SoCo Notes

Adult improv class

PITTSFIELD -- The Pittsfield Family YMCA is proud to announce a new program Adult Improv. Registrations are now open! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to perform improvisional comedy like the show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Through this class, adults 18 years and older will be taught the rules of improv comedy by playing classic improv games and learning to trust your fellow performers to create wonderful improvised scenes. This class will conclude with a performance held at the YMCA in order to showcase the wonderful skills they’ve learned. The Troupe plays every third Friday of the month at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, as well as places throughout Pittsfield, North Adams and the rest of the Berkshires. Neil takes a fun and easy-to-understand approach to teaching, and looks forward to getting more people involved in the theater style of improv comedy! Classes are on Mondays, through Nov. 19 from 7:30-9 p. m. (No class Nov. 12. ) Cost: Members: $50; Non-members: $75 (for 10 classes). To register, visit the Y’s Welcome Center. For more information, contact Michelle Kettler, 413-499-7650 x33, mkettler@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org.

Pittsfield’s War of 1812 Prison

GREAT BARRINGTON - A Pittsfield prison, which held British and Canadian soldiers captured during the War of 1812,

will be the subject of historian James Parrish’s talk at the Historical Society at 7 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 19 at the Claire Teague Senior Center, 917 South Main St. Parrish, of Great Barrington, is a former regional historic preservation planner and currently a ranger for the U. S. National Park Service at the Springfield Armory.While working on a survey for Massachusetts Historical Commission, he found maps and other material detailing the Pittsfield Cantonment Camp. The facility stretched from North Street to Fourth Street including the old Town Common and up to the YMCA, with an easement to Silver Lake where the soldiers could obtain water.The commandant was Capt. Thomas Melville, father of Herman Melville. It held 2,500 prisoners and operated for two-and-a-half years until the Treaty of 1814. It was the largest prison for 1812 captives in the country, and Pittsfield was selected because it was "a central point," Parrish said. The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be illustrated with maps and other material. Info: gbhistory.org.

Magic of The Met

PITTSFIELD -- The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents "Magic Onstage at The Metropolitan Opera," with internationally known costume designer Charles Caine, at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m.

During the program, Caine will take his audience behind the scenes and footlights at The Metropolitan Opera, starting with 1966, the last year of the "Old Met," through its move and 46 seasons at the Lincoln Center.

Upon joining "The Met," Caine took on the responsibility for the "look" of every performer, while also working with stagecraft colleagues planning and creating productions.

In his program, Caine will relate many colorful stories of times shared with the likes of Maria Callas, Franco Zefirrelli, Otto Schenk, Tyrone Gutherie and Marc Chagall. He will also conduct a "show-and-tell," featuring costume designs and historic memorabilia, including historic, theatrical fashions worn by Leontyne Price, Richard Tucker, Emma Calve, Sherrill Milnes and Renata Scotto.

The cost to attend is $3. For more information, call 413-442-4360, ext. 15.

Breakdancing at the Y

PITTSFIELD -- The Pittsfield Family YMCA announces open registrations for its breakdancing program for youths age 6 to 12 and older.

The session runs from Friday, Sept. 14 to Nov. 3. The introductory course will take participants through the fundamental building blocks to breakdancing, including uprock, transitions, floorwork and freezes. Led by instructor Andres Ramirez, the class will help participants develop coordination and overall confidence.

The program has three session: Fridays, Sept.. 14 to Nov. 2, 4 to 4:45 p.m., ages 6-12; Fridays, Sept.. 14 to Nov. 2, 5 to 6 p.m. ages 12-plus; or Saturdays, Sept.. 15 to Nov. 3, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. ages 6-12. All sessions are held in the Y’s auditorium.

The cost is $45 for Y members and $70 for non-members. A youth membership, for those children up through 13 years old, is $36 per year. A teen membership, for those ages 14 to 19 years old, is $15 per month (minimum two months), $49.98 for three months, or $180 per year.

For more information, call 413-499-7650, ext. 33, or email mkettler@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org.

Gilded Age tradition continues

LENOX -- The Tub Parade -- a display of festive carriages and horses decorated with flowers from various local landmarks -- returns Saturday, Sept. 15, at 12:30 p.m. The parade route runs through Main and Walker streets.

The parade is a tradition dating back to the Gilded Age of the Berkshires. New England’s rich and famous owners of palatial summer "cottages" -- including members of the Westinghouse, Carnegie and Proctor families -- established the friendly competition.