The BJ Williams Fund

WE HONOR HER LEGACY BY HELPING YOUNG ARTISTS TO

JOIN THE LOCAL THEATRE COMMUNITY

The BJ Williams Fund was created by one of BJ's former students, Jeff Poulos, and her children Tina and Eric Williams. It will connect aspiring actors, directors, designers and other theatre professionals with New England theatres to help them pursue their craft locally.

"BJ was an inspirational teacher and theatre artist that influenced thousands of people, young and old, in her lifetime. It is only fitting that her legacy of giving the gift of theatre continues in the form of scholarships for aspiring theatre artists to pursue their passion, one she shared and passed on to so many."

- Jeff Poulos (he/him), former StageSource Executive Director

and student of BJ Williams

"BJ was both a favorite teacher and a mentor for me. She nurtured my love for performing while instilling in all her students a deep appreciation for theater and the camaraderie of working together on a production. I carry that - and my fond memories of her - with me to this day. I can't think of a better tribute to BJ than to know she will continue assisting young practitioners on their paths."

- Barlow Adamson (he/him), Actor and former student of BJ Williams

"BJ was one of the most intelligent, empathetic, dynamic, and caring individuals I have ever encountered. She put me on a path to my professional career as a high school student and stayed with me on that path long after I graduated. B.J. did so much for her students beyond casting them in school plays and musicals. For me, it was everything from explaining what a choreographer does and helping me write my college application essay to, many years later, traveling to see me perform and to support my work as a choreographer with my dance company in New York. B.J. showed me a way to be in the world just as she did for countless other students and professional theater folk. I am forever grateful to her."

- Sean Curran (he/him), New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Chair of the Department of Dance, acclaimed choreographer and former student of BJ Williams

Beginning in 2023, college juniors from historically excluded groups may apply to receive a free one (1) year membership to StageSource. By providing access to special events as well as the Job Fair, Annual Auditions, and weekly e-news announcements, this cohort will build relationships to local theatres to launch their careers in Greater Boston.

This program is intended for students in their next-to-last year of higher education, including students pursuing Associate's degrees. Applicants must self-identify as members of historically excluded communities, including BIPOC, transgender, disabled, and socioeconomically disadvantaged. More information on eligibility requirements and specific benefits of the Fund will be released by January 2023.

StageSource and the New England theatre community are grateful to have known BJ Williams, an inspiring educator, active community member, and dedicated artist.

About BJ Williams

BJ (Betty Jane) Williams (1925-2022) was an Educator, Director, Producer and Advocate for high school and community theater in Belmont, Arlington and Winchester. An Arlington resident since 1961, BJ taught English, drama, and speech, and served as director of drama at Belmont High School for 23 years. She also served as the master teacher for Harvard University's Master of Arts in Teaching program and as the supervising teacher of English and theater interns from Emerson College and won multiple awards for "favorite teacher;" BJ directed more high school drama and musical productions than one could count, involving thousands of students over the years. Since the birth of the Boston Globe Drama Festival in 1969, BJ directed a student play for the contest each year until her retirement in 1988. She served as President of the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild for several years, becoming a life member. She encouraged and inspired many of her students who have gone on to careers in theater, music and dance. After retiring from Belmont High, BJ directed and produced scores of productions at the Winchester Players, Belmont Dramatic Club and Arlington Friends of the Drama, serving on their boards. Many of her shows were nominated for distinguished achievement awards from EMACT (Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theaters), an organization for which she also served as board member, consultant and reviewer. In 2019, EMACT honored BJ with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her sustained commitment to community theater and to nurturing and uplifting all community theater makers. BJ Williams was a dynamic, kind, and loving woman with seemingly boundless energy, an easy sense of humor, and an optimistic view of life.

If you would like us to notify the Williams family of your donation, please note it in the comments.

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StageSource
15 Channel Center Street, Suite 103
Boston, MA 02210

StageSource is a vital resource and central network for the New England theatre community. We connect our individual and organizational members through a comprehensive suite of programs, with a focus on inclusiveness, responsiveness, and innovation.

Your donations keep membership at an affordable cost, so that members of all ages and income levels have an equal opportunity to participate in theatre, build and sustain a thriving theater ecology, and contribute to a more vibrant civic life. StageSource is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity.

Thank you from all of us here at StageSource.