This may be a cliché to some, but to Lynn Knudsen and her team at NextStage it’s a way of life and just plain fun. She’s sharing that contagious happiness all over the Santa Cruz territory. Lynn began a performance group locally after having a WOW experience at a Performing Arts Summer camp at Oakland’s Stagebridge, an innovative senior theatre company.
A real magnet to spontaneous optimism, Lynn’s background in New York musical theater is of great benefit and has us all smiling. The variety of classes and work shops in singing, dancing, acting, improvisation, Zumba, Story telling, musical theater, and comedy are all led by experts in these fields. In her own words “If you are over 50 and want to fulfill a dream of performing or renew your abilities while having fun with a great group of people, this is your opportunity.”
Many who have stepped up to enjoy that opportunity find that there’s nothing “cliché” about NextStage Productions, It’s a vivacious program for adults celebrating their second 50 years. It’s a transforming opportunity for new performers and an outrageously rejuvenating space for experienced talent from theatre and performing arts backgrounds.
Beginning this year, the 50th birthday belongs to those born in 1965! Participating in NextStage is purposeful, and demonstrates in action the many ways in which seniors and elders improve their quality of life and enrich our culture and our communities. Here we find out that creativity is ageless.
All the workshops and classes are set in a safe and encouraging environment where artists and student artists hone their skills while enjoying the companionship of others with a similar focus. Exploring together the creative process promotes health, lifelong learning, and an empowering sense of mastery in the theatrical disciplines you wish to study,
At NextStage the “behind the scenes” work is just as important as what happens in the limelight! You can assemble marketing materials, help with performances, make phone calls, or gather props. Theatre people don’t lack for imagination- look at our opportunities below and you’ll see many ways to volunteer. If you have another idea of how to help, let NSP know. They would love to see you in action. Simply visit the web site www.nextstagesantacruz.org/volunteer-signup and choose your area of interest.
Kathryn Adkins, the Co-founder of NextStage, will be conducting a Director’s Workshop, at Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Street, Capitola August 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Telephone 476- 4711 or contact us at nextstagesantacruz.org/contact-us and have our newsletter sent to you with a list all of the upcoming classes and activities.
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Seniors In Action wants to hear from you! Contact “C.J.” for questions and suggestions on senior coverage in our area visit: agingmischief.com or call 831-359-5814