Senator Murphy Takes Center Stage; Tours Pleasantville's Premiere Theater Company
July 25, 2018
Pleasantville, NY - Shakespeare once said, "All the world's a stage." Arc Stages, a multifaceted arts organization in Pleasantville, has gathered the best of several theatrical worlds under one roof. An advocate for the arts, Senator Terrence Murphy recently visited Arc Stages theater and classrooms to see for himself why it is considered a mecca for creative and artistic growth.
"The productions and programs offered by Arc Stages have had a significant social, economic and artistic impact on Pleasantville and the Hudson Valley," said Senator Murphy. "The staff and executive board of directors are dedicated to making Arc Stages an arts destination, and many have shown their commitment by moving to Pleasantville to live, work and support local businesses."
Marlene Canapi, Executive Board Chair, Theresa Lant, Executive Board President and
Adam David Cohen, Artistic Director for the organization, guided Senator Murphy through the tour.
Arc Stages well-chosen name encapsulates their mission: with the "A" standing for "Artistically transforming lives", the "R" for "Reaching generations in a moment," and the "C" for "Creating an artistic home for the community."
Founded in 2000, the theatre arts center is a collaboration between the 50-year legacy of the Chappaqua Drama Group (CDG) and the Pleasantville-based educational theatre company Little Village Playhouse (LVP). Together the two theatre companies have transformed into a new and vital professional quality company whose overall objective is to bring different types of theatre and arts education to the surrounding communities.
Arc Stages is comprised of three theatre companies under one roof - The Educational Stage, The Community Stage, and The Next Stage, and has served over 500 students. The Educational Stage is a theatre company where students of all ages can explore the world of theatre through a professional rehearsal process, master classes, outreach and intensive ensemble work. The Community Stage is a theatre company for actors, singers and technicians from all walks of life that offers the best in American musicals and dramas. The Next Stage produces contemporary theatre, new works, cabaret, workshops and staged readings.
Through its educational outreach, Arc Stages has supported a diverse range of community activities, such as playwriting, working with autistic students, a senior center program for continuing theatre education, and art exhibits featuring local artists, including high school students. ---