La Mer Concierge Knows Cape Cod’s Best-Kept Secret

March 13, 2012, 1:25 pm

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The Cotuit Center for the Arts offers classes, plays and events perfect for a day with the family or a special evening out all season long. 

There are many things for which Cape Cod has long been known, including miles of pristine beaches, meandering bike paths, world-class golf courses, fantastic shopping and charming historic towns.  But it is our thriving art community that sets us apart from so many other summer destinations.

One of the Cape’s finest art centers (best-kept secrets) is located in Cotuit, located between Falmouth and Hyannis.  Open year-round, the Cotuit Center for the Arts offers a variety of classes and workshops and is home to an exceptional community theater, experimental performances and art exhibitions.   Recently, La Mer Concierge had the chance to talk with David Kuehn, the center’s executive director, to learn more about what the 2012 summer season will bring.

“In the summer, we really try to increase the offerings we have for families,” he told us.  “We have a wide variety of classes and workshops for children and families ranging from visual arts for little kids all the way up to young adults, a music theater/dance workshop and smaller classes geared to performing arts.  We also have projects, like having children and parents coming together to work on art journals.”

According to David, one of the Cotuit Center for the Arts’ most popular offerings is a ukulele class on Saturdays, which brings generations together to learn to play the classic instrument.  Another favorite is Summer Art, a visual art class for serious art students age 8 to 16.

“In addition to education, we also have a wonderful theater and beautiful art galleries,” he noted.  “They are free, and people can come in and enjoy them anytime from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday.”  In 2012, exhibits will include:

• Harmony and Balance: The Japanese Tea Ceremony (May 5-June 10)
• Evan Charney (May 5-June 10)
• Jon Friedman Portraits (July 16-July 22)
• The Big Picture: Photography Center of Cape Cod (July 28-September 2)

The Center has also built a great following for their stage performances, which run throughout the year, but are a particular draw during the summer season.  Actors, crew and stage hands are members of the community who rehearse for six weeks, then perform for four.   Those who summer on the Cape are also welcome to be a part of the fun, with many volunteering to usher, work on sets and costumes or help with lighting and sound.

“There is an unbelievable talent pool on Cape Cod,” David said.  “People who want artistic expression. What we do in our theater is of the highest caliber in terms of quality.”

The main, air-conditioned theater seats 175 and is not only the location for evening theatrical productions, but also daytime performances of shows geared for children.  The Center’s Little Black Box Theater hosts experimental performances and seats 25.   Tickets range from $10 for children’s daytime performances and $12 for plays in the Little Black Box Theater to between $18 and $25 for featured evening performances.   In 2012, the two main plays will be:

• “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (June 7-July 1)
• “Cabaret” (August 2-26)

As an enthusiastic supporter of the Cotuit Center for the Arts, La Mer Concierge will also be posting updates throughout the season about upcoming events here on our blog.  You may also visit cotuitarts.org to see a full calendar of upcoming events, learn more about classes or purchase tickets.

If you or someone you know is considering a summer internship in the arts, David also noted that the Center has openings available.  Contact him for more information.

Remember—La Mer Concierge can help you with all of your seasonal entertainment planning needs.  For more information, contact us at (508) 428-8302 or email Curtis@LaMerConcierge.com.