FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Great Barrington, Mass.—The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will present a free family program, Wizard Academy, on Sunday, August 9 at 4 p.m.
The bumbling Professor Hackensneeze (David Engel) makes a visit from the Realm of Mysteries to teach children 4 to 12 the secrets of their innermost powers. Join this loony professor of Wizardry as he leads children on a zany day-in-the-life of a “Wizard in Training” (W.I.T). During Wizard Academy!, children will have their brain, eyes and reflexes tested with fun challenges and illusions that stir up the primal forces of their imaginations with instruction on potions, wand etiquette, and levitation. Hallmarks of this riotous family-friendly show are madcap sound effects, slapstick antics, talking trolls and a visit from his furry sidekick Mortimer. Children encouraged to attend in costume. Ages 4 and up.
David Engel is a veteran family entertainer and sailor who tours his eccentric clown-theatre acts and inspirational arts in education shows to performing arts centers, festivals, and educational institutions nationwide.
Reservations are required and open now at mahaiwe.org, 413-528-0100, or via the Box Office at 14 Castle Street during open hours, Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
This program is sponsored by Highland Street Foundation’s August Adventures 2026.
About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Mass., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, opera, classic films, Live in HD broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905. Since 2005, the performing arts center has hosted over 2,500 events and welcomed over 600,000 people through its doors. More than 28,000 students from 77 different schools have benefited from the Mahaiwe’s school-time performances and residencies. In 2025, the Mahaiwe opened a second performance venue, the Indigo Room. For more information, see mahaiwe.org.
About the Indigo Room
The Indigo Room is a flexible performance venue in the former Great Barrington firehouse building at 20 Castle Street, next door to the historic Mahaiwe theater. Audience capacity ranges between 75 and 150 based on the floor plan for a given performance.
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