L.A. theater company’s summer residency brings two plays and more to Waterbury’s Grange Hall
July 17, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Emily Day Blackwell and P.K. Simone rehearse a scene from 'Gruesome Playground Injuries' on stage at the Grange Hall Cultural Center, July 23-Aug. 1. Courtesy photo
The Los Angeles-based Monday Nights Theatre Company has set its sights on Waterbury for a summer residency stint that will present two plays and several other theatrical events and workshops over the next two weeks.
Monday Nights Theatre Company says it seeks to “cross-pollinate” actors and audiences from urban and rural communities through professional theatre, educational events and workshops. The summer residency at the Grange Hall Cultural Center in Waterbury Center is combining performers and writers from both Los Angeles and Vermont for several upcoming projects.
“Performers and audiences in all communities are affected by the current climate of diminished arts funding and rising cost of living,” said Emily Blackwell, a founding member of Monday Nights Theatre, in announcing the joint project. “MNTC provides quality performance to life through artist-led, cooperative leadership repertory theatre.”
Two plays
The project will present two plays with overlapping schedules July 23-Aug. 2 at the Grange Hall in Waterbury: four performances of “Gruesome Playground Injuries” (July 23-Aug 1) and five performances of “Romeo and Juliet” (July 24-Aug.2). The company shares a short take on “Gruesome Playground Injuries.” Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, the play is directed by Annie Chang, whose credits include HBO’s “Peacemaker & Interior Chinatown.”
P.K. Simone and Emily Day Blackwell from Monday Nights Theatre Company in 'Gruesome Playground Injuries.' Courtesy photo
The story follows the 30-year relationship of two childhood friends through a series of scenes detailing their physical and emotional injuries and exploring how pain connects them.
Actors Emily Day Blackwell and P.K. Simone, veterans of improv and character comedy, portray the dark humor and raw emotional connection at the heart of this play. Recommended for ages 16 and over.
The production of “Romeo & Juliet” is a stripped-down take on William Shakespeare’s classic, directed by Kristina Mueller.
The five-actor cast – with several playing multiple roles – presents this pared-down version of the iconic tragic love story, while illuminating some of the story’s surprising comedic threads.
The company promises an innovative yet true-to-the-text presentation.
Learn more about Monday Nights Theatre Company and the upcoming shows online here.
Showtimes for “Gruesome Playground Injuries” are 7:30 p.m. for each date. “Romeo and Juliet” showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on weeknight dates and 2 p.m. for the Saturday and Sunday performances. Tickets for both plays are $15-$35, depending on type. See more information and get tickets online in advance at mondaynightstheatre.com.
Additional workshops, community events
In addition to the two theatrical productions, Monday Nights Theatre Company’s Vermont residency includes a series of workshops and events at various venues, July 19-28.
Sunday, July 19: Company members read poems at “Our Place as Nature,” hosted by poet Amy Beth Sisson and naturalist Rose Fairley, and featuring the work of poet Sarah Audsley; at the Crumb Factory in Montpelier, 5-6:30 p.m.; $10.
Tuesday, July 21: “Acting on Camera” workshop with Annie Chang, 6-9 p.m. at the Barre Social Club; $65 or $10-20 to audit without on-camera performance.
Sunday, July 26: “Shakespeare through Play & Practice” by Kristina Mueller with Full Circle Theater Collaborative; 10 a.m. to noon at the Waterbury Grange Hall Cultural Center, $50.
Tuesday, July 28: “Creating Characters from the Ground Up” with Emily Day Blackwell; 6-8 p.m. at Vermont Comedy Arts in Burlington, $50.
All workshops and events require advance registration. Find more information and registration links here.