Pontine Theatre in Portsmouth will host a community arts workshop from May 20 to June 29, training participants for a series of public performances at Strawbery Banke Museum and West End Studio Theatre. The six-week program will culminate in performances of Pontine’s original stage adaptation of Thomas Bailey Aldrich’s novel, “The Story of a Bad Boy,” on the weekend of June 28.

Presented by Pontine’s artistic directors, Greg Gathers and Marguerite Mathews, the six weekly workshop sessions will educate community members about basic theater skills like stage design, directing, and acting. Participants will gain insights into Pontine’s creative production techniques for storytelling, puppetry, toy theater and masked acting.

Pontine recently staged its unique adaptation of “The Story of a Bad Boy” at West End Studio Theatre on Islington Street. The production coincided with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Thomas Bailey Aldrich Memorial at Strawbery Banke. Born in Portsmouth in 1836, Aldrich published “The Story of a Bad Boy” in 1869, chronicling his boyhood years in the Port City. Many historians and authors credit the unusual book with inspiring beloved Mark Twain characters like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

Pontine’s workshops will explore historical documents about the 1908 opening of the Aldrich Memorial, including newspaper articles, a commemorative booklet written by Lillian Aldrich and excerpts from the novel. Staff members from Strawbery Banke will collaborate with Pontine to inform participants about Aldrich’s childhood and Portsmouth’s rich history.

Gathers and Mathews intend to use their combined 30 years of experience to offer lessons that include both theater and history. The sessions, which will take place at West End Studio Theatre on Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m., are open to community members age eight and older. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A $35 tuition fee covers all six sessions.

Free community arts workshop performances will be schedule for June 28 and 29 at Strawbery Banke and WEST, with additional performances at assisted care facilities for seniors. Register by attending the first session on Tuesday, May 20 at 5:45 p.m., at 959 Islington St., 603-436-6660.