Network

Nearly a half-century after Paddy Chayefsky’s chillingly prescient, Oscar-winning black comedy Network became a cinematic classic, Lee Hall’s potent and provocative new stage adaptation remains as relevant as ever as we grapple with truth, authenticity, and the search for meaning in a digital age. Veteran news anchor Howard Beale isn't pulling in the viewers. But when his on-air meltdown sparks a revolution, Howard suddenly becomes the biggest thing on TV – a ”mad prophet of the airwaves” determined to speak truth to power, but buffeted by industrial, political and economic forces with ultimately dire consequences. Hall’s adaptation "takes on fresh fury in a sizzling stage production...that feels less satiric but more urgent" (Variety) in today’s polarized and media-saturated landscape. Fittingly, this production is helmed by Ashley Kelly Tata, a noted multimedia director whose immersive works have been called “fervently inventive,” by the New York Times. Like the award-winning West End and Broadway productions, The Umbrella’s production will employ thoroughly integrated multimedia storytelling elements evocative of the film’s masterful use of television ads and industrial sets, courtesy of innovative NYC-based designer Afsoon Pajoufar. “Network remains one of the most remarkable, if not eerily prescient films of all time,” says Producing Artistic Director Brian Boruta. “That something written almost 50 years ago could speak so singularly to our present moment is astonishing. It’s a thrill to bring this landmark play to The Umbrella’s stage.” The cast features some of Boston’s biggest names like Barlow Adamson, Amy Barker, Steve Barkhimer, Will McGarrahan, and Bill Mootos as Howard Beale. Running Sept. 20-Nov. 3 (press opening Friday Sept. 27, 7:30PM), the play will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of Now. Here. This, a new musical from the team that brought you [title of show], that tackles life's big questions with inimitable humor and humanity. Select performances will feature additional engagement opportunities for audience members: ● Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances  ● Talk Backs are scheduled following performances on Oct. 13 and Oct. 24  ● Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for parents interested in attending the Oct. 13 matinee The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Network">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Network</a> for more information.

The Umbrella Arts Center

Now. Here. This.

The Umbrella Stage Company is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “Now. Here. This.” – a musical jaunt that explores humor, heart, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of cosmic adventures, four friends share stories about identity, laughter, living, and middle school, all while attempting to step directly into the elusive “present moment.” Hailed by The New York Times as “a blend of good humor and good feeling with an audience-embracing brio that never flags” this new show comes from the creative minds behind "[title of show]".&nbsp; More than just a musical, it's a celebration of life, love, connection, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Running Oct. 4-Nov. 10 (press opening Thursday Oct. 10, 7:30PM), the show will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of Network, the hard-hitting satire based on the classic film. Select performances will feature additional engagement opportunities for audience members:<ul><li>Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances</li><li>Talk Back scheduled following performance on Nov. 7</li><li>Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for parents interested in attending the Oct. 27 matinee&nbsp;</li></ul>The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/NHT" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/NHT</a> for more information.&nbsp;

"Reflections: Selfhood/Motherhood" Opening Reception

The Umbrella Arts Center invites the public to an opening reception for the new visual arts exhibition, "Reflections: Selfhood/Motherhood," featuring work by 2023/2024 Umbrella Artists-in-Residence, Jasmine Chen and Catherine LeComte Lecce, in the Allie Kussin Main Gallery. Also on view is "random assembly" in the Main Hall Display, with artwork by Umbrella Ceramic Studio Artist-in-Residence Kyle Johns. These exhibitions are on view from June 28 through September 2, 2024. For more information see <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Exhibitions" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Exhibitions</a>

Earthworks: Tradition, Influence, Innovation

Juried by Ayumi Horie,&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/earthworks" target="_blank">Earthworks: Tradition, Influence, Innovation</a>&nbsp;is a regional show celebrating the depth of history, tradition, and cultural expression in contemporary ceramics, and the ways in which artists continue to expand the field through innovation and reinterpretation.&nbsp;As part of The Umbrella Arts Center’s continued commitment to the ceramic medium, we intend for this show to highlight emerging and established artists working in clay.&nbsp;This show will invite artists currently residing in New England, honoring the skill, knowledge, and diversity of our regional ceramics community. Work both functional and sculptural is included. Prizes will be awarded: Best in show: $1,000 Juror’s choice: 5 awards at $100 each. Saturday, May 18, 2024 11:30-1pm – Lecture Demonstration by Ellen Schön “Open to New Technology: 3D Printing in Clay!”&nbsp;Learn more and register&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/ellen-sch%C3%B6n-open-new-technology-3d-printing-clay" target="_blank">here</a> 2-4pm&nbsp;–&nbsp;Opening Reception LinesWhite22 by Lauren Nauman

TAPPED IN: Moving Hearts and Minds Through Arts and Science

April 11 - June 8,&nbsp; 2024 Curators: Linda Booth Sweeney and Stephanie Marlin-Curiel&nbsp; Opening Reception, Mixer and Panel Discussion: April 11, 5-7PM Youth Forward Climate Action Day, April 20, 1-5PM On view at The Umbrella Arts Center April 11 - June 8, <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/tapped-in" target="_blank">“TAPPED IN: Moving Hearts and Minds Through Arts and Science”</a> is an innovative art installation at the intersection of climate communications, art, and science that combines outdoor public art with an indoor educational gallery display.&nbsp; Inspired by the concept of 'edges' in ecosystems, the exhibition brings together ten pairs of well-regarded artists and climate scientists/activists to collaboratively&nbsp; visualize fresh perspectives on climate change, CO2 mitigation and action.&nbsp; Artists and Scientists: Adria Arch and&nbsp; Sara Seager, Deputy Science Director of the MIT-led NASA mission, TESS; Freedom Baird and Daniella Malin, Senior Program Director, Agriculture &amp; Climate, Sustainable Food Lab; Lisa Barthelson and Juliana Birnbaum, Senior Editor and Program Director, Project Regeneration; Casey Figueroa and Terrius Harris, Obama Scholar, Artist, Advocate, Educator and Strategist on Indigenous, Climate and Economic Issues; Raquel Fornasaro and Professor John Sterman, Director MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative; Mags Harries and Nadia Szeinbaum, Senior Scientist, Beyond Meat; Michelle Lougee and William Moomaw, Emeritus Professor of International Environmental Policy, Tufts University; Ilana Manolson and Janine Benyus, Co-Founder, Biomimicry Institute; Victor Pacheco and Paul Krishen, Professor, School for the Environment Research Director, Stone Living Lab, University of Massachusetts, Boston; and Nancy Selvage and Josh Goldman, Project Leader, Greener Grazing. Central to the inspiration for this exhibit is the Climate Bathtub analogy, which makes complex concepts of greenhouse gas pollutants (faucet outflow), atmospheric CO2 concentration (tub), and climate change mitigation (drain) accessible to individuals of all ages. Outdoors interpretative sculptures reflecting the bathtub metaphor’s systems dynamics will express an art/science collaborative vision for our climate future. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. RELATED ACTIVITIES Thursday, April 11, 5-7:30PM Opening reception and environmental mixer, artist-scientist panel discussion, and remarks by public officials and the curators. Saturday, April 20, 1-5PM Youth Forward Climate Action Day, featuring Mend-a-thon, Youth-led guided tours, Free Family Fun Activity, “Heartbeat Space” projection installation by Casey Figueroa, Eco Slow Fashion Show, and other activities. This event is offered in association with the Cooler Concord Festival. April 2 - May 5 Global Warming Series 2018-2023 On view in the second floor gallery, the complimentary exhibition,, features watercolor monotypes by self-described apocoloptimist, artist Jane Goldman. Opening reception Saturday, April 27, 3-5PM. For additional detail, event schedules, artist statements and bios, images, directions and more visit <a href="http://theumbrellaarts.org/Tapped-In" target="_blank">TheUmbrellaArts.org/Tapped-In</a>

Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life

&nbsp;In 1835, 12-year-old Ellen Garrison marched in the Concord bicentennial parade, the only person of color to participate, launching her into a life of civil rights activism. Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life, the latest Half the History film from Five Sisters Productions and Tufts University, highlights key moments in Garrison’s career, from the parade to her teaching in the South after the Civil War, to her challenging segregation in a Baltimore trail station waiting room in 1866, a century before Rosa Parks. The film emerges as the town’s Concord 250 committee has sought to plan an expansive and inclusive commemoration of its history and role at the start of the American Revolution, and the semiquincentennial of “the shot heard round the world” coming up on April 19, 2025. Garrison was born and raised in The Robbins House in 1823, granddaughter and daughter of formerly enslaved men including grandfather, Caesar Robbins, a farmer and Revolutionary War veteran, and father, Jack Garrison, who escaped slavery in New Jersey. A Town proclamation marking her 200th birthday on April 14, 2023, became the first formal Concord 250 event, followed in 2024 with a celebratory event with film preview at the historic Concord Armory.&nbsp; This June 8, 2024, The Umbrella Arts Center will host the world premiere screening of&nbsp; Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life, directed by Jennifer Burton and Ursula Burton and produced by Five Sisters Productions and Julie Dobrow, with the Tufts Production Team. The short film will be followed by a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary and an interactive discussion with members of the filmmaking team, Concord 250, and The Robbins House. This event is free and open to the public, but with limited capacity, so RSVP in advance is requested at <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Ellen" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Ellen</a>. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries.

The Full Monty

The Umbrella Stage Company presents the beloved, raucous, pop-rock-musical send-up of gender expectations and stereotypes... that takes it all off! April 26-May 19 Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty is a ten-time Tony-nominated Americanized adaptation that’s filled with honest affection, engaging melodies, a ton of humor…and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show! While spying on their wives at a "Girls' Night Out," a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo sees how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed; not merely physically but emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they're stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to "let it go." Right to the end, audiences will be wondering if these lovable misfits will really pull it off.&nbsp; Conceived by the powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) with a raucous mix of razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, this heartwarming, upbeat comedy features an ensemble cast of some of Boston’s favorite actors directed for The Umbrella Stage Company by multi-Elliot Norton Award winner Leigh Barrett. Select performances will feature additional audience engagement opportunities including: Optional Thursday-night Dinner &amp; A Show Packages, post-show Talk Backs, and childcare for parents interested in attending the May 5 matinee through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. This show is Rated R and contains strong language, adult themes, attempted self-harm, and brief nudity. Audience members should use their judgment about attendance. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Monty" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Monty</a> for more information.&nbsp;

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Monday, May 13, 2024 - 7:30PM A television actress encounters a variety of eccentric characters after embarking on a journey to discover why her lover abruptly left her. Directed by Pedro Almodovar | Rated R Runtime 100 mins Doors open at 6:30pm for food and drink | Film starts at 7:30pm   Delicious meal options are available as an add-on from <a href="https://www.adelitaconcord.com/">Adelita</a>! Menu 1: Chicken Enchilada Kale salad with pomegranate, apple, cashew 1/2 vanilla flan Menu 2: Veggie Quesadilla Kale salad with pomegranate, apple, cashew 1/2 vanilla flan  Film tickets are $10. Pre-show dinner options from Adelita are an additional $21. Additional concessions available for purchase. Film tickets will be available at the door.*

The Umbrella (Pre) Mother's Day Community Events

The Umbrella Arts Center comes alive with activities and gift opportunities for Mom!  From 11AM-5PM, The Umbrella Ceramics Studio holds its Spring Community Sale featuring one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted ceramic gifts. Plus, join us for a Free Family Drop-In Day from 2-4PM, with instructor-led crafts on a Mother's Day theme.

Intro to Improv

Course Description:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This course is designed to introduce people to the world of improvisation. Students will be lead through a series of games and exercises that focus on living in the moment and celebrating creative silliness. Matt Fear has been involved with improv since 1994, in various capacities. Before joining Kismet, he worked full-time with ImprovBoston as an actor, instructor, and manager of the comedy school. He studied theater at Eastern Illinois University and once read a play by William Shakespeare, after which he exclaimed, “I CAN MAKE UP A BETTER PLAY THAN THIS!” However, he was asked to quiet down by the person sitting next to him on the bus. You can catch Matt performing regularly with the Central Massachusetts Actors Collective and the Kismet Marquee Players.

Learn Machine Sewing

Course Description:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do you have a sewing machine in your attic or basement that you never took out of the box? Learn to thread it, use it, and create pillows, curtains, even clothing. Please note: Suitable for beginners and intermediate; bring your own machine and a list of supplies will be given in first class. Instructor: Mary Kenny Mary Kenny is an artist and educator fluent in many media including: ceramics, fiber arts, wood, metal, papier-mache, stained glass, and stop-motion animation. She has exhibited at the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts at Harvard University, the Mills Gallery at the Boston Center for the Arts, and at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, MA. She is currently a resident artist at the Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard University in Allston, MA. For more information on Mary's work, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mkennyceramics.com/" target="_blank">www.mkennyceramics.com</a>

SPRING ADULTS: Drawing for Beginners

Course Description:      Students will be taught development of perceptual and descriptive skills through an introduction to a variety of drawing media, techniques and subject matter. Will acquire a thorough understanding of the elements of art and the principles of organization as related to drawing. We will draw from observation to understand contour line, positive &amp; negative space, perspective, sighting of angles and measurements of relationships in drawing. General understanding of basic skills and to encourage experimentation with techniques and materials, both traditional and non-traditional. We will explore creative expression beyond preconceived boundaries drawing from still life and photographs. Art is a practice-based discipline, and the learning process requires active participation. Drawing assignments to do at home &amp; expected to purchase book, “Drawing Essentials.”

SPRING ADULTS: Stained Glass

Course Description:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In a relaxed atmosphere, learn the Tiffany copper foil method and create a stained glass panel about 1 square foot in size. Put your creativity to the test and develop your design ideas with quick sketches and then into a full scale “cartoon.” Next, bring your drawing to life with shapes, colors and textures. Lastly, frame, patina, and wax your stained glass masterpiece. Instructor: Michel L'Huillier After studying Fine Arts and Art History in Strasbourg, France, I discovered my love for glass. I moved to Boston in 1995 and worked for eight years in a prominent stained glass studio. With almost 30 years of experience in working in the medium, I draw from three different techniques for architectural glass commission work: kiln-forming, fusing, and stained glass. I create functional fused glass objects with intricate colored inlays which are exhibited at juried craft shows: Craft Boston and Paradise City. In 2015 I received the Award of Distinction in Glass at the Craft Boston Holiday show. Since 2004 I have been sharing my passion for glass with adults, families and kids, while teaching stained glass, fusing, mosaic in studios and schools in the metro Boston area.

Club Rhythms

Course Description:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Get your groove on in this introductory dance fitness class designed to increase your heart rate and your happiness! Rooted in house-based rhythms and movements,&nbsp;this class will inspire you to move and to keep moving in a fun, open and inclusive environment set to a variety of club-based rhythms. Beginning with dynamic stretching and core work, this high intensity class will&nbsp;build in speed and complexity from basic footwork to easy to follow choreography,&nbsp;offering you the opportunity to immerse your entire body in movement and music. Committed to offering accessible dance classes, all levels and ages are welcome to&nbsp;join this heart pumping class that is guaranteed to bring out the dancer in you!&nbsp; Please note: This class will explore all levels and planes of movement, so students should be open to or comfortable with moving from the ground to standing at different points in class. As such, please wear comfortable clothing in which to move. Sneakers are recommended, along with a mat for core work and water for hydration.

Intro to the Camera and Photographic Design

Course Description:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In this class, students will be introduced to the technical aspects of their camera to better understand how to control exposure for more expressive photographs. We will briefly cover strategies for digital image organization and storage, and we will cover visual considerations around light, framing, timing and design. We will focus on the technical aspects of the camera and exposure in the first few weeks, then we will turn our attention to the visual. Short assignments and brief critiques will be offered. Students should have a camera that they can use in manual mode. Either a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, SD cards and batteries. Suzanne Révy is a photographer, writer and educator who earned a BFA from the Pratt Institute in 1984. She worked in editorial and magazine publishing as a photography editor for fifteen years before the arrival of two sons. She created a long term photographic diary of their lives, and earned an MFA from the New Hampshire Institute of Art in 2016. She teaches at Clark University in Worcester, MA., is the Associate Editor at the online photography magazine “What Will You Remember” and serves on the board of the Photographic Resource Center in Cambridge, MA.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.