As DVAA Marks 50 Years, Its New Performing Arts Season Looks Ahead

A full summer and fall of music, theater, comedy, and community storytelling is ahead at the historic Tusten Theatre, as the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) unveils its 2026 performing arts season—part of its ongoing 50th anniversary year celebrating five decades of arts programming in the Upper Delaware region.

The season spans genres and generations, featuring classical and jazz concerts, folk and experimental music, protest songs, sketch comedy, and large-scale theatrical productions.

As DVAA Executive Director Ariel Shanberg put it during a recent interview, “Go big or go home” was the sentiment that reflects the scale and ambition of this year’s programming.

He added that the venue itself remains central to DVAA’s mission, calling it “such a special and cherished venue in our community,” and emphasizing the organization’s expanded role in programming the historic space in recent years.

“We’ve got such a great lineup,” Shanberg said, noting that the season “covers everything from jazz to theater to experimental performances.”

Opening with family-friendly classical music

The season begins June 28 with the Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra performing Felix Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performing Arts Manager Catherine Montesi said the concert reflects DVAA’s commitment to accessibility and welcoming audiences of all ages.

“The Tusten Theater and of course the performing arts at DVAA are for everyone,” Montesi said, describing the performance as “a beautiful return” for the ensemble. The event includes free admission for children under 12 and family-friendly accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones.

A season built on collaboration and community

Several events this season are co-presented with Radio Catskill, including Thurman Barker’s album release performance on July 11 and “Music to the People,” an evening of protest songs scheduled for July 18.

With “Music to the People,” Shanberg emphasized the broader role of performance in civic life, noting that live music has long served as a space for expression and connection. He also underscored the importance of the live audience experience, saying, “there’s no artist who would say that they perform oblivious to the audience.”

A milestone production of Our Town

A centerpiece of the season is DVAA’s 50th anniversary production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, scheduled for October.

Shanberg said the work connects directly to DVAA’s founding history, rooted in a community production of the same play during the organization’s early years.

He said the production reflects DVAA’s broader mission to use the stage as a platform for shared experience and artistic expression across disciplines and generations.

Looking ahead

As DVAA marks its 50th anniversary, Shanberg said the organization is already developing future programming ideas that will extend beyond the current season.

“We’ve got a lot in the pipeline,” he said.

Image: Thurman Barker’s “Beyond The Curve” Album Release Party is July 11 at DVAA, co-presented by Radio Catskill.