book a show
overview
Theatre Espresso books programs from October through June, and occasionally performs at fundraisers or special events on evenings or weekends. Our actors are available to teach in after-school programs. We present our programs in a wide variety of venues, including school auditoriums, gymnasiums, libraries, courtrooms, conference rooms, and proscenium theatres! We also offer a free program for Boston Public Schools (see below). We can perform in most settings as long as there is sufficient room for our equipment, a large enough 'stage' area and, of course, room for the desired audience.
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Before you contact us about booking, please try to gather the following information:
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Grade and Number of Students
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Optimum dates (day, week, month)
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Number of performances desired
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We need at least 30 days lead time to schedule a program. Look over the Theatre Espresso performance fees and lengths, audience size limits, and discount possibilities listed below. Because Theatre Espresso charges $5.00 per student over the stated audience limits, we request that sponsors notify us when student numbers will exceed our audience limits so that the contract reflects the extra students.
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To request to book a show, please contact us.
programs and fees
Justice at War: The Japanese Incarceration Camps
Length: 1 hour
Virtual
1 Performance: $1500
2 Performances: $2100
Live
1 Performance: $1650
2 Performances: $2650
Audience Limit: 150
Trial of Anthony Burns
Length: 1.25 hour
Virtual
1 Performance: $1700
2 Performances: $2200
Live
1 Performance: $2000
2 Performances: $3000
Audience Limit: 150
The Nine Who Dared
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American Tapestry
Length: 1.25 hour
Virtual
1 Performance: $1850
2 Performances: $2350
Live
1 Performance: $2400
2 Performances: $3500
Audience Limit: 150
Uprising on King Street
Length: 1.25 hour
Live
1 Performance: $2400
2 Performances: $3500
Audience Limit: 150
** Theatre Espresso charges a $10.00 fee per student over the stated audience size
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** Theatre Espresso adds a gas/mileage surcharge to contracts with schools beyond 100 miles from Boston. In recent years we have performed for schools in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine.
opportunity for bps
Through its Journey to Justice program, Theatre Espresso is making it possible for Boston Public School students to attend performances of any one of four dramas--American Tapestry, The Nine Who Dared, The Trial of Anthony Burns and Justice at War--at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston, in partnership with the Supreme Judicial Court and the Supreme Judicial Court Historical Society. The Journey to Justice performances are grant-funded and free for Boston Public Schools. Schools can arrange for transportation to the John Adams Courthouse through Mass Cultural Council's "Big Yellow School Bus" program. Please contact Nicole Vander Laan, Executive Director, at info@theatreespresso.org or 617-942-0899 to learn more about this program or to book one of the plays at the John Adams Courthouse during the school year.
space and requirements
Theatre Espresso performs in auditoriums, school libraries, gymnasiums, classrooms, and even cafeterias. Theatre Espresso's actors will begin arriving at least 90 minutes prior to the 1st performance on the program date; the sponsor should meet the actors upon arrival and show them to the performance space. We transport all the necessary costumes, props, and set pieces for our interactive dramas.
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In most spaces, the ambient lighting is sufficient. However, auditorium stages often require theatrical lighting and so it's helpful to have a school staff member or student available--during the time our actors are setting up--who can access the lighting system and make necessary adjustments. We do not require microphones or amplification.
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For the convenience of our actors, we ask that schools provide the following:
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7 chairs
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2 tables (for props, costumes)
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Drinking water (pitcher and cups or bottled water)
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Access to nearby bathroom/changing room
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We expect the sponsor, teacher, or principal to be on hand to introduce the performance(s) to the student audience. The introduction should mention Theatre Espresso and, if applicable, the organization sponsoring our program at the school. During the introduction the students should be reminded of their decision-making role at the end of the drama. The actors will conduct a post-performance talkback to answer any further questions students may have about the relevant history, the drama, or Theatre Espresso.
Card to Culture
Theatre Espresso believes the arts should be accessible to all! That's why we are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by breaking down the financial barriers to cultural programming.
Massachusetts-issued EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders are welcome to join us for free performances and workshops at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston and the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center in Lawrence. Specific programming will vary and is based on availability. For 2024, performances will take place as follows:
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April 2024: John Adams Courthouse, Boston
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October 2024: Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center, Lawrence
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November 2024: Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center, Lawrence
Please Contact Us at info@theatreespresso.org to find out about available dates and reserve your seats.
See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.