Theatre@First
Theatre@First is an all-volunteer community theatre based in Somerville, MA. Founded in 2003, we fill a vital niche in the vibrant Davis Square arts scene. We draw upon the talents and support of individuals and organizations throughout the community to provide opportunities for our participants and audiences to experience quality live theatre in a variety of local venues.
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Theatre@First rehearses and performs on land of the Pawtucket and Massachusett tribal nations. To read our full acknowledgment of the living truth of this land and its people, and to find more resources, please visit our Land Acknowledgment page.
What's On
Click on the show image for more details about each event!
Upcoming Show
The Tempest
Run away to the islands with Theatre@First as we transform Powderhouse Park for Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Full of poetry, magic, romance, and comedy, The Tempest tells of Prospero, the Wizard Duke, stranded on a mysterious island with his young daughter. Twelve years later he finally confronts his enemies, as the spirit Ariel struggles for freedom and Caliban, heir to the island, plots to reclaim his home in this tale of betrayal, reckoning and redemption. Join us for a magical summer evening of Shakespeare in the park!
Performances: June 6–22, 2025 Rain Dates: June 27–29
Check here after 5pm on show days in case of rain.
Change at Theatre@First
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Theatre@First is committed to creating anti-racist theatre and community. Please visit our new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Section to explore the work of our Anti-Racist Change Committee (ARCC) and the policies and tools adopted by our Steering Committee to move our theatre community toward that goal.
Theatre@First Awarded DASH DEI Impact Award
Theatre@First is thrilled to receive a 2024 DASH DEI Impact Award from the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres (EMACT).
This award recognizes that "Theatre@First has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion values, not only within your productions but also throughout the Somerville community... Your continuous efforts to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, mentor members committed to social justice, and advocate for anti-racism have made a lasting impact on the community."
The real reward of this work is the expanding depth and breadth of our theatre community and the ever-increasing quality a wider range of voices brings to our productions. Our sincere thanks to everyone within our organization who has prioritized these vital efforts to create lasting change at Theatre@First. We hope this award will underscore the need to continue and expand this essential work.
Our Mission
The mission of Theatre@First is to work together to provide a fun, friendly, and creative theatre experience for cast, crew, and audience alike. We welcome volunteers at all levels, without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, body type, age or disability. We encourage a supportive environment in which to work, play, grow, and explore new areas of the theatre arts. We offer affordable and eclectic performances to the community, aiming to surprise, delight, entertain, and educate our audiences.
Please visit our Subscription/Contribution page for more information about donating to Theatre@First. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@theatreatfirst.org. Thank you.