The stage is set for First: Earth’s second summer of performances, which kicks off on May 5 with Neat with a Twist’s production of “Pride & Prejudice.” VCE is honored to receive proceeds from all tickets sold during the 2022 season for insect science and conservation by the Vermont Atlas of Life.
First: Earth originates from the belief that positively impacting the environment and supporting healthy ecosystems comes from building an inclusive community through performing arts and educational programming. Each year, the organization selects an environmental nonprofit to receive revenue from its summer performances (Audubon Vermont was the first recipient in 2021).
First: Earth doesn’t stop at donations and raising awareness for other environmental groups. The organization also offers onsite ecological education programs. Next year, they will resume their popular pre-show speaker series—which previously featured environmentalist and 350.org founder Bill McKibben, wetland ecologist Tina Heath, and several other fascinating lecturers—as an educational forum. Each gathering will feature nature topics and provide attendees with valuable learning opportunities separate from the performances.
If performing arts with an environmental twist make you say “heck yes,” then it’s time to start mapping out your summer schedule to make sure you can catch all the performances. “Pride & Prejudice” runs May 5-8. Next, Ballet Vermont presents “Bees & Friends” on June 5, a show that depicts “bees, bugs, and birds iconic to their seasons.” Starting June 23, come see the first production by the newly-formed Williston Community Threatre (founded by First: Earth) titled “Tales & Things,” the story of a monster who no longer wants to be one. The summer series ends with three separate musical performances you won’t want to miss. You can check out the full line-up and find more details about each performance on their website.
Performances will take place at the Isham Family Farm in Williston, VT, where First: Earth founder Helen Weston lives with her husband, Mike Isham. Together, they are the 5th generation of Ishams to work on the farm and take pride in going above and beyond when implementing ecologically sound practices. As they state on their website, “they feel that their land is a tool to bring forth environmental awareness and responsibility; for themselves, their livelihood, and for the community at large.” Some examples of their practices include:
- Delayed Meadow Mowing
- Environmental Co-existing Christmas Tree farming
- Bird-Friendly Maple Sugaring
- Pollinator Gardening
- Butterfly Gardening
- Protected and Natural Forest, Meadow, and Pond Management
- Sustainable Forestry
- Outdoor environmental classes/field trips/studies
You can learn more about the Isham Family Farm on their website.
