Thornton Wilder's Our Town performed outdoors and presented by the PEterborough Players. Three actors perch wistfully on two ladders on the set of the play.

DIVE INTO A PERFORMING ARTS SCENE OF CIRCUS, DANCE, AND THEATER

The love of performing arts runs rampant in the Monadnock region. From plays, musicals, and operas to circus performances and, of course, the holiday ballet staple The Nutcracker, there’s a show here for all ages and occasions. The Peterborough Players have a deep love for high caliber theater. Share in that enthusiasm with a visit

three musicians perform at the coffee house stage of Nova Arts, surrounded by art installation of glowing whales suspended from the ceiling

EXPERIENCE HOW THE ARTS BREATHE LIFE INTO NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC BUILDINGS

For those of you who are captivated by New England history, find remnants of the Monadnock region’s industrial past preserved in buildings overtaken by the arts. You’ll find some wonderful surprises! From lunchtime concerts to film screenings and site-specific installations, Epsilon Spires makes the most of a renovated 19th-century Victorian Gothic and Gothic Revival church

wrapping paper background with title

5 Holiday Activities in the Monadnock Region

The dead of winter is when New England comes alive, especially during the holidays! New Hampshire’s Monadnock region, especially, loves to use the arts to celebrate this special time of year. Home to many diverse artists including dancers, actors, musicians, and crafters, what better way to ring in the holidays than through the arts? With

20-somethings in costume and face paint cheers to a toast

5 Fun Activities this Halloween Weekend 🎃

Looking for fun ideas to celebrate Halloween and show off your awesome costume? Here is a roundup of fun, artsy, scary activities and events to keep you on your toes this Halloween weekend. Be sure to check out the Discover Monadnock events calendar for the latest on arts and cultural events in the Monadnock region

cabaret cast poses on stage in dark blue light

Arts Spotlight: Peterborough Players

NICOLE S. COLSON The pandemic gave many arts organizations the time and opportunity to think deeply about their mission and the future. In the case of Peterborough Players, it was a chance to determine the best ways to reach the largest number of theater patrons. Above all, increased access ensures its longevity far past the

a circle of kids play a game in a blackbox theater

Arts Spotlight: Andy’s Summer Playhouse

NICOLE S. COLSON Andy’s Summer Playhouse board and staff provide full access to programming—but it’s the kids who are running the show. “They are running tech boards during the performance, they are building the set and gathering costumes,” said artistic director Jared Mezzocchi.  As its website explains, Andy’s is a youth theater in Wilton that

stage full of kids of all ages in costume

Arts Spotlight: MoCo Arts

NICOLE S. COLSON MoCo Arts is empowering the youth of Keene by helping them find themselves through arts education. MoCo Arts is a family-centered nonprofit arts education organization in downtown Keene. They offer classes in dance and theater for students ages 6 months to 18+ years (select classes for adults). During the summer, MoCo runs

a stage full of kids dancing in different colored costumes under blue lighting

Arts Spotlight: New Hampshire Dance Institute

NICOLE S. COLSON No matter where they come from, their family background or skill level, when NHDI students take the stage at the end of the week and show what they’ve learned to an audience—they are all dancers. The non-profit arts and education organization known as New Hampshire Dance Institute offers year-long, summer and residency

Artists: Find support in the Monadnock Region

Article by Abby Holt Getting discovered as an artist is hard work. While there are a lucky few that wind up in a “right place, right time” situation, most of us have to live up to the starving artist persona. Fortunately, there are ways that we can set ourselves up for success. Many artists find