Jeremy Johnson, who recently helmed SpeakEasy Stage's acclaimed Swept Away, is the director of Umbrella Arts' upcoming production of BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL, playing September 25 - November 8 in Concord. We "took five" with him between rehearsals and tech week preparations to learn what audiences can expect from this beloved cult hit.

Centering the Arts: Our Brand Evolution

Dear friends,
You might have experienced “The Umbrella” as a gallery, theater, workshop, classroom, gathering spot — a place where makers, audiences, and inspiration find each other… often all in a single day.

Our organization is unique and multifaceted. As we've grown, so too has the need to capture all of that in a single brand. This year, we set out to do just that, and we're excited to introduce our new brand identity:

Umbrella Arts is home to 50+ Studio Artists who work across many mediums and genres. We invite you to engage with and support our Umbrella Arts Studio Artists is at our annual events:

Welcome to Summer Camp's newest addition: the Zen Den! When Summer Camp Staff saw a need to create an inclusive and calming space for students to take a break from the excitement of camp, they transformed our Green Room into a relaxation destination. Adding on to the typical infirmary and first-aid facility, the Zen Den supports both campers' physical and mental health. Learn from Education staff about the process of creating the Zen Den and the positive impact it has already had on campers this summer!

The Intention

Sophie Legault is a 2026 graduate of Endicott College with a Bachelors of Fine Art and joins Umbrella Arts as a Marketing Intern this summer. We "took five" with Sophie to talk about the projects she's been working on this summer and what brought her to Umbrella Arts! 

Reese Stevens is a rising junior at the University of Michigan. She is a dual-degree student pursuing Theatre Management & Producing and Organizational Studies, and joins The Umbrella as a Marketing Intern this summer. We "took five" with Reese to talk about the projects she's been working on this summer and what brought her to The Umbrella! 

The arts inspire creativity, strengthen communities, and help us imagine new possibilities. At Umbrella Arts, we see that impact every day—in our classrooms, studios, galleries, theaters, and gathering spaces.

Last year, our Board and staff developed and unanimously adopted a new strategic plan focused on three goals: serving our community, investing in the arts, and strengthening Umbrella Arts for the future.

After his win for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical at the June 1, 2026 Elliot Norton Awards -- Boston's highest honor for regional theater -- we asked the talented Johnny Shea to look back on not only the night of his big win, but on the production of tick, tick... BOOM! last fall at The Umbrella that made it possible.

1. How did you get started in theater? What inspired you to embrace it as a professional career?

On June 1, 2026, actor Johnny Shea reunited with his cast mates from the Stage Company's fall production of tick, tick... BOOM! to perform "Louder than Words". Johnny and many of his "TTB" team members (including costar Vanessa Calantropo, music director Jordan Oczkowski, and director-choreographer Ilyse Robbins) were also nominated for one of Boston's highest honors for regional theaters and theater-makers.