Our Mission

Why’s It Gotta Be Theater Group Ltd. is committed to producing queer, diverse, challenging, uplifting, and fresh stories through theater that are accessible and affordable to connect our communities; to not only meeting but exceeding community expectations of the organization, and to providing opportunities to local performers, playwrights, and theater-makers to learn, work, and grow through fresh material.

Why WIGB?

For any time anyone’s been asked:

Why’s it gotta be __________?

  • Gay

  • Queer

  • Trans

  • Gender Blind

  • Diverse

  • About Gender

  • About Identity

  • Non-Traditional

… And all the other “why’s it gotta be”s.

Long-Term Goals

Our long-term goals include:

  • Purchase Sound and Lighting Equipment

  • Stipend Theater Makers and Artists

  • Produce In-House Film and Audio Productions

Our ultimate long-term goal is to be to be able to financially sustain an established permanent space to not only be able to rehearse and perform in, but to also outsource to other developing or independent artists and theater groups.

Board of Directors

Devin Dumas

President / Secretary, he / him

Devin is excited to be heading the formation of Why’s It Gotta Be? Theater Group. With more than 10 years of combined theater and multimedia experience, and with an AS in Communications, Media, and Theater Arts; Devin is confident in providing positive leadership and organization to this new theater group. Devin is passionate about queer, diverse, and impactful storytelling; and having been able to tell those stories in previous work, he looks forward to maintaining a space to where people can consistently find those kinds of stories.

Tommy Ciarla

Treasurer, he / him

Tommy feels that WIGB/s mission is an important one - not just for the people he cares about, but for the people of his surrounding communities to grow, understand, and connect with each other. He is confident that he will provide the support WIGB needs and is looking forward to helping the organization grow and getting fresh and exciting work to everyone.

Isabella Bonavita

Board Member, she / her

WIGB means a lot to Bella as it’s a theater that speaks for what the community needs. Bella has worked in theater since middle school and has a BA in Theater Arts - it’s a magical world to be in. Bella is passionate about shows that have stories that need to be told in times like these: stories that can change lives and educate minds, that spread love to the world and not hate. They hope to see your support here and in the community.

Mal Sillars

Board Member, they / them

With more than 40 shows acted or directed under their belt, Mal Sillars is very excited to bring even more inclusive theater to the Connecticut River Valley. Theater has always been a safe place for exploration and communication, and they hope to share some of that magic with the community.

Nicholas Canosa Albano

Board Member, he / him

An avid proponent of everything local, Nick is proud to be involved with WIGB. With roots in youth productions, returning to theater as an adult has been an enriching experience. He is committed to supporting the community of diverse voices that make up the Western Massachusetts artistic scene. The vision that Nick has for WIGB is focused on telling challenging and inclusive stories, and he is excited to work with other open-minded creators.

Julia Adamo

Board Member, she / her

Growing up, Julia found her voice through  theater and storytelling. She graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in English, where her thesis focused on coming-of-age narratives of artists in contemporary American literature, and received her MA from Boston College. Julia sees storytelling as transformative for individuals and the arts as crucial for community building. She’s thrilled to be part of WIGB and work to create and foster greater inclusivity in the stories that are told onstage.

Click here to view our bylaws.