[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 99 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF BERKSHIRE THEATRE

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2018

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate Berkshire Theatre on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. 
It is one of the oldest continually running theatre groups in the 
country. Located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, the group is 
an exemplary representation of what Western Massachusetts has to offer.
  Berkshire Theatre Festival was founded in 1928 in Stockbridge, 
Massachusetts. Over the course of its storied history, it has been both 
a significant economic driver in the region and a home to people and 
events which have greatly contributed to the vibrancy of our country's 
cultural heritage. In 2010, Berkshire Theatre Festival merged with The 
Colonial Theatre to form the Berkshire Theatre Group, combining two of 
Berkshire County's oldest cultural institutions and icons of the 
American theatre tradition. Berkshire Theatre Group's four total stages 
have featured many critically acclaimed actors and award-winning 
productions over the years, and constitute a priceless cultural 
resource for the community of Western Massachusetts. Moreover, 
Berkshire Theatre Festival's Playhouse, which is now known as the 
Fitzpatrick Main Stage, was added to the National Register of Historic 
Places in 1976. In addition to these remarkable distinctions, Berkshire 
Theatre Festival also launched a theatrical school in 1929 that 
continues today to offer internship programs in acting, directing, 
design, administration, and technical theatre. With these offerings as 
well as many other educational outreach programs, Berkshire Theatre 
Group is able to serve over 13,000 students.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate that Berkshire Theatre has 
been a group of historical importance and cultural renaissance since 
its founding in 1928. It's admirable promotion of the arts, focus on 
educational opportunities, and diverse community benefits are certainly 
worthy of recognition. Berkshire Theatre has undoubtedly been a center 
for creativity which continues to enrich, invigorate, and transform 
artists and audiences alike. As Berkshire Theatre celebrates its 90th 
anniversary, I wish the group all the best and much continued 
prosperity.

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