OLLI Players to Hold Auditions for Reading of 'Sinclair Lewis Work'

03:45PM / Monday, March 16, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The OLLI Players, part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC), welcome all to audition for a reading of "It Can't Happen Here."

The reading is adapted from Sinclair Lewis's novel and play, which relates the rise of a dictator in America in the 1930s and its impact on society at national, local, and individual levels.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 9 a.m.–noon and Thursday, March 19 from 1–4 p.m. at BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, in room G-12. Visitors should park in the visitor parking lot and walk across the driveway to the Susan B. Anthony Building.

The OLLI Players are seeking 15 adult actors of different ages and genders, each of whom will play multiple roles. Copies of the script will be provided at the audition, and audition sheets will be furnished. If you have a resume, please bring it with you.

After the actors have been selected, approximately 10 rehearsals will be held from mid-March through Saturday, April 18. A reading of the full-length script will take place on Sunday, April 19 (time to be announced).

Questions? Contact Director Barbara Waldinger at barbarawaldinger@gmail.com.

This performance is supported by the Michael and Nancy Vale Performing Arts Program Endowment at OLLI at Berkshire Community College.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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