The stage is set for a theatrical summer at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Enter Stage Left Theater and HCA are hosting a number of productions and events throughout the month of August. 

“It’s been a tradition over the past 20 years that August is our month of summer theater,” said Kelly Grill, executive director of HCA. 

From cabaret-style showcases to new show auditions, audiences have a lot to look forward to.

Teen theater showcase Friday

This Friday, Aug. 2, teen performers will showcase their work as part of ESL’s theater intensive program.

“It’s a cabaret-style performance with a lot of variety,” said Grill.

Directed by Alyssa Rae Surrette and with musical direction from Mark Schiappucci, the show features students performing Broadway songs, dance numbers and both comedic and dramatic scenes. 

The showcase is a culmination of everything the students have been working on in ESL’s teen summer programs. 

Said Grill: “It’s a great opportunity for them to show what they’ve learned.”

Tickets are still available and are pay-what-you-can.

Summer stock to perform ‘Pippin’

ESL’s teen and college stock program will be putting on “Pippin” as its summer production.

This production is based on the circus-inspired revival of the original show. It is directed by Surrette and features musical direction from Mark DiCampo.

The summer stock program through ESL brings together high school and college students, many of whom are focusing on theater as a primary area of study.

“This is our most talented group of performers,” said Grill.

The show will run for two weekends: Aug. 9-10 and Aug. 16-17. Tickets are on sale now.

A Play, A Pint & A Pie festival returns

HCA will be hosting its fourth annual A Play, A Pint & A Pie festival Aug. 24 and 25 at its outdoor amphitheater. 

Six one-act plays have been chosen from over 100 submissions from across the globe. The plays are directed by and feature members of the community.

“We saw submissions this year from as far away as New Zealand and Australia,” said Grill.

The committee of judges will vote on and present their award for best play, and attendees will have an opportunity to vote for an audience favorite as well.

“Since it is a playwriting festival, our committee chooses which one they feel was best written,” said Grill. ”But audiences still get to vote for which one they liked best.”

The winning playwright will receive a cash prize, along with a commemorative pie plate and pint glass.

Admission to the event includes the choice of a meat pie or vegetarian alternative and a beer or non-alcoholic beverage. Tickets are available via the HCA website.

Auditions for fall youth musical upcoming

On Aug. 25, ESL will be holding auditions for its fall youth musical. The casting call is open to students entering second grade through fifth.

This fall’s youth production will be “We Are Monsters,” a fun comedy musical for all ages. It will be directed by Sandee Buckley, with Schiappucci serving as music director.

Registration for the musical is limited to 30 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Performances are set for November 8-10. 

“We have lots of parts for everyone,” said Grill. “It’s going to be a very fun musical.”

For more information on any of the above programs, visit the HCA website at HopArtsCenter.org.