Strand-Capitol Will Now Manage STAGE THE PAGE Program

The historic Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center and the Performing Arts for Children (PAC) organization have announced that as of May 28, the Strand-Capitol will assume responsibility for the 'Stage The Page' program which provides children in grades K-2 the opportunity to see a book they have read and studied in the classroom come to life in a professional theatre production.

"We are very excited about being able to make this great program a special initiative of the Strand-Capitol," said Ken Wesler, president and CEO of the Strand-Capitol. "Education is a critical part of our activities here, and being able to step in to ensure that the 10,000 children who participate in this program every year will continue to have this special experience is a perfect fit with our mission as a nonprofit."

'Stage The Page' provides a selected book to 38 schools in eight different districts throughout York County each year. The schools in the program agree to incorporate the provided book into a classroom lesson plan. Once the book has been read and studied in class, the students are treated to a fieldtrip to the Strand-Capitol where they see their beloved storybook brought to life on the stage by a professional performance group. The entire program is free of charge to participating schools, has been run by volunteers for the past nine years, and is funded by donations and grants. The Strand-Capitol's involvement means that 'Stage The Page' will now have the support of a professional staff to continue the program's growth.

"The 'Stage The Page' program has achieved so much success in the community that it has outgrown the volunteer support that we can offer through Performing Arts for Children," said Nada Seidon, president of PAC. "Our commitment to the program and funding its annual budget is still strong and we're incredibly proud that the program has risen to the level of success needed to be managed by the Strand-Capitol."

The Strand-Capitol will now be responsible for fundraising the $35,000 to $40,000 needed to keep the program running each year.

"We see the next year as a transitional year," adds Wesler. "We'll be working closely with Nada Seidon and the Board of PAC to ensure that all the details of the program are in place and working smoothly."

The previous 'Stage The Page' program was held a month ago in April 2014 and although this transition is taking place over the next year, the April 2015 show has already been selected, a performance date has been scheduled, and books will be purchased soon.

"Teachers and the community should know that this announcement means that the 'Stage The Page' program is here to stay," said Seidon. "Everyone involved - Board members, schools, donors and the Strand-Capitol - are focused on our mission of bringing this program to as many children as possible."

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