TRAVEL WITH THE CAPITAL REGION FESTIVAL OF THEATRE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 14th AS THEIR EVENTS SPAN FROM FORT SALEM TO ALBANY WITH A STOP IN SCHENECTADY IN BETWEEN

Fort Salem Theater, SLOC Musical Theater Company, (SLOC), and Capital Repertory Theatre, (theREP), to host workshops and performances to celebrate the diversity of Capital Region Theatre.

 FORT SALEM, SCHENCTADY AND ALBANY, NY – The Capital Region Festival of Theatre begins their programming on Saturday, June 14th with a Theatre Maker’s Morning in Fort Salem! Join fellow festivalgoers for a continental breakfast that’s anything but off- Broadway. The 10 o’clock hour provides a workshop opportunity with Erin Nicole Harrington to explore how to create performances that welcome neurodiverse audiences and individuals with sensory sensitivities. You can also attend a high-energy, “NAIL YOUR DANCE AUDITION” session on the mainstage that will walk you through a typical dance call, from warmup to final bow. This event led by LaRon Lee Hudson, is for all levels to pick up audition tips, tricks, and confidence-boosting strategies to help you shine in the audition room. Next up join Kyle West and Peter Askin for a discussion on Producing for Theatre and Film on the Mainstage. Wonder what it takes to get from script to spotlight—or screen? This behind the-scenes look at producing for both stage and screen will explore the creative, financial, and logistical magic that brings stories to life. At 1pm you can “CRFT YOUR LOOK.” This is an opportunity to, for just $25, snag a 5-minute mini headshot session and leave with 3-5 professionally edited photos that scene steals with photographer Mike Hatzel. The finale for Fort Salem’s programming is takes place from12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, with a performance on the mainstage at Fort Salem Theater. SONGS FROM UPSTATE celebrates the rich musical roots of our region with performances from shows born right here in our backyard. From locally penned to productions that first found their light on Upstate NY stages. The performers include Jenna Wilkinson, Jared West, Dan Costello, Brittany Martel, Kimerer Lamothe, Kyra Lewis Gee, Geoffrey Gee, Mel Magri, Courtnie Harrington, Ben Rowley & Ariana Dreher. 

All Fort Salem events will be held at Fort Salem Theater, 11 East Broadway, Salem, New York 12865. 

Next, we are off to Schenectady with programming at SLOC Musical Theater. At 2pm join us for a lively afternoon of music, laughter, and hands-on fun! Sing along with the incredible Piano Man, Dan Galliher, as he brings the tunes to life. Enjoy light refreshments and a variety of theater-themed activities. From creative crafts to exciting games and raffles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Then from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Mani Velvet McCalmon, Dreamgirls Director, provides an opportunity to experience the magic of musical theater through dance! Learn dynamic moves, build stage presence, and bring stories to life with expressive choreography. Perfect for all levels—join the fun and dance with confidence. Immediately following, catch a showstopping sneak peak of the Capital Region’s upcoming musicals, featuring stand out performances from some of your favorite SLOC talent! The performers include Sammy Wilson, Zach Kaiser, Elizabeth Sherwood-Mack, Hannah M. DeStefano & more! Lastly, at 4:30 PM there will be a staged reading of playwright Aaron Joshua Moore’s newest work. The play surrounds a community grieving the loss of a teenage boy—a young man who touched the lives of those around him. In the wake of his passing, friends, family, and neighbors gather to reflect on his impact, their shared memories, and the profound connection they all have to a familiar pillar of their neighborhood: the Judson Avenue Corner Store. Actors include Alfredo Medina, Jr., Angelique Powell, Willie David Short V, Alvin Kershaw, Q’ubilah Sales, Morgan Elizabeth Heyward, Timmy Martin, Kim Wafer, Tony Pallone, Jamel Mosely, Shaquan A. Robinson, and Hamlin Talks. 

All SLOC Musical Theater events will be held at the theater, 427 Franklin Street, Schenectady, New York 12305. 

Our exciting next event is the Albany Mayoral Candidate forum on Theatre and Arts. At 5pm at the Madison Theater in Albany, we will be joined by 4 of the Democratic candidates including City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs, businessman Dan Cerutti, Council President Corey Ellis and County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin. This special event offers the theatre community a unique opportunity to hear directly from the mayoral candidates on their visions for supporting artists, funding creative initiatives, and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in the city. With Council Person Owusu Anane, a strong advocate for community engagement, hosting and Owen Smith, Producing Artistic Director of Playhouse Stage, a respected leader in the arts community at the helm of this conversation, we are assured a meaningful discussion about how local government can prioritize the arts as an essential component of economic and social growth. This forum is a must-attend for voters passionate about the role of the arts in shaping Albany’s identity and future. Don't miss this chance to learn more about how each candidate plans to support creative industries, public arts programs, and cultural organizations across the city! 

Join us at The Madison Theater, 1036 Madison Avenue, Albany, New York 12208. 

CRFT Saturday programming concludes at theREP in Albany for Downtown Saturday Night. Visit the Theatre Fair from 6 pm – 7 pm & during Intermission in the Studio Theatre, and the performances on the Mainstage curated by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, begin at 7 pm. With a diverse night of performances on the bill, enjoy pieces by Katherine Ambrosio, Michael Heitzman and Ilene Reid, Christine Hsu, Michael Schulman, Michael A. Lake, Hettie Barnhill and Lisa Franklin with accompanist Peter Darling. 

Find theREP at 251 N Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12207. 

For more detailed information on this and all CRFT events, please visit the CRFT website at www.crftinc.org, and follow CRFT on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. 

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Jillian Becker, CRFT Vice President, with further inquiries at jillianbecker1025@gmail.com or 518-210-8090.