Berkshire Magazine Fall 2026 | Page 64

Ben Nickley

is Founder and Executive Director of Berkshire Bird Observatory. He launched the Kestrel Nest Box Project in 2022, providing nesting sites and chick banding for North America’ s smallest falcons in North America. Since then, 329 kestrels have fledged throughout South County. Ben leads live banding demonstrations for birding clubs, hiking groups, colleges, and school groups, and serves on the Laurel Hill Association board. Board member Scott Edward Anderson notes,“ We marvel at how much work one person can do. The impact of his scientific research alone deserves praise, but his ability to excite birders and non-birders alike is truly amazing.”

Alan Paul is Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company, coming to the Berkshires in 2024 from Washington, D. C.’ s Tony ® Awardwinning Shakespeare Theater Company. Since arriving, he has strengthened both the company’ s commitment to the Pittsfield community and its diverse group of performers and writers. Under his leadership, Barrington Stage’ s Playwright Mentoring Project and Musical Theater Conservatory continue to flourish. Executive Director Greg Reiner says,“ Alan’ s bold artistic vision and deep commitment have strengthened BSC as both a creative force and a vital part of the community. He brings extraordinary artists to our stages while ensuring we remain welcoming and relevant.”

Gary Pratt has been living in recovery since 2008, which informs his work every day as Executive Director of Rural Recovery Resources. He successfully spearheaded the effort to open the South County Recovery Center in Great Barrington in 2024, coordinating a partnership with Great Barrington Police to fund recovery coaches who assist residents navigating active addiction. Gary launched the grassroots initiative Smash the Stigma 413, focused on dismantling discrimination against people with substance use disorders. He recently launched a new recovery-supportive transportation program to address rural isolation, envisioning onsite clinical services and low-threshold, substance use supportive housing in South Berkshire.

Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble voces8 fri oct 9 at 8pm

vitamin string quartet & girl named tom fri oct 16 at 7:30pm

Directed by James Warwick

SEPTEMBER 4 – OCTOBER 4

Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

14 & 20 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA • mahaiwe. org

OCTOBER 9 – 11

Tina Packer Playhouse & Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Get Tickets: 413.637.3353

SHAKESPEARE. ORG LENOX, MASS.

62 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2026