Latest Events in Winthrop(July Updated)

Jenny Howe, one of our favorite authors, returns to The Purple Couch with her first Young Adult novel Love at Full Tilt. She will be interviewed by Crystal Maldonado, author of Get Real, Chloe Torres. In this joyful celebration of fandoms, whirlwind romance, and plus-size girls, love is the ultimate roller coaster ride. Lia Baker has spent the last few months wishing time would stand still. Soon her friends will head off to college while she’s left behind, buried under her mom’s anxiety and working a job she doesn’t want. But life throws her for a loop when she wins a spot in the fiftieth-anniversary scavenger hunt at Fableland, a legendary theme park. The contest is a golden ticket to a world where her favorite stories come to life and a chance for her to write some new ones of her own. Everything seems perfect, especially after she teams up with Mason, a cute rival who knows as much about Fableland as she does. Together, they’re unstoppable. But as Mason’s sweet smile starts to melt her focus, Lia realizes that she may have to choose between the future she wants to rewrite—and a love she hadn’t planned for. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

Ballet Seminar number oneWelcome to our very first Ballet Seminar! Join us at Winthrop for a day filled with graceful movements, expert instruction, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this seminar is perfect for anyone looking to improve their ballet skills. Come learn from the best in the industry and take your dancing to the next level. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of ballet. See you there! Information Source: eventbrite

The night Alison was murdered, Rachel could have stopped it. Preorder you copy through our store to get it on the release date and have plenty of time to read it before our discussion. Email us at info@purplecouchbookshop.com or call 978-557-2187. And even if you don't get to read it prior to the event, as long as you don't mind spoilers, come on down to meet Kate and get your copy signed. Kate Russo reminds us, both perfectly and painfully, of the angst, jealousy, and self-doubt of youth. The strength of Until Alison lies in her ability to bring fury and compassion to both the bullied and the bullies. —Ann Patchett,New York Timesbestselling and award-winning author ofTom Lake When Rachel Nardelli finds out Alison Petrucci—her childhood rival—is found dead in Pleasant Pond, the same place the two girls had first said goodbye to each other back in eighth grade, the town of Waterbury is outraged by the fear of losing one of their own—the heir to Maine’s largest construction company. But it’s a little more complicated for Rachel. She saw Alison the night she died. Callous, she said something she shouldn’t have. She stirred up the past. The next morning, Alison was gone. Plagued by the complicated memories around Alison, Rachel joins her journalism crew to investigate the murder. But as she revisits their fraught relationship, she falls into a web of cruelties that threaten to undo everything she understood about her past. An explosive literary thriller from the acclaimed Kate Russo, Until Alison is a brilliantly incisive and resonant novel that is at once about class, gender, and the arbitrary nature of violence. Acclaimed author Kate Russo has long wanted to write a novel about the horrors of junior high. Her new novel, UNTIL ALISON (G.P. Putnam’s Sons; On Sale: July 15, 2025) is a brilliantly incisive and resonant literary thriller that explores class, gender, and the arbitrary nature of violence and silence while presenting a coming-of-age story with two fascinating female protagonists and a murder at its heart. Until Alison so vibrantly captures a particular time and place in life—with its nostalgia, its tension, its fine-tuned depiction of class. Kate Russo is a deft and compulsively readable storyteller. —Claire Lombardo,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Most Fun We Ever HadandSame As It Ever Was Kate Russo reminds us, both perfectly and painfully, of the angst, jealousy, and self-doubt of youth. The strength of Until Alison lies in her ability to bring fury and compassion to both the bullied and the bullies. —Ann Patchett,New York Timesbestselling and award-winning author ofTom Lake Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

Immerse oneself in the world of eco-poetry at the WA Tree Festival - Poet-tree workshop, led by poet and educator Lisa Collyer. Take refuge under the lush canopy of Piney Lakes, exploring the unique adaptations of local trees to inspire your eco-poetry creations. This session, tailored for adults aged 16 and above, combines indoor workshop activities with outdoor exploration around Piney Lakes. Be sure to bring writing materials, a hat, a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, and protective gear for the walking portions of the workshop. Lisa Collyer, known for her short-listed poetry collection "How To Order Eggs Sunny Side Up," is a respected figure in the Boorloo poetry scene, with works featured in various prestigious publications. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with nature and poetry on April 20, 2024, at Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre in Winthrop. Tickets are available for $12.

Experience a unique live event, "Homefield Presents: Shutdown Fullcast LIVE ft. Alanis King!" taking place at Half Liter BBQ in Indianapolis on May 24, 2024. Join Homefield, the Shutdown Fullcast, and special guest Alanis King for an exclusive post-Carb Day gathering, featuring a live podcast, Homefield x IMS pop-up shop, and BBQ buffet courtesy of Half Liter BBQ. Immerse yourself in the world of college football with the Internet's exclusive college football podcast and the leading online college sports/racing apparel brand joining forces in the iconic Racing Capital of the World. Homefield, known for its meticulously crafted gear for various college teams, has recently delved into vintage-inspired racing apparel with signature collections developed in collaboration with renowned names in the industry. The Shutdown Fullcast, a podcast that delves into the quirks of college football, features hosts Spencer Hall, Jason Kirk, Ryan Nanni, and Holly Anderson, each bringing their unique perspective to the show. Special guest Alanis King, an expert in motorsports, adds a thrilling dynamic to the event with her insights and experiences in the world of racing. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to engage with these personalities and enjoy a memorable evening of sports, entertainment, and great food.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at the American Legion Post 45 in Medford, MA on October 18, 2024. Prepare yourself for a night of spine-chilling excitement as the fearsome Revan steps into the ring to face off against his most formidable opponent yet! This family-friendly event promises thrills and adrenaline-pumping action that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Before entering the venue, please note that a bag check will be conducted for everyone's safety. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all attendees. Free parking is available, but space is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot. Please be aware that this will be a cash-only venue, though an ATM will be accessible on-site for your convenience. We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing outside food and beverages, as food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event. Rest assured, ample seating will be provided so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the action-packed spectacle. As a special gesture of gratitude, veterans will enjoy complimentary admission with a valid military ID. Tickets will be in high demand, so don't delay! Purchase your limited tickets at the door starting on August 16 at 7:30 AM. Please remember that all ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued. This extraordinary evening is proudly sponsored by Marathon Sports, a renowned name in the industry. Get ready for a night you won't soon forget - What a Nightmare! x Revan - where real-life nightmares come to life.

Welcome to MASC Movie Night! Join us for a fun evening at Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre on Tue Dec 10 2024. Get ready to relax and enjoy a movie with friends and family. Popcorn, soft drinks, hot chocolate and coffee are all included in your ticket. Please arrive at 6.45PM to gather your snacks, movie will start at 7.00PM. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to share the love of aviation with your child whilst fundraising for their aviation specialist program. See you there! Information Source: Melville Aviation Studies Centre Support Group (MASC) | eventbrite

Bash At The Barn is set to be an unforgettable night of wrestling action as FTW Wrestling Fight The World Wrestling returns live. This highly anticipated event will showcase some of the industry's top talent, including NWA stars Natalia Markova, Daisy Kill, and FTW Champion Bryan Idol. This star-studded lineup is sure to captivate fans and leave them on the edge of their seats. Taking place at the prestigious Winthrop Barn Theatre in Riverview, Florida, Bash At The Barn promises to deliver an evening of excitement and adrenaline. The venue, located at 11349 Bloomingdale Avenue, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Attendees can expect a thrilling atmosphere as they witness the incredible athleticism and skill displayed by these phenomenal wrestlers. Scheduled for August 24, 2023, this event offers fans the chance to witness history in the making. With tickets priced at just $20, it's an opportunity that wrestling enthusiasts won't want to miss. From the electrifying energy in the arena to the heart-stopping maneuvers in the ring, Bash At The Barn guarantees a night of entertainment that will leave a lasting impression. Don't miss out on this incredible event! Mark your calendars for August 24, 2023, and secure your tickets to Bash At The Barn. Join us for an evening filled with non-stop action and witness the best of FTW Wrestling Fight The World Wrestling. Get ready to be swept away by the excitement and passion of this unforgettable event.

The Fine Line Botanical Drawing Workshop - Native Flora is a captivating arts event taking place on May 18, 2024, at the Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre in Winthrop, WA. This workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of native flora through the intricate art of botanical drawing. Delve into the world of fine lines and intricate details as you sketch and shade your way through a variety of plant species indigenous to the region. The event promises to be a haven for nature enthusiasts and art aficionados alike. Tickets for this exclusive workshop will be available for purchase starting April 29 at 10:00 AM. Don't miss out on this chance to refine your drawing skills and explore the wonders of the natural world at the Fine Line Botanical Drawing Workshop - Native Flora.

Witness an exhilarating showdown as The Unions Viktor Vanko & Blaze Haram collide head-on with a formidable army of fighters determined to vanquish them. Prepare for an electrifying evening of action-packed entertainment as RCW presents the Royal Rumble x The Union event, set to take place on Friday night, August 16, 2024, in the vibrant city of Medford, MA. Hosted at the esteemed American Legion, located at 321 Winthrop Street, this family-friendly extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. With a strict bag check policy in place, participants can enjoy a safe and secure environment throughout the event. Please note that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited within the venue, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Convenience is paramount, as free parking facilities are available for your ease. However, it's worth noting that tickets at the door are limited, so make sure to secure yours promptly. Please be informed that the venue accepts cash payments only, though an ATM is conveniently located on-site. To ensure the utmost satisfaction of our guests, outside food and beverage are not permitted within the premises. Not to worry, though, as a wide array of delectable food and refreshing beverages will be readily available for purchase. Ample seating arrangements have been meticulously arranged, guaranteeing a comfortable experience for all attendees. As a gesture of gratitude, all veterans can enjoy this extraordinary event free of charge by presenting their valid Military ID. We deeply appreciate your service to our nation. This spectacular event is proudly sponsored by Marathon Sports, a name synonymous with excellence and commitment. Don't miss out on this enthralling clash of titans – get your tickets now and be a part of history at the RCW Royal Rumble x The Union event in Medford, MA.

Get ready to hit the road safely with the Ride Ready: Bike Repair and Safety Workshop in Winthrop. This event will take place at the Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre on September 22, 2024. Learn essential bike repair skills and safety tips to ensure a smooth and secure cycling experience. The workshop offers valuable insights for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists. Ticket prices range from A$0 to A$7, making it an affordable opportunity to enhance your biking knowledge. Don't miss out on this informative workshop to gear up for your next cycling adventure.

Golden Hour Books is thrilled to welcome poet and essayist Ross Gay, in conversation with New York Times bestselling author, Ashley C. Ford, on Thursday, October 10th, at 7:30PM. This event will also be the first stop on Ross Gay's tour to celebrate the paperback release of his two most recent books, Inciting Joy, and The Book of (More) Delights. To accomodate the large crowd and interest in this terrific event, the conversation will be held at The Speakeasy, located at 5255 N Winthrop Ave, just two blocks from Golden Hour. An after party at Golden Hour Books will follow. ------------------------- Ross Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; Be Holding, winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. In addition to his poetry, Ross has released three collections of essays—The Book of Delights was released in 2019 and was a New York Times bestseller; Inciting Joy was released in 2022, and his newest collection, The Book of (More) Delights was released in September of 2023. Ashley C. Ford is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Somebody’s Daughter, published by Flatiron Books and An Oprah Book. She is also the former co-host of The HBO companion podcast Lovecraft Country Radio, and the current host of Ben & Jerry’s Into The Mix. Ford has written or guest-edited for The New York Times, The Guardian, ELLE Magazine, BuzzFeed, OUT Magazine, Slate, Teen Vogue, New York Magazine, Allure, Marie Claire, Netflix Queue, Real Simple, Cup of Jo, and numerous other web and print publications. In addition to writing and hosting podcasts, she also developed special projects for companies like Medium.Com, Mailchimp Presents, Condé Nast Entertainment, and MasterCard. She's taught creative nonfiction at The New School in Manhattan, Aspen Summer Words, The Hedgebrook Conference, and served as Ball State University’s Writer-In-Residence. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, poet and fiction writer Kelly Stacy, and their chocolate lab Astro Renegade Ford-Stacy. Information Source: Golden Hour Books | eventbrite

Witness the debut of TNA Digital Media Champion AJ Francis at the "What a Nightmare! x AJ Francis" event on Friday, October 18th at the American Legion in Medford. This family-friendly event offers on-site bag checks, free parking, and a selection of food and beverages for purchase. Limited tickets will be available at the door for a cash-only venue (ATM on-site). Seating is provided, and veterans with a military ID can attend for free. Please note that outside food and beverage are not permitted, and refunds will not be issued. Join us for an unforgettable evening sponsored by Marathon Sports.

Join us for a reading and signing with local author Erica Wainer as we celebrate the release of her book, Taylor Swift: Wildest Dreams. Your ticket is your purchase of the book, which we will have reserved for you. In addition to the reading and signing, we will have a bracelet making station set up, and our Swiftie playlist on the speakers. There is a second tier of ticketing if you are unable to attend, but want a signed book reserved for you. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

Welcome to the Faith & Transformation Book Release event! Join us on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at 128 Winthrop Ave for an inspiring gathering celebrating the release of a new book that will touch your heart and soul. Experience a day filled with insightful discussions, book signings, and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals. This event is a wonderful chance to connect with others who share your passion for faith and personal growth. Don't miss out on this special occasion to be part of a community dedicated to transforming lives through spirituality and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there! Information Source: L. Ayanna Johnson | eventbrite

“With heart and an acute sense of what it means to be displaced, Property of the Revolution explores the cost of leaving Cuba to come to America. This is a memoir filled with wisdom, history, joy, and the reverberating waves of grief. I wanted to sit with the viejos and all the love and chaos in their multi-generational home and hold on to Abuela and her stories forever.” –Marjan Kamali, author of The Lion Women of Tehran and The Stationery Shop Ana Hebra Flaster was six years old when her working-class family was kicked out of their Havana barrio for opposing communism. Once devoted revolutionaries themselves but disillusioned by the Castro government’s repressive tactics, they fled to the US. The permanent losses they suffered—of home, country, and loved ones, all within forty-eight hours—haunted her multigenerational family as they reclaimed their lives and freedom in 1967 New Hampshire. There, they fed each other stories of their scrappy barrio—some of which Hebra Flaster has shared on All Things Considered—to resurrect their lost world and fortify themselves for a daunting task: building a new life in a foreign land. Weaving pivotal events in Cuba–US history with her viejos’—elders’—stories of surviving political upheaval, impossible choices, and “refugeedom,” Property of the Revolution celebrates the indomitable spirit and wisdom of the women warriors who led the family out of Cuba, shaped its rebirth as Cuban Americans, and helped Ana grow up hopeful, future-facing—American. But what happens when deeply buried childhood memories resurface, demanding an adult’s reckoning? Here’s how the fiercest love, the most stubborn will, and the power of family put nine new Americans back on their feet. Ticketed attendees will receive 15% off of Ana's memoir. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

James Crews and Brad Peacock edited a beautiful anthology of compassionate poems of connection and affirmation that are a celebration of all kinds of love—romantic, family, friendship, self-love, and love for nature. The collection, called Love Is for All of Us: Poems of Tenderness and Belonging from the LGBTQ+ Community and Friends, is gathered from a diverse group of contemporary writers, both part of and allied with the LGBTQIA+ community, with a special focus on queer, nonbinary, and transgender poets. Your ticket price includes a copy of this new anthology. James Crews is the editor of numerous anthologies, including New England Book Award winner The Wonder of Small Things, The Path to Kindness, and How to Love the World, which has over 100,000 copies in print. He and his work have been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and in People magazine, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. He is the author of four prize-winning books of poetry, and his poems have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Ploughshares, The Sun, The New Republic, and other journals. Crews recently joined the New York Zen Center as a faculty member in the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship Program. He teaches mindfulness and writing throughout the United States, and lives with his husband in the woods of southern Vermont. Brad Peacock is a veteran, writer, and long-time organic farmer from Shaftsbury, Vermont, whose passion is to bring people closer to one another and the natural world. His poems have been published in several anthologies, and his op-ed pieces have appeared in newspapers across the United States. He lives with his husband on forty rocky acres that they are restoring to a habitat for pollinators and native species. Jason O'Toole is co-founder and judge of the Anne Bradstreet Poetry Contest and was the 6th Poet Laureate of North Andover. He is a board member of the Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco and a hospital administrator in the Boston area. Jason was the vocalist for the 1980s NY Hardcore Punk band Life's Blood and continues to collaborate with musicians such as Alec. K. Redfearn Miro Snejdr (Herr Lounge Corps), and members of Siege. He earned his BA from Eugene Lang College and an MBA from St. Joseph's College of Maine. Alix Klingenberg is a poet, spiritual director, and creative dilettante. She describes herself as a cross between an ethereal woodland creature and an alternative 90’s girl stereotype and is only half-kidding. Alix graduated from Oberlin College in 2003 with a degree in Visual Art where she studied film and photography but also took way too many classes in Spanish literature and personality psychology to not have it count for something. She is obsessed with people dynamics, myth, philosophy, and imagination. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

A kaleidoscopic gem that adeptly showcases how the shameful misdeeds of the past reverberate into modern acts of violence... An emotional tour de force. David Jackson Ambrose, author of Unlawful Disorder Gabi Keefer flees Holocaust-era Germany with nothing but her husband, her nephew, and the clothes on her back, but that isn't the whole story. Over generations, her granddaughter, Lena, struggles with drug addiction and an unplanned pregnancy; her sort-of nephew, Zane, grieves for his wife three years after her death in an antisemitic mass shooting; and her great-niece, Miranda, advocates for Palestinian liberation against her family's wishes. Each character's tale begs the questions: What does it mean to be part of a family, what does it mean to survive, and is that enough? Trigger warning: Content in this book includes depictions or mentions of ableism, antisemitism, characters struggling with mental health, death and grief, drug abuse, domestic violence, gun violence, homophobia, misogyny, racism, statutory rape, suicide, xenophobia, and Zionism. Nicole Zelniker is the author of several books. They are represented by Daniele D. Hunter at McIntosh & Otis. Their newest book, FROM WHERE WE ARE, is available now at Bookshop, QueerBooks.com, and anywhere books are sold. Her first YA novel, ALL I KNOW SO FAR, publishes May 2025. Learn more at https://nicolezelniker.com/. Registration is free. Ticketed attendees will receive 15% off of From Where We Are. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

From national bestselling author Meg Mitchell Moore comes a sparkling new novel following a young woman entwined in the opulent lives of her neighbors on Block Island, set against a backdrop of scandal, secrets, and a not-so-subtle love triangle, perfect for readers of Pineapple Street and Sex and Vanity. “If you’re looking for THE beach book of summer, here it is:Mansion Beachby Meg Mitchell Moore. —Elin Hilderbrand, #1New York Timesbestselling author “An unputdownable modern-day take onThe Great Gatsby. I gobbled it up.” —J. Courtney Sullivan,New York Timesbestselling author It’s the beginning of the summer, and Nicola Carr has just arrived on Block Island, RI, eager for a fresh start and some R&R. But her plans for a tranquil summer are derailed as the extravagant parties from the grand home next door pique her curiosity. She soon discovers the home belongs to Juliana George, an enigmatic entrepreneur with a past shrouded in mystery. Juliana George, CEO and founder of a hot fashion-tech company, is at the top of her game. She’s spending the summer on Block Island preparing for a major IPO. But she’s chasing her dreams in more ways than one. This summer she hopes to rekindle a flame with a man from her past—a man who has a surprising connection to her neighbor Nicola. Taylor Buchanan, the wife of Nicola’s cousin, is second-in-command of a real estate empire. Her life is exactly the way she planned it: she has the wealth, the family, the prestige, and the power. And there’s nothing she’ll let get in her way of Having It All. But when everything suddenly verges on the edge of collapse, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. As Nicola, Juliana, and Taylor’s summers unfold, the three women are set on a collision course that leads to inevitable self-discovery, unforgivable betrayal, an unavoidable love triangle—and, most unexpectedly, a dead body. A sophisticated escapist novel filled with light humor and surprising observations, Mansion Beach explores the depth of human relationships, our cruelly classist society, and the price of secrets that refuse to stay buried. Tickets are $30 which includes a copy of Mansion Beach. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

We are beyond thrilled to welcome Annie Hartnett to The Purple Couch Bookshop. We are big fans of her work and thoroughly enjoyed her newest book. She will be joined in conversation with debut author Milo Todd. Your ticket price of $34 includes a copy of The Road to Tender Hearts and a 15% discount on The Lilac People. The Road to Tender Hearts (available 4/29) is a darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death—by the beloved author ofRabbit CakeandUnlikely Animals. Kate says This is like Little Miss sunshine with a feline harbinger of death on board. After his ex-wife and best friend leave him to go on a months long trip, a recovering alcoholic / lottery winner finds himself totally out of his depth caring for two young kids who show up on his doorstep. He enlists his adult daughter’s help and they all embark on a road trip together to win back his high school crush. Hilarity and death ensue, along with some amusing and heartwarming bonding opportunities. At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday would be the luckiest man in Pondville, Massachusetts, if it weren’t for the tragedies of his life: the sudden death of his eldest daughter and the way his marriage fell apart after that. Since then, PJ spends both his money and his time at the bar, and he probably doesn’t have much time left—he’s had three heart attacks already. But when PJ reads the obituary of his old romantic rival, he realizes his high school sweetheart, Michelle Cobb, is finally single again. Filled with a new enthusiasm for life, PJ decides he’s going to drive across the country to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community in Arizona to win Michelle back. Before PJ can hit the road, tragedy strikes Pondville, leaving PJ the sudden guardian of his estranged brother’s grandchildren. Anyone else would be deterred from the planned trip, but PJ figures the orphaned kids might benefit from getting out of town. PJ also thinks he can ask Sophie, his adult daughter who’s adrift in her twenties, to come along to babysit. And there’s one more surprise addition to the roster: Pancakes, a former nursing home therapy cat with a knack of predicting death, who recently turned up outside PJ’s home. This could be the second chance PJ has long hoped for—a fresh shot at love and parenting—but does he have the strength to do both those things again? It’s very possible his heart can’t take it. Milo Todd's debut novel The Lilac People is available April 29. YOUR NEXT BOOK CLUB PICK: “A profound and riveting story” that “reclaims a powerful piece of trans history” (Christina Baker Kline, #1New York Times-bestselling author ofOrphan Train) A moving and deeply humane story about a trans man who must relinquish the freedoms of prewar Berlin to survive first the Nazis then the Allies while protecting the ones he loves, for readers ofAll the Light We Cannot SeeandIn Memoriam In 1932 Berlin, a trans man named Bertie and his friends spend carefree nights at the Eldorado Club, the epicenter of Berlin’s thriving queer community. An employee of the renowned Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld at the Institute of Sexual Science, Bertie works to improve queer rights in Germany and beyond. But everything changes when Hitler rises to power. The Institute is raided, the Eldorado is shuttered, and queer people are rounded up. Bertie barely escapes with his girlfriend, Sofie, to a nearby farm. There they take on the identities of an elderly couple and live for more than a decade in isolation. In the final days of the war, with their freedom in sight, Bertie and Sofie find a young trans man collapsed on their property, still dressed in Holocaust prison clothes. They vow to protect him—not from the Nazis, but from the Allied forces who are arresting queer prisoners while liberating the rest of the country. Ironically, as the Allies’ vise grip closes on Bertie and his family, their only salvation is to flee to the United States. Brimming with hope, resilience, and the enduring power of community, The Lilac People tells an extraordinary story inspired by real events and recovers an unknown moment of World War II and trans history. Annie Hartnettis the author of Unlikely Animals, which won the Julia Ward Howe Prize for fiction and was longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize. She is also the author of Rabbit Cake, a finalist for the New England Book Award and a Kirkus Reviews best book of the year. Hartnett has been awarded fellowships and residencies from the MacDowell Colony, the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and the Associates of the Boston Public Library. Along with writer Tessa Fontaine, she co-runs the Accountability Workshops for writers, helping them commit to routines and embrace the long, slow, joyful, terrible process of doing the work. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog. MILO TODDis a Massachusetts Cultural Council grantee and a Lambda Literary Fellow. His work has appeared in Slice Magazine and elsewhere. He is co–editor in chief of Foglifter and teaches creative writing to queer and trans adults. Information Source: The Purple Couch Bookshop | eventbrite

Join the Improvocateurs for a night of spontaneous comedy and improvised drama where you control the story! Hilarious characters will live, love, and die—guided by tarot cards drawn by brave audience volunteers. No scripts, just pure improv magic as fate twists and turns on your command. Featuring special guest Rik Brown—award-winning improviser, comedian, and host of the Leadership of Fools podcast—this is a one-of-a-kind night of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments! Your choice of cards will be their destiny. Stick around after the opening night performance to celebrate with decedant hot chocolate bar and live music while chatting to the cast. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Improvisation Workshop and Performance for TeensNichola and Sam are thrilled to invite you to a fun-filled afternoon of creativity and spontaneity—designed just for teens! Join us at the City of Melville EcoHub for an exciting improvisation workshop and performance, perfect for teens aged 13–17 who love to think on their feet, perform, and have fun. This event features Special Guest Tutor Rik Brown—award-winning improviser, comedian, teacher, and host of theLeadership of Foolspodcast. Known for his infectious energy and expert guidance, Rik will help you unlock your confidence, creativity, and comedic instincts. You’ll learn the basics of improv in a fun, inclusive environment, then put your new skills into action with a live performance for friends and family. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best and experience the magic of improv! Parents and families are warmly invited to enjoy the show — please purchase your own ticket online here. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Professional Development: Improvisation Workshop for TeachersJoin us for a joyful, interactive morning of laughter, learning, and fresh inspiration! This professional development workshop is designed specifically for educators looking to expand their improvisation toolkit with new, practical games and activities that can be used immediately in the classroom. Fresh from the NZ Auckland Improv Festival, Nichola and Sam return buzzing with ideas after completing 13 workshops with leading improv tutors from around the world. Now they’re ready to share the very best of what they’ve learned with you! Expect a fun, inclusive session that will leave you feeling energised, confident, and connected. Plus, enjoy a beautiful morning tea and the chance to network with fellow drama educators who are just as awesome as you. Perfect for drama teachers, performing arts specialists, or any educator keen to bring more creativity and spontaneity into their teaching. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

IMAGINARIUM: An Improv Show for Kids A fast-paced, interactive fantasy improv show for kids and families — made up on the spot with help from the audience. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Special Guest Tutor: Esther LonghurstGet ready to be uplifted, empowered and joyfully stretched by the incredible Esther Longhurst—joining us as a special guest tutor at Winter ImprovFest! Esther is a force of nature in the world of improvisation. Known for her magnetic presence, fearless play and deeply inclusive approach, she creates spaces where everyone feels safe to explore, connect and shine. Whether you’re diving into character work, narrative magic or ensemble play, Esther’s sessions are always rich with joy, insight and heart. Her teaching blends precision with playfulness, pushing you just the right amount out of your comfort zone while keeping the fun turned all the way up. A beloved Improv figure across Australia and beyond, Esther brings a rare mix of brilliance and warmth that leaves improvisers buzzing with excitement and confidence. Don't miss the chance to work with this absolute gem of a human and teacher. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

9:00am – 11:00am IMAGINARIUM WORKSHOP (Ages 5–11) Jump into two hours of magical interactive storytelling as kids join Nichola Renton, Sam Renton-Weir, and special guest Rik Brownfor an improv workshop full of wild characters, fantasy quests, and hilarious creative play. They'll invent magical worlds, build heroic characters, and unleash their imagination! Workshop participants will stay on for… 11:00am – 12:00pm IMAGINARIUM: THE SHOW! A fast-paced, interactive fantasy improv show for kids and families — made up on the spot with help from the audience (and a few surprises from the morning workshop!). Parents and families are warmly invited to enjoy the show — please purchase your own ticket online here. The show is also open to the general public. One magical morning. Two unforgettable experiences. Infinite imagination. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Special Guest Tutor: Rik BrownWe are beyond thrilled to welcome the legendary Rik Brown to our Winter ImprovFest! Flying in from Melbourne especially for this event, Rik is a powerhouse of play, creativity and razor-sharp comedic instinct. He brings decades of experience to the stage and workshop space. He’s known across Australia and internationally for his infectious energy, generous teaching style and the ability to unlock the spontaneous brilliance in every improviser—whether you're just starting out or levelling up. “Rik’s workshops are a joyous ride” Expect big laughs, powerful insights, and a safe space to take bold creative risks. If you've never experienced a Rik Brown session before, get ready to be inspired, challenged, and totally recharged. If you have—you already know how awesome this is going to be. This is your chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Don’t miss it. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Welcome to the Improv Show Wicked Women! Join us for a night of laughter and entertainment at the City of Melville EcoHub. Our talented group of improvisers will showcase their skills and creativity, bringing you a one-of-a-kind experience filled with humor and spontaneity. Get ready to witness these wicked women take the stage and create hilarious scenes on the spot. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of laughter and fun! Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Special Guest Tutor: Rik BrownWe are beyond thrilled to welcome the legendary Rik Brown to our Winter ImprovFest! Flying in from Melbourne especially for this event, Rik is a powerhouse of play, creativity and razor-sharp comedic instinct. He brings decades of experience to the stage and workshop space. He’s known across Australia and internationally for his infectious energy, generous teaching style and the ability to unlock the spontaneous brilliance in every improviser—whether you're just starting out or levelling up. “Rik’s workshops are a joyous ride” Expect big laughs, powerful insights, and a safe space to take bold creative risks. If you've never experienced a Rik Brown session before, get ready to be inspired, challenged, and totally recharged. If you have—you already know how awesome this is going to be. This is your chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Don’t miss it. Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite

Join The Actors Workshop for a night of spontaneous comedy and quick-thinking fun! Featuring performers from Nichola’s improv classes, this talented group will create scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions. No script, just pure improv magic! Information Source: The Actors Workshop | eventbrite