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December 2019 Letter from the NextStage Board

What a year it has been for NextStage Productions!  

You may recall last year we spoke of goals and dreams.  Well we are so happy to report that with your support, and the dedication of the NextStage volunteers, we were able to meet and exceed our wildest expectations.  Not only did we develop four shows: Razzle Dazzle, Cruz’n California, Piggy Pie and the Magical Mystery Tour, but were able to perform these, not only in schools, Assisted Living and Memory Loss Facilities, and other venues, but also at Zizzo’s Coffeehouse and Wine Bar in Capitola, and were invited to perform at Abbott Square for the MAH, to wonderful audiences and reviews. These shows were your donation dollars at work.  It is now time to renew your support of NextStage by considering us in your year-end donation planning. 

But that’s not all, we brought a dream to fruition by creating the first and only drumming class, in conjunction with EASE PD and Watsonville Taiko, designed especially for people living with Parkinson’s in Santa Cruz County.  Not only did we complete our first 8-week pilot program, but the program was so popular that we then had to create a second class – and now, a third!  This was done with your donations.  The feedback is heart-warming with reports from the participants of both mobility and memory improvement as well as increased quality of life. 

So, as we enter the last month of 2019, and begin new year planning, we ask you for your continued support and donation.   This year we became “multi-generational”, offering a production for children pre-school to grade 3 with fantastic success.  New programs like this, offered to schools, health care facilities, and to the public can only proceed with your help. We need your donations to create and expand these endeavors.

What we do is so important.  We fight isolation in the elderly.  We provide creative and expressive arts for those 50+.  We offer classes that entertain and teach.  We reach out to the community. We make a difference.  And so do you.  With your donation, we can continue to grow and provide vital services to bring joy and purpose to so many lives forgotten, hidden, in pain or overlooked.  We are here for you. Please be there for us!

Your donation can be made by online by clicking the donate button at the top of this page. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Our best wishes for the holiday season.  We hope to see you all in the New Year, it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Come and realize a dream with us!

Continued thanks for your support,
NextStage Board of Directors and Leaders

WHY GIVE TO NEXSTAGE -

Your Help is Needed!

To help NextStage continue to build a world where every individual flourishes across their lifespan through creative expression.

Outcome: Our contribution over the last five years includes a collaboration with Cabrillo Extension, Cabrillo Stage and Cabrillo Theater Arts to conduct a week long summer performing arts program, where we have delivered over 1,000 hours of creative arts training. Additionally classes are conducted in the Spring and Fall for students on a serious learning track. These are 6 or 8 week courses in voice, dance, improv, storytelling as well as other disciplines.

To help NextStage Players, a touring company of 35 seasoned performers, continue to bring joyful entertainment to the Santa Cruz Community with original musical and Broadway style productions. To improve our delivery system using digital music and sound amplification for appearances at larger venues.

Outcome:  The Players perform about 30 times a year and are enjoyed by audiences, particularly residents at healthcare and assisted living facilities and reach approximately 50 spectators per performance. This fall we also produced BINGO the winning musical, our first full scaled musical production and over 900 ticket buyers came.  All in all we are performing for “lots” of people at various venues, and loving every minute of it!

To help NextStage bring more cutting edge Health and Wellness Programs to the aging citizens and families of Santa Cruz County . The purpose of these programs is to enhance the quality of living, aging gracefully, and keeping a meaningful contact with their community.

Outcome: TimeSlips addresses wellness and happiness by using the open, poetic language of improvisational storytelling, which invites people with memory loss to express themselves and connect with others. TimeSlips is more than an activity…it is a way of being in relationships, and offers better care through creative engagement. TimeSlips is being offered free at Elderday and Sunshine Villa on a bi-weekly basis. We have also developed a program of music and movement for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.

To help NextStage build its volunteer leadership to expand and manage the organization, and strengthen our mission and goals into the future.

Outcome: Till now only a few founding volunteers, working diligently without any paid staff, have organized and made great strides with our NSP Programs. But as we prepare for the huge number of boomers turning 65yrs old we will need more help to serve such a diversified population. We have recently hired a part time administrative assistant and we will continue to recruit volunteer leadership who have a with a passion for the cause. If your are interested in helping us, please contact us at 831-316-4833-Voice Mail.

In-Kind Donations

In addition to cash contributions, many businesses donate products to charity, often referred to as “in-kind” gifts,” or offer their services on a free “pro bono” basis. Other companies have products that can be used by nonprofits, including products from current inventory, obsolete merchandise, returned or slightly damaged goods, computers, or office furniture and equipment. Nonprofits can also benefit from services provided by a company and/or its employees, such as printing, legal representation or publication design.

Our Wish List:

Office Space - Rehearsal Space - Computers and Printers - Paper and Ink - Office Copier - Office Phones - Office Supplies - Bankers Boxes - Print Services Postage - Marketing Services - Photography - Videography

We also have Sponsorship Opportunities for some of our special events. A great way to reach our community.