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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Support T@F!

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 Workshop

Stage Management Basics

Professional stage manager Elizabeth Ross offers an overview of stage management, answering your questions and giving you a better understanding of this essential role.  If you've ever wondered if you might make a good stage manager, or tried it once and felt that there was more to learn, this workshop is a great opportunity to find out more about the tasks and joys of stage management. 

Workshop: Sunday, October 1, 7-9pm at Unity Somerville

Please sign up today to participate in this workshop. 

Upcoming Event

Arsenic and Old Lace

Join us to watch the Frank Capra classic Arsenic and Old Lace. Buy dinner and drinks from the Somerville Armory Cafe and support Theatre@First!

Movie: Friday, October 13, 7pm at Somerville Armory Cafe
Free - $10 donation - limited seating

Upcoming Shows

Web of Murder

Web of Murder is a murder mystery/farce in the style of Agatha Christie. Minerva Osterman is the domineering head of the family, living in her cliffside mansion with her daughter Stephanie, housekeeper Nora, and Dr. Adler. When she invites her two nieces up for a stormy weekend in her home to discuss her will, secrets will be uncovered and the murders will commence.

Performances: November 1018, 2023

2024 Shows Announced!

Winter/Spring 2024 

After reviewing an amazing collection of applications, the Season Planning Committee has selected The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons by Rachel Teagel to be directed by Jess Viator with auditions in December 2023 and performances in March 2024. That will be followed by Marian, Or the True Tale of Robin Hood by Adam Szymkowicz to be directed by Paulina Martz with auditions in April 2024 and performances in the park next June! Be sure to join our mailing list for updates on these fantastic shows and the next opportunity to apply to direct future productions.

Call for Short Play Scripts

Festival@First 12: Love is Love

T@F seeks scripts for our next installment of Festival@First, to be performed in August 2024. The festival’s theme is “Love is Love,” which can be interpreted in many different ways. Our reading committee will be looking for quality plays by new or established local playwrights (residing within Massachusetts) that will draw the broadest possible audience while creating a vibrant evening of theatre. For full details and to submit a short play, please visit Festival@First 12 Call for Scripts.

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.

Recent Press

The Somerville Journal wrote about what Theatre@First has been up to during COVID.

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.