Transcendence Theatre Company Hosts Community Projects to Benefit Grieving Children, Alzheimer's Patients, and Teens

The Transcendence Theatre Company is not only wowing audiences in Jack London State Historic Park but also has a made a commitment to work with the local community. Amy Miller, Artistic Director stated, "We commit to building our company from the fabric of our community. Through programs of service, we look to inspire both on and off stage as we maintain a profound relationship between audience and artist."

On July 1, Resident performer Libby Servais organized the company's first engagement project of the summer, an inspirational and interactive morning with the kids of the WillMar Family Grief & Healing Center. With over 50 people participating in the project, the artists played theater games with the kids, and worked in groups creatively exploring Shel Silverstein poems, through music, song and dance. The morning culminated in interpretive performances of the poems on the front lawn of Willmar with artists and children performing with and for each other.

On August 20, Resident performer Rachel Louise Thomas spearheaded the initiative at The Adobe House in Petaluma, which is an assisted care facility for people suffering from Alzheimer's and memory loss. Team Transcendence spent the morning with the residents the Adobe House, celebrating music and dance with a sing-a-long, dance-a-long and laugh-a-long.

Says Rachel Thomas, "The Music Of The Night (Broadway Under The Stars) cast and crew blew my mind out of proportion not only because of the talents they shared with Adobe House, but because of how much of themselves they shared with the residents. This Energy just propelled the interaction with the residents, creating a family tie. The Adobe House gave us the affirmation to always carry with us endless hope, and furthermore, proving how music and dance enhances the Spirit, empowering our "Lights" to shine even brighter than before! To quote one of the residents I had the great honor of chatting with after our performance, "This is a performance I will never forget.""

On August 30 Resident performer Eric Jackson and Team Transcendence will spend an engaging morning at the Sonoma Valley Teen Services with the goal of inspiring teens to follow their dreams and to learn about careers in the theater arts community and collaboration.

Sonoma Teen Services offers employment, career resources and life skills support and programs include operation of micro businesses, training, internships and real world experience.

Theater careers focus on creativity and discipline, and include set design, lighting, costume design, performing, stage management, musical direction, choreography and writing. The artists will share stories of how they found their career in theater, and will create a team building event to share the importance of collaboration.

Also produced by the Transcendence Theatre Company, the 2014 "Broadway Under the Stars" summer concert series in Jack London State Historic Park last two shows will be the "Gala Celebration Concert," on September 5, 6. Tickets are almost sold out for this memorable evening.

Transcendence Theatre was named Broadway World San Francisco's 2013 "Theatre of the Year." Over the last three seasons the company has given over $100,000 to Jack London State Historic Park, while winning the Broadway World San Francisco award for Best Special Theater Event in both of its first two seasons.

Transcendence has an ever-growing list of sponsors and partners for the 2014 season including Nelson, Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma Index Tribune, California Sate Parks, Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association, Chateau St. Jean, Sotheby's International Realty, Beau Wine Tours, KZST, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Whole Foods Sonoma, The Girl & The Fig, El Pueblo Inn, Classic Party Rentals, JDH Wealth Management LLC, Parkpoint Health Clubs, SomethingAboutSonoma.com, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, Julie Atwood Events, The Dance Center Santa Rosa, Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Friedman's Home Improvements, Jack London State Park, Magical Massage, Olive and Vine, The Glen Ellen Star, Kid Scoop News, the County of Sonoma, Sonoma Market, The Preiser Key, and Glen Ellen Family Dentistry as well as 7 sparkling wine sponsors, 15 nightly wine sponsors, and over 23 pouring partner wineries.

Prices range from $42 to $125 for the "Broadway Under the Stars "concerts in Jack London State Park and seats are still available for the "Gala Celebration" concerts.

To purchase tickets visit www.TTCsonoma.org or call (877) 424-1414