During my time at Stagebridge, I have witnessed a great transition.
Since I began working here in December 2019, most of my work has been virtual. Lily and I worked tirelessly to make the necessary pivot to online classes during the first stages of the pandemic, and our entire team has worked hard to make sure that every class and production keeps the same standard of Stagebridge excellence—if not more.
For me, a lot of this special magic came together in our productions and special events. With Scrumbly Koldewyn and Joanne Grimm leading the charge, we were able to produce two incredible performances.
Admittedly, when I watched The Dell last year, I got it. I understood why our students craved for bigger and bolder opportunities. When given the chance, Stagebridgers transform on stage and create unique, inspiring performance pieces sparked by their own creativity and drive. So soon, I hope you’ll help us spread word for the premiere of our newest musical, A Full and Complete Stop, later on this year.
Around the same time last year, we produced our first Finding Ourselves in America event—the start of a beautiful new program for the future.
As a writer outside of Stagebridge and a biracial advocate for the arts, I was proud to be part of our first partnership in uplifting underrepresented voices. Since the event was originally intended to combat the rise of attacks on Asians and Pacific Islanders, the connection of international storytellers created a moment of healing and sharing of API identities and legacies.
Looking ahead, the future of Finding Ourselves in America will incorporate special classes, workshops, and co-produced performances to create multiple pathways for BIPOC storytellers to dispel new, thoughtful narratives. Just with all of our classes and events, this program will be able to create healing and validating spaces for more and more communities untouched by Stagebridge.
Sometimes, it is odd to think how much I hold on to deep contemplation on our programs with my position. The very basic nature of marketing and communications is to translate our programs to new audiences and students. For me, this starts with celebrating what we have already created while imagining what is possible for the future.
As you continue to hear stories about the past, present and future of Stagebridge, let’s figure out a way to support the evolution of this community—always willing to innovate and surprise audiences at any age.
~Julius Rea, Director of Marketing & Communications