Studio 76 is ALIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!

Many of you know that we have been exploring various sites to open up either a studio or a storefront..or a combo of the two. This mission began last summer as we were approached by representatives of a number of community development officials from local neighborhoods, including the Collinwood, Euclid and Larchmere areas about considering a space...something that had previously crossed our minds, but seemed off in the distant future. However, this interest got our minds working and we became increasingly excited about the prospects.

After many months of contemplation, research, conversations and soul-searching, we were able to work out a mutually beneficial contract with Shore Cultural Centre in Euclid for what we consider the perfect space for what we want to do.

Shore has been under the management of Coral Company for a year now, and has literally been given a new "lease on life." Coral has made the building self-sufficient, has made many infrastructure and cosmetic improvements, has recruited a number of talented full-time tenants and has begun to get the word out about all of the great offerings that Euclid residents and Northeast Ohioans can benefit from.

In addition to us, Shore now boasts a culinary school, yoga instruction studio, video production company, adult theatre troupe, and many others who are full-time tenants. In addition, Shore is home to many different arts, culture and athletic classes, including: pottery, music, painting, dance, exercise, acting, guitar, piano, tutoring, college classes, sports, computers, keyboarding...and more!

As new tenants of Shore, our goal is to transform our space into a working studio where we will be able to commence production on all of our bath and body products, soaps, mineral make-up items, and hand painted magnets, keepsakes and other works of art. Eventually, we plan to provide classes of our own in the areas of soap making, painting, etc., with the hope of bringing in some of our ultra-talented friends and fellow artisans to pass along their vast knowledge in classes as well. Down the road, we also plan to turn a portion of Studio 76 into a small retail outlet where patrons can purchase our handcrafted items.

Right now, we are feverishly painting and prepping Studio 76 so that we can soon begin moving in our supplies, materials and workspace furniture. Below are a couple of photos of the outside of our space, as well as some informational/promotional pieces we generated. Enjoy!

UpStage Players Youth Theater Company to Present Aladdin, Jr. in Late-March

UpStage Players, our favorite Cleveland-area non-profit, will be producing their annual musical in a couple of weeks. We have a special place in our hearts for UpStage...they brought us together! We encourage everyone to come out and ENJOY THE SHOW! Here's the news release for the event:

CLEVELAND, Ohio—Don’t miss your chance to witness the spring musical performances of one of Northeast Ohio’s hardest working children’s theater companies, UpStage Players.  From March 26th through March 28th, the group will be producing and performing Aladdin, Jr., where many all-time favorite characters come to life in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit.

UpStage Players’ opening performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 26th at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home (15335 Waterloo Road; Cleveland), their permanent performance residence.  The group’s second show will commence on Saturday, March 27th, also at 7:30 p.m.  Their final performance of the spring will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 28th.

Advanced tickets/reserved seats are $5 each.  Admission is $6 each if purchased during the week prior to the show or at the door (these are general admission seats).  To order or inquire about advanced tickets, e-mail upstageplayers@gmail.com.

Aladdin, Jr. features the popular characters Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie.  This heartfelt and funny show is filled with magic, mayhem and the wonderful vocal and acting flair of some of Northeast Ohio’s most talented children.  The musical also showcases a tuneful, Academy award-winning score, with songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”

Upstage Players is a non-profit professional children's theater group run by an all-volunteer staff in Cleveland, Ohio.  The organization was founded in 1995 with 30 children and a vision to create love and respect for the arts.  They have evolved into a strong group that uses theater as a vehicle to teach leadership, creativity and responsibility to nearly three times as many children today.  Although the UpStage family has grown tremendously over the years, their no-cut policy remains unchanged. 

The children of UpStage Players come from varied backgrounds and neighborhoods, yet share the same drive to optimize their potential.  They hail from a variety of communities, including: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Bratenahl, Euclid, Eastlake, Lakewood, Mayfield, Mentor, Richmond Heights, Willoughby, Concord and Willowick.  In addition, the diverse cast/crew of UpStage Players is headed by an unpaid staff and supported by an army of volunteers dedicated to transforming everyday kids into accomplished artists.

To kick-off a new awareness and fundraising initiative for UpStage Players, the group sponsored the successful UpStage Artisan Alley, a fresh, new indie craft show that took place on February 13th.  Many different artisans displayed their talents for members of the community to purchase, while some of the cast members performed for patrons and vendors.  Plans for a second UpStage Artisan Alley fundraiser are being generated.

For additional information about UpStage Players, or to download a printable ticket order form for Aladdin, Jr., visit www.upstageplayers.com.

Cleveland Craft Coalition @ Bela Dubby This Saturday

If you live in the Cleveland area I'm sure you've heard of the most recent addition in the handmade movement. The Cleveland Craft Coalition is a group of local artists and crafters that are holding shows once a month at Bela Dubby in Lakewood in order to sell their handmade wares.  From what I understand, there will be a rotation in vendors each month.  You can look forward to seeing (and buying) something new every time. 

The Coalition's first show was in February just in time for Valentine's Day.  While we weren't able attend the February show we are definately setting time aside to go check it out this Saturday.  We wish them much success in spreading the joys of handmade. 
You can become a Facebook fan of The Cleveland Craft Coalition or check them out on MySpace @ www.myspace.com/clevelandcraftcoalition.  Either way make sure you get out Saturday to check them out.

Bela Dubby
13321 Madison Ave.
Lakewood, OH  44107
Noon - 4PM