Theatre III

Theatre III Theatre III is a non-profit community theater organization that has been providing a quality theatrical experiences in Acton, MA since 1955.

OUR VISION
Theatre III seeks to produce high quality, creative, and welcoming theatrical experiences that are inclusive of and interesting to the diverse populations to which we belong. We strive to connect with and contribute to the arts communities in Acton and the surrounding towns from our historic home in West Acton.

Today at 2pm from the group that brought you Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! Child’s Play @ Theatre III...
06/14/2026

Today at 2pm from the group that brought you Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!

Child’s Play @ Theatre III, in cooperation with the Acton Chinese Language School, presents a story for all ages: “The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac”, by Reiko Ho.

Who crosses the river first? Every animal has their own way of being a part of The Great Race - come see them all!

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
https://www.theatre3.org

Today at 2pm and next weekend, Saturday, June 20 at 11am and Sunday, June 21 at 2pm.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Daina August as Ivy/Monkey, Joy Ma as Freddie/Rooster, and Kimber Lynn Drake as Kung Kung/Sheep show how their animals crossed the river to the Jade Emperor in a boat.
Photo credit: Terri Carotenuto

Last call to sign up for auditions for THE SECRET GARDEN for June 14 & 15! Due to the popularity of these auditions, we ...
06/13/2026

Last call to sign up for auditions for THE SECRET GARDEN for June 14 & 15!

Due to the popularity of these auditions, we have added a few more slots each night. And if you are interested and cannot make any of the remaining times, we do offer a video option for initial auditions (just need to record a song!)

NOTE: We believe authentic representation is crucial, so for the roles of Fakir and Ayah we are looking specifically for South Asian performers.

The Secret Garden
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Performances: October 17-31, 2026

More info & to sign up:
https://www.theatre3.org/getinvolved/auditions

Audition Dates:
Sunday, June 14 & Monday, June 15, 2026

Callbacks (if needed):
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (calls will be staggered)

We hope to see you there!

Photo description: Theatre III Logo, "The Secret Garden", "Last call! Auditions June 14 & 15!"

From the group that brought you Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! and opening TODAY at 11 a.m.!Child’s Pl...
06/13/2026

From the group that brought you Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! and opening TODAY at 11 a.m.!

Child’s Play @ Theatre III, in cooperation with the Acton Chinese Language School, presents a story for all ages: “The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac”, by Reiko Ho.

Join Po Po and Kung Kung as they celebrate Chinese New Year at their home in Hawai‘i by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. The show weaves a family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore—the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac.

When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race. The first 12 animals to cross the mighty river will have a year named after them. This 12-year cycle will mark the passage of time. Which animals win the race? What are the traits that help them cross the river? The show features traditional Chinese movement, music, and martial arts.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese La...
06/12/2026

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese Language School!

Name: Fran Betlyon (she/her)
Role: Set Dressing (Painting)

Past T3 experience:
Cora, Calendar Girls ; Georgie Bukowski, The Full Monty; Director, Lucky Stiff, painter Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Matilda, Wscape to Margaritaville

Chinese Zodiac animal? Rooster
Favorite holiday? Christmas - candles on Christmas Eve and reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the kids

Fran is an actress, singer, director, writer and painter. She has served as lead painter on several sets for Theatre III over the last three years. A few favorites: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (EMACT nom), Lucky Stiff (which she also directed), Escape to Margaritaville, and Matilda. She recently designed and painted the set of Talley’s Folley for Five Sparks Theatre. Thanks to Ruth for being such a fun and supportive collaborator and to Margot for her creative genius!

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Head shot of Fran Betlyon

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese La...
06/11/2026

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese Language School!

Name: Fen Chai
Role: Chinese Opera Consultant

Past T3 experience:
Company Debut

Chinese Zodiac animal? Tiger
Favorite holiday? Mother's Day

Fen was born into a family of Yue Opera performers and graduated from a professional Yue Opera arts program. She is a direct disciple of Fan Ruijuan, a Yue Opera master and founder of the Fan School. Fen was the winner of the first Little Hundred Flowers Award for Yue Opera in China and has won numerous awards in provincial performances. Fen is the Co Chairman of the Overseas Yue Opera Federation, and appears in professional Yue opera performances throughout the United States and Canada.

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Head shot of Fen Chai

This weekend from the group that brought you Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!Aloha!Come join Po Po and K...
06/11/2026

This weekend from the group that brought you Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!

Aloha!

Come join Po Po and Kung Kung in their Hawaiian backyard as they share stories with Ivy and Freddie all about the animals of the Chinese Zodiac and how they won their place on the calendar in The Great Race.

Fun and joyous for all ages, we welcome you to join us for Chinese movement, music, and martial arts as we join the family in beautiful Hawai‘i!

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: the set of The Great Race - a backyard in Hawai'i with a picnic table, clothesline, a beautiful tree, and lots of flowers.

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese La...
06/10/2026

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese Language School!

Name: Poliana Yee (she/her)
Role: Music Consultant

Past T3 experience:
First show

Chinese Zodiac animal? Ox
Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving & Chinese New Year - both involve lots of food!

Growing up in her parents' Cantonese opera school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Poliana spent years as their stage manager, gaining a deep, lifelong connection to traditional Chinese performing arts. She's thrilled to be joining Theatre III as music consultant for The Great Race, bringing her knowledge of regional rhythms and operatic styles to this beloved Zodiac story for young audiences.

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Head shot of Poliana Yee

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese La...
06/09/2026

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese Language School!

Name: Kai Chao (he/him)
Role: Assistant Director / Choreographer

Past T3 experience:
First Show

Chinese Zodiac animal? Boar/Pig
Favorite holiday? Christmas

Kai Chao (Asst Director/Choreographer) is thankful for our AAPI Community and being able to provide his perspective. Directing: Chuan Stage/TC Squared – The Fortune Teller, Busing the Buffer Zone (Stage Reading); MoonBox New Works Festival – Swan; Boston Theater Marathon - Various; AAPC Playfest – Various. Performing: Lyric Stage of Boston, Sullivan Rep, Umbrella Stage Company, Reagle Player. He also performed with Disney Entertainment. Thank you for the love and support, Al!

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Head shot of Kai Chao

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese La...
06/08/2026

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese Language School!

Name: Elizabeth Hoermann
Role: Costumer

Past T3 experience:
Calendar Girls, Musical Chairs and costumer for several shows

Chinese Zodiac animal? Tiger
Favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas- tree decorating.

Elizabeth is happy to be once again costuming the children's show. While she loves doing the children's show, she also has costumed other productions at Theatre III including Lucky Stiff, Blood Relations, Women in Jeopardy, among others. She congratulates this cast and crew for another fun production.

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Head shot of Elizabeth Hoermann

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese La...
06/07/2026

Meet the cast and staff of The Great Race, presented by Child's Play at Theatre III in cooperation with Acton Chinese Language School!

Name: Daina August (he/him)
Role: Ivy

Past T3 experience:
Company Debut

Chinese Zodiac animal? Fire Dog
Favorite holiday? New Years! I get to celebrate twice because I use the Chinese calendar for CNY and my Japanese cousins go off the western calendar for Mochitsuki (making mochi with family to celebrate the new year and for extra luck). For both celebrations, there's always so much food, and it's just about a military operation to get everything prepped and everyone fed. Now that I'm in college, I can't go home for Chinese New Year, but I'll still raid my dorm's kitchen for anything resembling a steamer so I can at least enjoy and share some fresh gao

Daina August is a Theater Arts student at MIT (class of 2028) who is excited to make his Theatre III debut. Recent roles include Guildenstern in Hamlet (MIT Shakespeare Ensemble), Patient No. 5 in A Dream Like a Dream (MIT Theater Arts), and Nick in Antigonick (MIT Theater Arts). In his spare time, Daina is a third dan blackbelt in taekwondo and trains with the Cambridge/Boston-based t.Bos competition team and MIT Sport Taekwondo.

Theatre III presents The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Reiko Ho. First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Performances:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.theatre3.org

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.



Photo description: Head shot of Daina August

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250 Central Street
Acton, MA
01720

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