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Arts & Entertainment: Hubbard Hall: Theater that changes lives

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By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

CAMBRIDGE — The story of Hubbard Hall Project and its new executive director, Erin Harrington, is one of resilience, passion for the arts and inclusion.

Situated in picturesque Cambridge in Washington County, Hubbard Hall has seen many transformations since its establishment as an opera house in 1878.

Harrington, recently appointed to lead the arts organization, sees her role as both an honor and a new challenge. Her vision is rooted in the personal experiences that shaped her relationship with the arts. Harrington’s own journey with theater began at an early age and led her to her studies at SUNY Potsdam, where she majored in theater and English with a focus on dramaturgy.

Harrington saw the transformative power of theater, both in herself and in those around her. She directed plays, wrote scripts, and even initiated sensory-friendly performance programs, focusing on making the arts accessible to all, regardless of ability.

This passion for inclusivity is central to her vision for Hubbard Hall. For Harrington, theater isn’t just for world-class professionals; it’s a medium through which people from all walks of life can explore, learn and grow. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that artistic expression isn’t about perfection but the experience it brings to participants and the broader community. This is a philosophy which seems to align perfectly with the Hubbard Hall Project.

The Hubbard Hall Project in Cambridge offers classes for children as young as five. Contributed photo

Hubbard Hall has always been more than just a theater. Over its long history, it evolved into a hub for arts education, hosting a wide range of classes from Irish step dancing to drama for children as young as five. Harrington now hopes to expand these programs, ensuring that the community remains engaged and that new opportunities for growth emerge. She draws inspiration from Hubbard Hall’s founder, Mary Hubbard, a tenacious woman who fought for control of the hall after the death of her husband and led it successfully for 25 years, according to Harrington. The new director sees herself continuing this legacy of perseverance and artistic leadership.

The Hubbard Hall Project is now poised for further growth, particularly through its artist residency program and plans to expand the facilities. With an endowment from the family of a former student, Harrington is overseeing the creation of new artist residency housing, fostering an environment where artists can live and work on campus. This expansion is aimed at attracting even more creative talent to Hubbard Hall, further cementing its status as an arts incubator and a vital force for cultural enrichment in the community.

Built as an opera house in 1878, Hubbard Hall now serves as a thriving arts community in Washington County. Contributed photo

As Harrington embarks on this journey, her experience in the arts, dedication to inclusivity, and understanding of Hubbard Hall’s historic importance will inform her leadership, helping to shape the future of the Hubbard Hall Project.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY INTO THE ARTS

Harrington’s love for the arts began when she was 15 years old, as a shy, quiet student.

“I was a very awkward, quiet kid growing up, and then as I got into theater, I found a way to come out of that,” she explained.

Her passion for theater grew so intensely in high school that she knew early on it would be her life’s calling.

“When I got into it, I thought, ‘I’ve got to do this with my life,’” she recalled.

Harrington’s journey continued through college, where theater became not just a passion but also a lifeline. It helped her navigate significant transitions in life.

“Being involved in the arts helped me with those transition,” she said.

Yet, it wasn’t until later, during her time at Saratoga’s Homemade Theater, that she realized how much the arts had truly impacted her life.

A NEW AWARENESS: EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY

While directing a production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a play about a boy on the autism spectrum, Harrington began to reflect on her own experience. The production, originally slated for 2020 but delayed due to COVID, opened her eyes to how much the arts had helped her navigate her own challenges growing up. Harrington, after receiving feedback from a college counselor suggesting she might have Asperger’s, hadn’t thought much of it at the time. But as she began to delve deeper into the play and its themes, she realized the counselor’s insight might have been accurate.

“I’m a big research person,” she said, “and in doing all the research around sensory-friendly performances and working with coordinators experienced in that area, it became clearer that the diagnosis might be true.”

The sensory-friendly elements of the production, designed to make theater more accessible to individuals with sensory sensitivities, resonated with her on a personal level.

Shelves of puppets wait patiently for young artists to pick them up and bring them to life at Hubbard Hall Project. Marlene McTigue/Capital Region Independent Media

As Harrington continued preparing for the play, she also reflected on the small but significant challenges she had faced in her own life, such as learning to drive.

“It took me a long time to learn to drive,” she shared. “It wasn’t until I was 27 that I got my license. That was a light bulb moment for me—realizing how common this challenge is for people on the autism spectrum.”

MAKING THE ARTS MORE ACCESSIBLE

Harrington’s experience with “The Curious Incident” transformed her approach to theater and deepened her commitment to inclusivity. Now, as executive director of Hubbard Hall, she brings that same passion to her mission of ensuring that the arts are accessible to everyone.

“The arts have done so much for me, even before I realized what they were doing for me,” she said. “I want everyone to be able to experience that.”

She has already made strides in this direction, organizing sensory-friendly performances and advocating for programs that reflect the diverse needs of the community.

“Who’s in the community whose stories are we’re not telling?” she asked. “I want to make sure we’re reflecting the audience that’s there.”

Through her leadership at Hubbard Hall, Harrington is determined to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and represented.

“I want to help people feel comfortable, to create spaces where they can express themselves without feeling awkward or ashamed,” she emphasized.

For Harrington, making the arts accessible is not just about entertainment—it’s about fostering personal growth, connection and understanding for all.

In the few months since she began her role, Harrington has been overwhelmed by the warm reception from the Hubbard Hall community.

“Everybody’s been so welcoming,” she said. “It’s such a nice place, and I’m very excited to be here.”

As Harrington continues to steer Hubbard Hall into its next chapter, she remains focused on making it a place where the arts can truly thrive for all, no matter their background, challenges, or abilities.

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