On February 14, I took the helm as Stagebridge’s Managing Director as the newest staff member in the organization’s more-than-40-year history.
In my short time, I’ve chatted with staff, students, teachers and Stagebridge’s world-traveling founder Stuart Kandell. Each expressed, in their own way, the power of Stagebridge and their appreciation for the programs and teachers who brought value beyond measure to their lives, especially during the last two years.
One student mentioned she’d turned to playing the piano when she felt discouraged or isolated in the world—a pure act of the healing magic of performing arts.
Her piano along with weekly Stagebridge classes have been a lifeline. They helped her fight the isolation and weariness she felt during the pandemic and gave her an outlet to express herself. Performing arts reconnected her livelihood, her passion and her joy. That’s her Stagebridge story!
Over the next few weeks, you’re going to hear more stories from students, staff, board members and teachers, titled LEGACIES. This is the collective story of our hardships and triumphs, our tales of isolation and reconnection. In short, it’s our Stagebridge story.
Stagebridge plans to raise $25,000 through the LEGACIES campaign which will support Stagebridge’s continued recovery, including the expansion of the Performing Arts Institute as well as the return of Seniors Reaching Out, Storybridge and Finding Ourselves in America.
Through the pandemic, Stagebridge provided more than $27,000 in scholarships as well as endless hours of technological training and support to our students. Each dollar raised now will continue to keep tuition affordable, provide access to the Bay Area’s top arts educators, and create countless opportunities for lifelong learners.
If you can’t donate right now, contact me directly at elissa@stagebridge.org and let’s brainstorm how we can involve your community, network and personal expertise to further our mission.
Thank you for making the important decision to support our community. As I continue to write my Stagebridge story, your support will leave a new legacy by ensuring every voice can be heard and every story told.
~Elissa Glickman, Stagebridge Managing Director