(PITTSFIELD , Mass. ) – New short plays, comedy, improv, performance art, art exhibits, concerts, films, spoken-word performers, jazz, coffeehouse singers, parties, daily craft projects and more will be offered as part of the second annual 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival, beginning Thursday, February 14, 2013, and running through Sunday, February 24, 2013, in downtown Pittsfield.

Highlights of the festival include Barrington Stage Company’s 10X10 New Play Festival, featuring ten new 10-minute plays chosen from over 180 entries; two 10X10 comedy shows, each featuring 10 up-and-coming comedians; the 10X10 RAP (Real Art Party) organized by Berkshire Art Association and the Storefront Artist Project; Alchemy Initiative and WAM Theatre’s creative exploration of women’s lives through the decades via new art and performance; and the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe’s heroic attempt at improvising ten classic musicals in one performance at the Colonial Theatre.

“We were thrilled with the success of last year’s festival,” said Barrington Stage artistic director Julianne Boyd. “We are looking forward to an even bigger and more dynamic festival this year, with over 70 events – many for the entire family – for both visitors to Pittsfield and year-round residents, too.”

New this year are a variety of family friendly daytime activities, perfect for a week when many schools are on vacation. They include daily arts projects at Bisque, Beads & Beyond, daily adventure play at the Berkshire Museum, a teen art show at Pittsfield City Hall, a program of ten Shaker dances and songs at Treehouse Children’s Boutique, and a concert at Berkshire Music School.

The 10X10 Upstreet Festival has also expanded to include a number of new partners, including the Berkshire Theatre Group, Hancock Shaker Village, Berkshire Museum, the Berkshire Art Association, Alchemy Initiative, WAM Theatre and more. Performances and events will take place every day during the festival. Visit 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival for complete festival schedule.