The Theatre Guild of North Brookfield traces its origins to 1986, when Joe Chenevert and the late Arthur Sacco founded what was first known as the North Brookfield Theatre Guild. The organization began with a practical and community-minded purpose: raising funds to purchase new choral robes for students in the North Brookfield School system. Arthur, then the school’s Music and Choral teacher, worked with Joe to create a musical revue featuring well-known Broadway selections. Presented in the NBES auditorium and performed by members of the community, the revue showcased local talent while supporting a local cause. Its success not only funded the robes but also inspired Joe, Arthur, and several performers to formally establish the Guild.
The Guild’s first elected officers were Joe Chenevert, President; Kathleen Crevier, Vice President; Celia Daniels, Treasurer; and Paula Earle, Secretary. In May 1986, the newly formed organization mounted its first full production, My Fair Lady, with a cast and crew of more than 40 participants. During its early years, the Guild quickly became an active part of North Brookfield’s cultural life, producing two to three shows annually and drawing volunteers and performers whose enthusiasm reflected the town’s strong interest in community theater and the performing arts. Guild members also contributed to the wider community by producing North Brookfield High School Senior Class plays for many years and by volunteering at local events, parades, and fundraisers.
Advanced ticket purchasing/information for the Theatre Guild’s December 2026 performances can be found on https://www.facebook.com/TGONB or website www.theatreguildofnorthbrookfield.com
Over time, family involvement and a welcoming spirit became defining features of the Guild’s history. As its membership, performers, and volunteers extended beyond North Brookfield into surrounding communities, the organization also established a scholarship program for deserving NBHS students. Attendance grew steadily, attracting audiences from throughout Worcester County. Generations of families have taken part in Guild productions and activities, helping sustain an enduring tradition of community, creativity, and local participation.
Following a brief hiatus in the early 2000s, prompted by volunteer, administrative, and attendance challenges, the organization was reestablished under a new name: the Theatre Guild of North Brookfield. This renewed chapter was led by Joe Chenevert as President, with Paula Hinerth and Jay Valencourt continuing as part of the managing group. Building upon its earlier tradition of classic musical productions, the Guild broadened its scope to include more contemporary shows and a wider range of performing arts events. Community outreach became an important part of the Guild’s revival, helping reconnect the organization with local audiences and attract new performers and volunteers. Through social media and broader regional outreach, the Guild drew individuals seeking a local outlet for creative expression. In the years since its reorganization, the Guild has presented two musicals annually, along with dinner theaters, improv evenings, Halloween events, and well over one hundred performances. Its continued growth has also enabled the organization to support local charities and community groups, purchase much-needed curtains and lighting for the NBES auditorium, and help maintain and improve the facility it has long called home.
Today, the Theatre Guild of North Brookfield continues to build upon its history as a community-based performing arts organization. With each production, the quality and scope of its work have continued to develop through the dedication of its members, performers, and volunteers. For North Brookfield and the surrounding communities, the Guild remains a local institution where families, friends, and neighbors participate both on stage and behind the scenes. The organization continues to welcome new talent and volunteers, sustaining the community spirit that has shaped its work since its founding. More information about creative opportunities is available at www.theatreguildofnorthbrookfield.com and through the Guild’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
