Theatre@First

Theatre@First is an all-volunteer community theatre based in Somerville, MA. Founded in 2003, we fill a vital niche in the vibrant Davis Square arts scene. We draw upon the talents and support of individuals and organizations throughout the community to provide opportunities for our participants and audiences to experience quality live theatre in a variety of local venues. 

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Theatre@First rehearses and performs on land of the Pawtucket and Massachusett tribal nations. To read our full acknowledgment of the living truth of this land and its people, and to find more resources, please visit our Land Acknowledgment page.

What's On

Click on the show image for more details about each event!

Current Show

Water by the Spoonful

In Water by the Spoonful, Elliot, an Iraq veteran, and his cousin, Yaz, plan their beloved activist aunt's funeral together, honor her legacy, and find new life paths for themselves. Meanwhile, Elliot's mother, a recovering addict, finds hope and purpose moderating an addiction support chatroom. There, a found family help each other challenge and support each other to grow and find new sources of happiness. This play explores how people begin to heal their past damage and how they step up to support each other in times of need.

Performances: November 816, 2024

Apply to Direct in 20252026

Applications Open for Fall 2025 through Fall 2026

Each Theatre@First production begins as someone's dream. Directors with plays to propose for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 are invited to apply now. Prior directing experience, or previous work with Theatre@First is not required. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, directors with disabilities, and members of other marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply. For full details and submission guidelines, visit our Season Planning page.  Make your dream show part of our next season!

Deadline: December 15, 2024

Change at Theatre@First

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Theatre@First is committed to creating anti-racist theatre and community. Please visit our new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Section to explore the work of our Anti-Racist Change Committee (ARCC) and the policies and tools adopted by our Steering Committee to move our theatre community toward that goal.

Theatre@First Awarded DASH DEI Impact Award

Theatre@First is thrilled to receive a 2024 DASH DEI Impact Award from the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres (EMACT).

This award recognizes that "Theatre@First has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion values, not only within your productions but also throughout the Somerville community... Your continuous efforts to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, mentor members committed to social justice, and advocate for anti-racism have made a lasting impact on the community." 

The real reward of this work is the expanding depth and breadth of our theatre community and the ever-increasing quality a wider range of voices brings to our productions. Our sincere thanks to everyone within our organization who has prioritized these vital efforts to create lasting change at Theatre@First. We hope this award will underscore the need to continue and expand this essential work.

Our Mission

The mission of Theatre@First is to work together to provide a fun, friendly, and creative theatre experience for cast, crew, and audience alike. We welcome volunteers at all levels, without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, body type, age or disability. We encourage a supportive environment in which to work, play, grow, and explore new areas of the theatre arts. We offer affordable and eclectic performances to the community, aiming to surprise, delight, entertain, and educate our audiences.

Please visit our Subscription/Contribution page for more information about donating to Theatre@First. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@theatreatfirst.org. Thank you.