funding grant. We couldn't do this work without you!