The cast of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts production of 'She Kills Monsters,' which will open Friday, Oct. 19, in North Adams. Photo: David Lane

Bits & Bytes: ‘She Kills Monsters’ at MCLA; childhood anxiety talk; papercrafting workshop; mindful eating class

The Mindfulness Based-Eating Awareness Training program uses mindfulness meditation, eating exercises, instruction and self-reflection to cultivate awareness and help repair the relationship an individual has with food.

MCLA to stage ‘She Kills Monsters’

North Adams — The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts theater department will kick off its 2018-19 season with “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen and directed by MCLA associate theater professor Laura Standley Friday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 28, in the Venable Theatre. The production features the work of guest artist and Berkshire resident David Lane, a painter and puppeteer who used his expertise in foam techniques to construct costumes, weaponry and puppetry to build a “Dungeons and Dragons” universe.

The play centers on the “oh-so-average” Agnes lying in the wake of her sister Tilly’s death. Agnes embarks on a quest to understand her sister by delving into the world of Tilly’s own design—a world complete with hostile fairies, aggressive monsters, awkward high schoolers and swords.

“The play is like a trip down memory lane for us 40-somethings who grew up with it, and I’m having a blast going through the old manuals coming up with designs,” Lane said. “There’s going to be all manner of puppet monsters, cosplay armor and swords, and evil cheerleaders and demon under lords. The foam is going to let us bring the most outrageously fun characters to the stage!”

Tickets are $5–$15. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar call MCLA’s box office at (413) 662-5123.

–E.E.

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Kim John Payne to speak on childhood anxiety and resilience

Kim John Payne. Photo courtesy Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School

Great Barrington — The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School Parent Association presents will present Kim John Payne, M.Ed., in a talk titled “Facing Anxiety and Cultivating Resilience” Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the Steiner School auditorium.

Kim John Payne has been a school counselor, adult educator, consultant, researcher, educator and private family counselor for 27 years. In each role, he has helped children, adolescents and families explore issues such as social difficulties with siblings and classmates; attention and behavioral issues at home and school; emotional issues such as defiance, aggression, addiction and self-esteem; and the role of living a balanced life. Payne is the author of many books, including the bestseller “Simplicity Parenting.” He regularly gives keynote addresses at international conferences for educators, parents and therapists, and runs workshops around the world.

The adults-only event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School at (413) 528-4015.

–E.E.

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Artist Leslie Watkins to hold crafting workshops

Leslie Watkins

Salisbury, Conn. — Botanical and landscape painter Leslie Watkins will offer two do-it-yourself crafting workshops at the Scoville Memorial Library.

During “Introduction to Paper Crafting” Saturday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., Watkins will walk participants through making simple and professional-looking journals, notecards, gift boxes and tags. Basic tools with instruction on how to use them will be available to participants, and everyone will leave with gift-quality items they made themselves. Saturday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. will feature an introduction to watercolor painting as used in combination with some of the techniques learned in the papercrafting workshop. The watercolor session is suitable for beginners as well as experienced watercolorists.

There is a materials fee of $20 per class, which includes fresh scones and drinks. It is not necessary to attend both sessions although participants will get the most inspiration from attending both classes. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, visit the front desk at the library or call (860) 435-2838.

–E.E.

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Fairview Hospital to host mindful eating class

Dietician Robert Hoechster at Fairview Hospital’s Heart Night 2016.

Great Barrington — Fairview Hospital will host “Mindful Eating: An Effective Approach to Weight Loss,” an eight-week program held Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Fairview Hospital conference room. The program will begin Thursday, Oct. 18, facilitated by Robert Hoechster, R.D., L.D.N., of Fairview’s outpatient nutrition services.

The Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training program uses mindfulness meditation, eating exercises, instruction and self-reflection to cultivate awareness and help repair the relationship an individual has with food. The program is modeled after mindfulness-based stress reduction practices that help treat stress, addictions, anger problems, relationship problems and more. This program is not a clinic for eating disorders or a program focused on losing weight. Past participants report more success applying mindfulness to food choices and eating behaviors, greater meditative practice, and healthier emotional attitudes and awareness of eating and food choices through techniques designed to support better health.

The program fee is $75. For more information or to register, call Robert Hoechster at (413) 854-9661.

–E.E.