The Academy’s 2026-27 Season Series
Experience our 16th Annual Season Series – an exclusive and hand-picked selection of shows and co-productions that spark connection, curiosity, and creativity. This season celebrates our community through bold, inspiring performances you won’t find anywhere else!
This is your Academy! Come, join us!
Sponsored by
Thriller Parade
10/30/2026 | 7:00 pm (rain date: 10/31/2026)
The Academy of Music is “thrilled” to announce the first ever THRILLER PARADE event in Northampton on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 7:30pm. This flash-mob-style dance event will take place on Main Street in downtown Northampton, following the performance of Beetlejuice, JR., at the Academy of Music Theatre.
Letters Aloud: Before They Were Famous
11/14/2026 | 7:30 pm
Sometimes, being famous is all about hard work. And sometimes, it’s an accident. In either case, fame teaches you things—about yourself, about hard work, about enjoyment, about pride, and about your impact on the world and others. From humble beginnings to adoring fans to looking back on achievements and lessons learned, we chart the course of celebrity through the correspondence of luminaries like Bruce Springsteen, Oprah Winfrey, Elvis Presley, Emily Dickinson, Bruce Lee, Marilyn Monroe, and Tom Hanks. Expect to hear letters from and to a few celebrities who appeared on the Academy of Music stage as well.
KEVIN!!!!
12/17/2026 | 7:00 pm
Four actors perform a live, shot-for-shot parody of Home Alone in “one breathless hour” (New York Times). Critically acclaimed company Recent Cutbacks returns with their hilarious holiday blend of puppetry, live projections, and 90s nostalgia.
See what critics are calling “laugh-out-loud funny” (Stagebuddy) and “a reminder of the joy of live theater” (Theatre is Easy).
A Case for the Existence of God
03/12-13/2027 | 7:30 pm
This play by Samuel Hunter (best known for his play The Whale), explores themes of human resilience and the search for meaning, which can be interpreted as a narrative reflection on the existence of God. The characters navigate personal struggles and relationships, suggesting that the quest for understanding and connection may serve as a case for the divine. While the play does not explicitly argue for God’s existence, it presents a poignant exploration of faith, grace, and human experience.
Afeni
04/16-18/2027 | 7:30 pm
Afeni is based on the experiences of Afeni Shakur, mother of the rapper Tupac Shakur, surrounding the events surrounding of the 1969 “Panther 21” trial and her involvement in the Black Panthers. During this trial, it was discovered Shakur opted to defend herself in the trial, and her cross-examination of an NYPD detective brought to light that several undercover police agents had infiltrated the group and organized most of the unlawful activities for which members had been arrested. Shakur and her colleagues were acquitted in 1971, and this experience led to her lifelong dedication to social justice and activism.
Best of Valley Voices Story Slam
4/25/26 | 7:30 pm
Top stories by local storytellers shared on the Academy stage to compete for the top prize – Best of Valley Voices!
Valley Voices Story Slam Audition Dates
More information about auditions will be posted here soon!
During the set audition period, call 413-482-8607 and leave a voicemail with the first line of your story and your contact information (first name, last name, email, and phone number). Please share only the first line, as you would tell it the night of the slam.
Storytellers will be selected based on the strength of their first line and will be invited to share their story live at the Valley Voices Story Slam. Selected storytellers are encouraged to attend a free storytelling workshop led by Boston-based storyteller Andrea Lovett, which will help to cultivate personal stories into performances. Storytellers will be offered the opportunity to purchase one ticket for a friend — we know you want moral support while you’re up on that stage!
Story Slam Rules
Stories must be submitted for consideration through the Academy phone line (413-482-8607) during the open audition period for each show. Share the first line of your story as you would tell it the night of the slam. Your first and last name, email, and phone number need to be recorded on voicemail. Please speak clearly and slowly, and please spell your email address.
Stories must be personal, first-person narratives, and from your life experience.
Stories must be told without notes, props, costumes, or musical instruments.
Your story must relate to the theme.
Your story must be 5 minutes or less! We’ll give you a one-minute warning at the four-minute mark to help you keep on time.
You must be 18 or older and reside in New England.
If you’ve participated in a Valley Voices story slam or auditioned for previous seasons you are welcome to re-audition. (If you’ve taken home the gold in The Best of Valley Voices, you may not compete in the next season.)
If you take 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in a slam, you cannot participate in other slams during the season (you will be moving on to The Best of Valley Voices).
All storytellers must sign a waiver allowing the Academy of Music to photograph them during the event, and for use of their images in promotional materials.
The top 3 storytellers for each slam will go on to compete in The Best of Valley Voices at the Academy of Music on Saturday, April 25, 2026. If you place in the top three during a slam, you must commit to sharing a story for The Best of Valley Voices.
Judging
Members of the Academy of Music Theatre will select 10 storytellers and 2 alternates for each slam based on the first lines auditioned.
Selected storytellers will be notified and are invited to participate in a storytelling workshop before the Story Slam to hone their story.
At each slam, audience members vote for their favorite story, and the top three storytellers advance to The Best of Valley Voices in April.
Prizes
The top 3 storytellers for each slam will go on to compete in The Best of Valley Voices at the Academy of Music. If you are in the top three, you must commit to sharing a story for The Best of Valley Voices.
For more information, contact Melanie Slabaugh, the Academy of Music’s producer for Valley Voices Story Slam, at 413-584-9032 x101, or at valleyvoices@aomtheatre.com.
A four-part film screening series where the crafting community can bring their favorite portable projects and enjoy classic films together. The 2026-27 season featured films were selected by popular vote from the previous year’s participants!
Sponsored by
1/10/2027 | 2:00 PM
Sister Act
1/24/2027 | 2:00 PM
Thelma & Louise
2/07/2026 | 2:00 PM
Mamma Mia!
2/21/2026 | 2:00 PM
A League of Their Own
274 Main St, Northampton, MA
3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday &
1`hour before showtime.
Online sales open 24/7
PREMIERE SPONSORS
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