Minerva Stage, “where students’ art forms are celebrated, and hidden talents are discovered”.

Mission Statement:

To promote the importance of an arts-based education by providing high quality arts programming, to inspire creativity in our community, and to offer opportunities for students and adults of all ages to realize their true artistic potential.

About The MAC:

Founded in 1996 by Kathleen O’Mara, Minerva Stage has been providing residents of Berkshire County with arts education for over 20 years. In response to increased community interest in cultural and educational arts opportunities, The Minerva Arts Center was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 2011. Since then, The MAC has continued to have success with established, as well as new program offerings.

From 2012-2018, MAC Treasures Thrift Store was established as an ongoing fundraiser to provide scholarship support for Minerva programming to the community. The viability of the store came from community donations of goods that are sold, as well as a volunteer troupe who ran the store, consisting of Minerva teachers, families, and community supporters who shared The MAC’s mission to provide high-quality arts programming in Berkshire County.

In 2016, previous Minerva student, Jennifer Howard was named Executive Director, bringing her 17 years experience as a teaching artist and her 20 years of financial and business background.

History:

In 1996, Kathleen O’Mara founded Minerva Stage in Williamstown, Massachusetts to introduce students of all ages to performing and visual art experiences. Since then, Minerva Stage has worked with thousands of students in myriad artistic, expressive, and academic projects. Minerva Stage is committed to the development of educational programs for students interested in the arts. Minerva Stage programming and workshops can be structured to tailor specific community and organizational needs, including scheduling and duration of program. Workshop and performance program fees are determined by length of project, production costs and community resources. Minerva Stage assists with fundraising, grant research and writing, and offers student scholarships. Ms. O’Mara has a Master’s in Education and has been teaching theater since 1992, providing students from different communities around the country, opportunities to explore the world of theater and visual arts.