For nearly half a century, the Depot Theatre has been a place where stories both reflect our lives and shine a light on new possibilities.
This summer, the Depot offered both. With First Date, we laughed at the awkwardness of modern connection. Radiant Vermin asked us to look hard at the bargains we strike in pursuit of comfort. Million Dollar Quartet filled our historic station with the joyous fire of rock-and-roll. And The Roommate reminded us that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
The Depot Theatre Academy reached new heights as well. Nearly twenty students opened our season on the Main Stage with The Drowsy Chaperone, supported by the same professional crews who bring our Equity productions to life. Later, The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition filled the Whallonsburg Grange with wonder and joy. The Academy does more than teach performance skills—it nurtures confidence, collaboration, and the deep sense of belonging that young people carry with them long after the curtain falls. The Academy is looking forward to opening the 2026 Main Stage season with a two weekend production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. Stay tuned for more details!
These successes belong to all of us—artists and technicians, staff and board, students and families, volunteers, donors, and sponsors united by a shared belief in the power of theatre.
Building on that foundation, the Board has initiated a new five-year strategic planning process to guide the Depot toward its 50th anniversary and beyond. And with year-round programming in readings, education, and outreach now established, our impact continues long after the summer lights dim.
Together, these efforts affirm that when a community invests in creativity, it is investing in a living legacy—one of artistry, education, and belonging that endures across generations. If you are ever inspired to deepen your own legacy with the Depot Theatre through a future gift, sponsoring a show, or supporting a season, I would be honored to have that conversation with you. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support of the Theatre. Please support our ongoing efforts by sending in a year-end donation today.
Thank you very much for being part of the Depot Theatre journey.
Academy Outreach and Education Director: Ginene Mason
Office Operations Manager: Katie Shepard
Resident Designer: Bonnie B. Brewer
Bookkeeper: Teresa Cummings
Auditor: Joseph P. Lafiura, CPA P.C.
VOLUNTEERS
DEPOT THEATRE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (FY 2025)
Scott Gibree (President)
Maureen Carlo (Vice President)
Alexandra Henderson (Treasurer)
Lindy Flanagan (Secretary)
Betsy Bacot
Catherine Conover Covert
Alisa Endsley
Greg Harper
Lawrence Masle
Bill McColgan
Matthew Melewski
Cheri Phillips
Liz Spitler
Marlene Super
DEPOT THEATRE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Dee Carroll
Jim Carroll
George Davis
Melissa Davis
Amy Guglielmo
Jonathan Hadley
Daniel Keegan
Amy McNamara
Jennifer Moore
Mary Ellen O’Loughlin
Jane Preston
Kathy Recchia
Kim Rielly
Annie Scavo
Joan Simon
Sally Struthers
Michael Thomas
DEPOT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
2025 was a season not only of artistic and educational growth, but also of significant visibility for the Depot Theatre. Camera crews were in the building twice; journalists and local press shone a light on the work happening in our historic 1876 station:
• NBC5 News/WPTZ featured the Depot Theatre with both in-studio and onsite coverage.
• Mountain Lake PBS aired a segment highlighting Radiant Vermin, as well as a segment of the cast of Million Dollar Quartet singing the National Anthem in the rain to open the 176th Essex County Fair.
• The Press Republican ran an in-depth interview with Radiant Vermin director Chan Harris.
• North Country Public Radio aired extensive interviews with Artistic Directors Beth Glover & Karen Lewis.
• The Lake Placid News profiled Million Dollar Quartet and The Roommate.
• WNBZ 106.3 aired a cast interview and cast station takeover for The Roommate. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
This recognition extended the Depot Theatre’s reach far beyond Westport, introducing new audiences to our mission and underscoring the value of theatre in the Adirondacks.
FIRST DATE
Depot Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation. P.O. Box 414 • 6705 Main Street Westport, New York 12993 www.DepotTheatre.org
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the oldest theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.”
TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS
This season marked the debut of scenic projection design technology at the Depot Theatre. While not a full replacement for traditional sets, projection allows us to enhance productions with dynamic 3-D imagery, creating shifting environments and opening the door to more ambitious design choices. Beyond its artistic potential, this contemporary tool will also serve as a resource for our teaching artists, offering Academy participants hands-on exposure to the kind of theatre technology that is shaping careers across the industry.
GRANTS & SUPPORT
Behind the scenes, the Depot continues to secure essential support from arts councils, foundations, and generous sponsors. These resources sustain both our professional productions and our growing Academy. We are especially grateful for an $18,000 grant from the W.G. Broughton Foundation in support of the Academy—an investment in the next generation of artists and audiences. Looking ahead, we have significant new grant applications under review to advance youth initiatives across the community, strengthen the Academy and Main Stage, and ensure the ongoing stewardship of our historic theatre.
Actors shown include members of Actors’ Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers in the United States.
Why Your Support Matters
Every curtain that rises at the Depot is the result of partnership: audiences who show up, artists who create, and supporters like you who make it all possible. Ticket sales cover less than 40% of our costs. The rest comes from the generosity of those who believe—as you do—that professional theatre and arts education enrich the life of our region.
YOUR GIFT SUSTAINS:
• Professional Equity productions that bring world-class artistry to the Adirondacks.
• The Depot Theatre Academy, where young people gain confidence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
• The stewardship of our historic 1876 train station and artist housing.
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE WORK:
• Make a one-time year-end gift to strengthen our foundation.
• Become a monthly donor, joining a circle of supporters whose steady generosity carries us forward.
• Leave a legacy through the Depot Theatre Legacy Society, ensuring that future generations will share in this work.
• Become a 2026 Sponsor and align your name or business with the Depot’s artistic excellence and community impact.
• Start the conversation. If you’re considering a legacy gift, sponsoring a show or season, or exploring other ways to make a difference, please reach out to Sarah Wilson at ed@depottheatre.org.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU
The Depot Theatre board and staff are grateful for the generosity of 2025 sponsors!
SEASON SPONSOR
Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
2025 TITLE SPONSORS
Chazy and Westport Communications
Mountain Lake PBS
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
Emerging Blue
THE DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY
Underwriter:
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
Main Stage Program Sponsor:
The Mill
Summer Program Sponsor: TrailNorth Federal Credit Union
BECOME A 2026 SPONSOR!
Contact Executive Director Sarah Wilson for a list of opportunities at ed@depottheatre.org
STAY CONNECTED
Sign up for our e-newsletter at DepotTheatre.org to be the first to hear about productions, Academy opportunities, and community events.
Every gift, at every level, ensures that the Depot remains not only a stage for great stories, but a gathering place for our community — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
