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Galleries, Dance, Theatre

Performances and Exhibitions

To experience the full impact of the Island's creative enthusiasm, one need only join the audiences at a performance or an event at one of its nonprofit venues.

From the Monday musical performances on the rolling lawn of Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs, to an original contemporary dance performance by the repertory dance company at The Yard in Chilmark, which is reminiscent of Jacob's Pillow in the Berkshires with its rural up-Island setting, the Island bustles with artistic performances. A Vineyard Playhouse production of Shakespeare in the natural outdoor amphitheater at the Tashmoo overlook is always memorable. The offerings are as varied as they are entertaining.

Belushi Pisano Gallery
Island galleries - such as the Belushi Pisano Gallery in Vineyard Haven, shown here - display the work of talented local and nationally known artists. Photo by Ralph Stewart

Long a part of the Island's tradition, performance art takes on a unique and intimate aspect. Many local residents display their musical and acting talents as they perform at The Vineyard Playhouse with professional Equity actors; or do improvisational comedy; play in a band at one of the gazebos in town parks; or sing with the Island Community Chorus. The results always seem to be affecting.

It reflects the creative energy and individual expression that seems to abound here. Come and prepare to read your poem, join in the chorus, learn to emote or move to music.

And everyone has a contribution to make - even audience members. Whether at a special show at the Ag Hall, the Tabernacle, or in the Performance Art Center at the regional high school, the audience becomes part of the experience by contributing to the creative vitality of the Vineyard.