To Engage, Educate and Enrich the lives of Active Adults 50+
and their communities through Creative Arts Experiences.

We transform lives through creative expression for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. We facilitate transformation by amplifying the innate social-emotional benefits of the arts.
By offering easily accessible learning programs we provide opportunities for community engagement and a legacy of improved health and happiness. Our theatre arts programs range from empowering students through storytelling, to helping seniors reclaim their dignity with creative expression. Our health and wellness programs offer hope and opportunity to people living with Parkinson’s.

What’s New at NextStage?

=>> NextStage Events Calendar

Featured

Readers Theater

NextStage Productions is delighted to bring another eight short plays for their seventh Readers Theater Play festival. Performed by active seniors, these comedies will make you smile, if not laugh out loud. They are filled with humor, innuendo, and interesting twists that stretch some boundaries.

Sunday April 12th, 2pm and
Saturday April 18th, 2pm
Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola

Suggested donation $15. at the door

Taiko for People with Parkinson's

NextStage sponsors a Taiko Drumming Class in conjunction with Watsonville Taiko and EASE PD (exercise, activity, support and education for Parkinson’s Disease) for people living with Parkinson’s. These classes, which are offered with full scholarships to students have been a great success for those residing in the Santa Cruz area.

The next 9 week session of Taiko Drumming & Movement Class for people living w/ Parkinson's starts on Monday April 13, 2026 at Trinity Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Santa Cruz

For more information or to register, email Risa at:
risa@nextstagesantacruz.org

Storytelling General Meeting

Storytellers is an opportunity to tell our stories to an audience. We workshop our ideas and then prepare them for performance. Based on similar projects like the The Moth or Ted Talks, led by Brad Roades, NextStage Storytellers brings the oral storytelling tradition to the community of Santa Cruz.

This year's theme is: Strangers - chance encounters that changed your whole perspective.

General Information Meeting

Wednesday May 13 4-5:30pm
Ow Family Community Room, Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola