Giving@First 2026
Six short plays were written, rehearsed, and performed within just 25 hours! It is a unique opportunity for our troupe to show off their abilities under pressure, and a unique opportunity to give to a good cause and enjoy a night of truly original theatre.
All proceeds collected at this event will be given to On The Rise, which creates a safe and supportive community that fosters self-determination and wellbeing for women, transgender, and nonbinary people on their journey through and beyond homelessness.
Performance
ONE NIGHT ONLY! Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 8pm
A recording is available on our YouTube channel!
All proceeds from the evening ($2,298) went to On The Rise.
Location
Giving@First was presented at First Church Somerville, 89 College Avenue, Somerville.
General parking is available on College Ave. Parking on cross streets is by permit only. Please read signs carefully to avoid ticketing.
Going, Going, Gone
by Naomi Hinchen
directed by Julia Hurley
Tim Meserve — Adam
Jackie Freyman — Brenda
Aidan Kelly — Chris
Xuan Li Leong — Danielle
The Final Test
by Brian Rust
directed by Emma Picht
Samuel Zeiberg — Asher
Paula Hawthorne — Bailey
Alex Gorowara — Calgon 632
Andy Lebrun — Galway
Glass Domes
by Michelle DeLateur
directed by Bey Woodward
Bethany Croteau — Holly
Theresa Griffin — Chloe
Lauren Kimball — Wren
A Not Quite Golden Birthday
by Jamie Lin
directed by Mare Freed
assistant directed by Jay Sekora
Tal Scully — Jean
Rachel Tessler — Dara
Robin Abrahams — Mandy
The Finalists
by Justine Elias
directed by Erika Reinfeld
Christina Bontempo — Coach
Audra Congress — Avery
David Kleinman — Parker
Three Sides
by Marielle Boudreau
directed by Robert Thorpe II
Oriana Davila — Devin
Amelia Smith — Casey
Ari Herbstman — Quinn
Production Team
Delphine Kaiser — Producer and Festival Director
Peter Duerst — Technical Director and Videographer
Jason Rhode — Stage Manager
Mary Parker — New Director Resource
Renée Walsh — Props Wrangler and Stage Hand
Tegan Oak Kehoe — Lighting Designer
Marco White — Sound Designer
Chloe Trepanier — Publicity Manager
Michelle DeLateur — Performance Photographer
Kris Ferrell — House Manager