First Friday Playhouse
Apr
4

First Friday Playhouse

R'ville Stage Creations’ Artistic Director, Tara McCormick-Hostash, has started a new initiative to increase our community's confidence and playfulness. The format is similar to an open mic, but through a theatre lens. Tailored to adult and teen players, we start with a short physical warmup, and always play a few improv games. Other activities have included script read-throughs, one act plays, body as instrument, creating story and exploring environment with lots of shame & judgement-free play.

Adults and Teens are welcome. No experience required.

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20th Annual Favorite Poem Project
Apr
5

20th Annual Favorite Poem Project

The Rensselaerville Library and Conkling Hall invite you to a celebration of poetry and community at our 20th annual Favorite Poem Project – led by our friend Rev. Claire North and featuring local poets, musicians, and YOU (our friends and neighbors).

Share your favorite poem or song. Listen to your friends and neighbors as they share theirs!

The Favorite Poem Project in Rensselaerville has often drawn more than 50 readers (including adults and children of all ages), and poems have ranged from the hilarious to the somber; from poems by children’s poet Shel Silverstein to selections from Tennyson and Keats; to poems by 20th & 21st century poets Billy Collins, Lucille Clifton, Tracy K Smith, Mary Oliver, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Claudia Rankine among many, many others; to song lyrics (often performed); as well as original poems written and performed by local poets.

Register here.

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CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
Apr
18

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

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CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
Mar
21

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

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Irish Art Festival
Mar
16

Irish Art Festival

Join us for the annual celebration of Irish arts. Claire North will lead us through the afternoon of performances by our fellow friends and neighbors.

Sign up to share a favorite work of Irish literature or song, or your own Irish-inspired works. (or email us to get on the list)

Afraid of the spotlight? Come by to enjoy everyone else's choices, and to enjoy the celebratory vibe!

We ask that you keep your presentation under eight minutes, thank you.

Potluck - bring an Irish snack! Please bring a dish to share.

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Remembering Jan Bishop
Mar
9

Remembering Jan Bishop

Please join us to honor beloved community member Jan Bishop, who passed away in August.

From 2-4, we will offer music and remembrances, featuring Village Voices and several other musicians singing and playing music Jan loved, with reminiscences from friends.

The event will be streamed live on Conkling Hall's Facebook page.

A reception will follow.

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First Friday Playhouse
Mar
7

First Friday Playhouse

R'ville Stage Creations’ Artistic Director, Tara McCormick-Hostash, has started a new initiative to increase our community's confidence and playfulness. The format is similar to an open mic, but through a theatre lens. Tailored to adult and teen players, we start with a short physical warmup, and always play a few improv games. Other activities have included script read-throughs, one act plays, body as instrument, creating story and exploring environment with lots of shame & judgement-free play.

Adults and Teens are welcome. No experience required.

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Feb
21

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC is CANCELLED

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

View Event →
First Friday Playhouse
Feb
7

First Friday Playhouse

R'ville Stage Creations’ Artistic Director, Tara McCormick-Hostash, has started a new initiative to increase our community's confidence and playfulness. The format is similar to an open mic, but through a theatre lens. Tailored to adult and teen players, we start with a short physical warmup, and always play a few improv games. Other activities have included script read-throughs, one act plays, body as instrument, creating story and exploring environment with lots of shame & judgement-free play.

Adults and Teens are welcome. No experience required.

Admission is Free. Donations are appreciated.

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CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
Jan
17

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

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Annual New Year's Day Potluck
Jan
1

Annual New Year's Day Potluck

Join us for the annual New Year’s Day Potluck sponsored by Rensselaerville Historical District Association and Friends of Conkling Hall.

Bring a dish to share, enjoy tasty food, great company and maybe even some music!

Cash bar for beer, wine, and prosecco.

Admission is free. Donations are always appreciated!

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CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
Dec
20

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

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Winter Solstice Sound Bath
Dec
19

Winter Solstice Sound Bath

Experience the magic of the winter solstice with an immersive sound bath celebration performed by Wisdom Roots Wellness. Sign up by emailing info@wisdomrootswellness.com.

Bring a mat, blanket and comfortable clothes.

Donations will be welcomed.

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R'ville Annual Holiday Concert
Dec
7

R'ville Annual Holiday Concert

Come to join us for the annual Hamlet Holiday Concert featuring Village Voices and Friends. Enjoy a variety of musical performances. The concert is sponsored by Conkling Hall.

Doors open at 6:00, concert starts at 6:30.

Refreshments and drinks will be available.

Free admission. Donations will be very much appreciated.

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The Night On Broadway
Nov
23

The Night On Broadway

Come to enjoy the annual Village Voices concert.

Door opens at 6:30 PM, concert starts at 7 PM.

Beverages available at the bar, open reception to follow after the concert.

No admission. Free will donation will be appreciated.

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CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
Nov
15

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

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Little Shop of Horrors
Oct
18
to Oct 27

Little Shop of Horrors

R’ville Stage Creations presents

Little Shop of Horrors

Inspired by a low-budget 1960 movie, the stage musical by Howard Ashman & Alan Menken debuted off-off-Broadway in NYC in 1982 and became both a cult classic and highly successful Broadway production. With a musical score rooted in 1960s rock & roll, doo-wop and early Motown, the story follows the trials of Seymour, a hapless florist shop worker, and Audrey II, an out-of-this-world bloodthirsty plant.

This show contains mild language, dark humor, violence, and murder. Not recommended for children under age 12 or anyone with delicate sensibilities.

Friday 10/18 at 7 PM

Saturday 10/19 at 7 PM

Sunday 10/20 at 2 PM

Friday 10/25 at 7 PM

Saturday 10/26 at 7 PM

Sunday 10/27 at 2 PM

Admission: $30/Adult, $15/Students & $25/Seniors 65+.

$1.25/ticket Credit card or Venmo fees.

Group Discount: 10% of 10+ tickets.

Tickets prices will be $5.00 higher at the door.

Get tickets

  • By phone 518-248-3261

  • Season Ticket Holders please call or email with your selected show

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Chili Social & Silent Auction
Oct
13

Chili Social & Silent Auction

Join us as we wrap up #ConklingHallWeek — our celebration of Conkling Hall and its community — with the perfect Autumn Sunday enjoying chili, pies, music, friends!

Try different homemade chilis, followed up with a slice (or more) of pie, and enjoy the music of local bluegrass band Moonshine Mule, all while making your last-minute bids on our Silent Auction!

Our auction will go live online Oct 7th, so bid early and bid often!

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Girl Blue
Oct
12

Girl Blue

If you like Alanis Morissette, Brandi Carlisle, and crying in public, you’re going to love Girl Blue. Writing deeply emotional songs with strong singable hooks, singer-songwriter Arielle O’Keefe is absolutely one to watch.

She’s been featured on top Spotify playlists (New Music Friday) and charts (#2 on US Viral Charts), in national commercials, and on top blogs like the Huffington Post. She has received 7 Thomas Edison Music Awards, twice receiving Songwriter of the Year and Solo Act of the Year. It’s been said “she…has the kind of spark that makes stars” and, most especially as a live performer, she has an authenticity that regularly moves audience members to tears.

She is based outside of Saratoga Springs, NY. She records all her own music at home with her partner/producer Jimi W. and is funded entirely by her community of fans on Patreon and across social media.

Conkling Hall kicks off its annual Conkling Hall Weekend with a live performance by Girl Blue.

Doors open at 6:45, and the show starts at 7:30. Come early to have drinks and snacks and check out our silent auction items!

General Admission: $20, available online and at the door.

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Theater Workshop Ages 8-12
Sep
28

Theater Workshop Ages 8-12

In this workshop we will explore storytelling through various improvisation games and drama activities. Learning about strong and purposeful movement for storytelling, and honing our improvisation skills, students will gain confidence and understanding of the stage and theatre space.  We will also play with exercises for vocal production, character development and story building. 

A native daughter of Rensselaerville, New York, Tara McCormick-Hostash is the founder and Contract Artistic Director of R'ville Stage Creations. A proud storyteller and bard, Tara has been a natural performer since she began whistling at the tender age of two. After studying vocal performance at Schenectady County Community College and musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy's conservatory program in New York City, she returned to her hometown to build a family and help grow the local theatre community.

Find more information about Tara at https://www.hilltownbard.com/

Please complete the two-step registration process:

1.Use the form below to sign up for the workshop: Sign up Form

2.Admission: online

$25.00 per Individual Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Bring-A-Friend

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Theater Workshop Ages 5-7
Sep
28

Theater Workshop Ages 5-7

In this workshop we will explore storytelling through various improvisation games and drama activities. Learning about strong and purposeful movement for storytelling, and honing our improvisation skills, students will gain confidence and understanding of the stage and theatre space.  We will also play with exercises for vocal production, character development and story building. 

A native daughter of Rensselaerville, New York, Tara McCormick-Hostash is the founder and Contract Artistic Director of R'ville Stage Creations. A proud storyteller and bard, Tara has been a natural performer since she began whistling at the tender age of two. After studying vocal performance at Schenectady County Community College and musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy's conservatory program in New York City, she returned to her hometown to build a family and help grow the local theatre community.

Find more information about Tara at https://www.hilltownbard.com/

Please complete the two-step registration process:

1.Use the form below to sign up for the workshop: Sign up Form

2.Admission: online

$25.00 per Individual Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Bring-A-Friend

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15 Miles on The Erie Canal (presented by BELLS & MOTLEY)
Sep
27

15 Miles on The Erie Canal (presented by BELLS & MOTLEY)

An original and very participating historic musical storytelling for all ages.

A participatory Folk Operetta of New York's Grand Erie Canal featuring authentic historic instruments, music, costumes, tall tales, sing-alongs, and characters for an unforgettable experience in New York State's History. Heritage instruments include squeezeboxes, fiddle, banjo, and hurdy gurdy.

To enrich the children’s understanding and appreciation of the craft behind a staged opera performance, the artists enjoy presenting a show-and-tell as they are setting up for their show.

Captain Simon Slick and Irish cook Sallie Waters meet up with Sal, a truly amazing Mule, to set off on a rollicking journey down The Grand Erie Canal, 8th Wonder of the World! But oh me, oh my…where did the water go? Tall Tales and Riddles come to the Rescue! Great characters, great stories, and everyone sings in this unforgettable historic enrichment experience.

Sponsored by the Rensselaerville Library and Conkling Hall.

More information here.

Doors open at 6:00 pm.

Admission Free / Donations Welcome.

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Fundraiser for Scott Green’s Cancer Journey
Sep
22

Fundraiser for Scott Green’s Cancer Journey

Show your support and love for Scott Green and Tim Lippert! Join us for a fundraiser on Sunday September 22, 12pm-4pm.

The fundraiser includes a luncheon featuring Crosby Farm pig roast and sides, cash bar, Sweet Desserts Chance Auction, 50/50 raffle, and live music.

Free will donation at the door or through Gofundme, by using the link below:

https://gofund.me/4eb94037   
Donations are most gratefully accepted but are not tax-deductible.

To volunteer, please email friendsofscott922@gmail.com.

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Printmaking Workshop Ages 8-12
Sep
21

Printmaking Workshop Ages 8-12

In this collaborative, two-hour printmaking workshop, students will create a collection of textured printing blocks (collagraphs) using paper and cardboard. These blocks can be printed independently or layered with their classmates’ blocks resulting in colorful, nuanced relief prints. Concepts of pattern and symmetry will inform their compositions as they explore possibilities! All students will leave the workshop with a set of crayon rubbings and completed prints of their printing blocks.

Rachael Sophrin Lorimer is a multi-disciplinary printmaker, painter, and educator. Her abstract artwork and creative process are born from the immersive botanical and geological settings she explored as a child in rural Vermont. As an artist-educator, Rachael guides students of all ages through a tactile experience of printmaking, making room for sensory and movement-based learning that has evaporated from contemporary, digital-centric education. She intends to one day design a playground where her artwork and passion for plants, color and shapes can come together in play. Rachael holds a BFA from The Cooper Union. Her studio is based in Troy, NY, where she lives with her partner, son, two cats and garden.

Find more information about Rachael here.

Please complete the two-step registration process:

1. Use the form below to sign up for the workshop: Sign up Form

2. Admission: online

$25.00 per Individual Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Bring-A-Friend

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Printmaking Workshop Ages 5-7
Sep
21

Printmaking Workshop Ages 5-7

In this collaborative, two-hour printmaking workshop, students will create a collection of textured printing blocks (collagraphs) using paper and cardboard. These blocks can be printed independently or layered with their classmates’ blocks resulting in colorful, nuanced relief prints. Concepts of pattern and symmetry will inform their compositions as they explore possibilities! All students will leave the workshop with a set of crayon rubbings and completed prints of their printing blocks.

Rachael Sophrin Lorimer is a multi-disciplinary printmaker, painter, and educator. Her abstract artwork and creative process are born from the immersive botanical and geological settings she explored as a child in rural Vermont. As an artist-educator, Rachael guides students of all ages through a tactile experience of printmaking, making room for sensory and movement-based learning that has evaporated from contemporary, digital-centric education. She intends to one day design a playground where her artwork and passion for plants, color and shapes can come together in play. Rachael holds a BFA from The Cooper Union. Her studio is based in Troy, NY, where she lives with her partner, son, two cats and garden.

Find more information about Rachael here.

Please complete the two-step registration process:

1.Use the form below to sign up for the workshop: Sign up Form

2.Admission: online

$25.00 per Individual Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Bring-A-Friend

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CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
Sep
20

CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC

All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.

If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!

Sign-Up: 6:30 pm

Performances: 7:00

Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.

Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.

View Event →
Dance Workshop    Ages 8 - 12
Sep
14

Dance Workshop Ages 8 - 12

Students will be introduced to ballet, jazz and modern dance vocabulary and a traditional structure of class with warm-up, progression of exercises in the center, and jumping. Dancing to a phrase of music is developed while building the groundwork of dancing in defined shapes and spaces in the studio with focus on alignment and placement.  Balance and strength are incorporated with use of imagery and improvisation to enhance learning, musicality and artistry.  

Robin has devoted her life to the art of movement. She began Ballet lessons at age four with former Rockette Agnes Reeves. Robin continued her studies, adding Jazz, Tap and Modern. During High School, she spent a summer at the legendary Jacob’s Pillow, studying with Lila York, Susan McGuire and Alvin McDuffie, and a semester as an intern for the New York State Theatre Institute. She was also a teaching assistant of dance at State University of New York at Buffalo and the State University of New York of Albany, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. She then discovered the many health benefits and the beautiful art of Tai Chi and became a certified instructor. Her love of movement has been passed on to many students during years of teaching for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Dance Club, College of Saint Rose, EBA, Albany Dance and Fitness, Robin’s Academy of Dance, The National Museum of Dance, and the Dance Experience and has recently taught a class for The Northeast Ballet Company. She also teaches Adaptive Dance and Theater for Schenectady ARC and is a competition coach at The Dance Experience. She teaches Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention.

Please complete the two-step registration process:

1.Use the form below to sign up for the workshop: Sign up Form

2.Admission: online

$25.00 per Individual Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Bring-A-Friend

View Event →
Dance Workshop    Ages 5-7
Sep
14

Dance Workshop Ages 5-7

Students will be introduced to ballet, jazz and modern dance vocabulary and a traditional structure of class with warm-up, progression of exercises in the center, and jumping. Dancing to a phrase of music is developed while building the groundwork of dancing in defined shapes and spaces in the studio with focus on alignment and placement.  Balance and strength are incorporated with use of imagery and improvisation to enhance learning, musicality and artistry.  

Robin has devoted her life to the art of movement. She began Ballet lessons at age four with former Rockette Agnes Reeves. Robin continued her studies, adding Jazz, Tap and Modern. During High School, she spent a summer at the legendary Jacob’s Pillow, studying with Lila York, Susan McGuire and Alvin McDuffie, and a semester as an intern for the New York State Theatre Institute. She was also a teaching assistant of dance at State University of New York at Buffalo and the State University of New York of Albany, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. She then discovered the many health benefits and the beautiful art of Tai Chi and became a certified instructor. Her love of movement has been passed on to many students during years of teaching for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Dance Club, College of Saint Rose, EBA, Albany Dance and Fitness, Robin’s Academy of Dance, The National Museum of Dance, and the Dance Experience and has recently taught a class for The Northeast Ballet Company. She also teaches Adaptive Dance and Theater for Schenectady ARC and is a competition coach at The Dance Experience. She teaches Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention.

Please complete the two-step registration process:

1.Use the form below to sign up for the workshop: Sign up Form

2. Admission: online

$25.00 per Individual Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Child

$20.00 Family Discount per Bring-A-Friend

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Hilltown Hoedown
Aug
30

Hilltown Hoedown

The Rensselaerville Historical Society is having a benefit Community Dance to benefit the RHS in memory of Janet Haseley.

Doors open at 5:00 pm, food provided by High on The Hog & Scarpas Catering Food Truck. Dancing starts at 7:00 pm. Paul Rosenberg calling to live music by Tamarack. No experience needed. Families welcome.

Suggested Donation: $10

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Another Evening of Dance and Percussion
Aug
3

Another Evening of Dance and Percussion

Four choreographers, Tina Fretto, Corrina Brown, Robin Gifford, and Vanessa Paige, Principal Dancer Alexandra Lindsey, and two percussionists, Brian Melick and Steve Gifford, come together for an evening of improvisation, dance and entertainment.

With guest vocalists Emileigh Tanner and Sarah Trimmings, and pre-performance prelude by guitarist Paul Kogut.

Admission $25.00 online and at the door.

Children 12 and under are free.

Door open at 7 PM, the show starts at 8 PM.

Refreshments will be available.

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Biking, Burgers and Beverages
Jul
18

Biking, Burgers and Beverages

Join us for the second annual Biking, Burgers and Beverages at the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail between The Real McCoy and Blanchard-Currey American Legion Post 1040, businesses along the way, in Delmar, and in the Voorheesville Park.

Conkling Hall will be promoting not just its history, past and future events, but also other Rensselaerville organizations and businesses, to attract more visitors to our beautiful hamlet.

Check https://business.bethlehemchamber.com/events/details/biking-burgers-and-beverages-8760 for more information. Our tent location is at the Voorheesville trail head off of Grove Street in Voorheesville.

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