Come shop on Waterloo for Valentine's Day

There is a kick-butt event on Waterloo next Saturday the 13th in anticipation for Valentine's Day. While I wouldn't normally suggest you procrastinate on getting your sweetie a special gift, this event will be an extra special opportunity to get your someone special something extra special.

UPSTAGE ARTISAN ALLEY CRAFT SHOW TO SUPPORT CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY THEATER COMPANY
Cupid is coming a day early to the Waterloo Arts District! UpStage Artisan Alley, a fresh, new indie craft show, opens its doors from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Collinwood's Slovenian Workmen's Home (15335 Waterloo Rd.; Cleveland, 44110). The event will serve as a fundraiser for UpStage Players, a local, nonprofit children's theater company, as they gear-up for their spring musical, "Aladdin, Jr." In addition to raising funds for this accomplished organization. UpStage Artisan Alley's mission is to showcase the talents of Northeast Ohio artisans in an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere, while allowing patrons to shop for themselves and their loved ones.

UpStage Artisan Alley will feature a variety of talented artisans from around Northeast Ohio. Patrons can choose from handcrafted bath and body products, handpainted keepsakes and magnets, rocknroll inspired art prints, jewelry, candles, crocheted items, rocknroll posters, fused glass items, photographic art, ceramic keepsakes, ecofriendly items and more! The event will also feature a rehearsal from UpStage Players, face painters, food and refreshments, raffles, prizes and an opportunity to socialize with the cast, crew and staff of UpStage Players, as well as the local artisans.

The arts scene in the Waterloo/Arts Collinwood area is really starting to blossom, and this indie craft show, in conjunction with UpStage Players, will surely continue to foster that growth. UpStage Artisan Alley is more than just a craft show. It is an event that will incorporate theater arts and other artistic mediums in a harmonious forum of support for one another. The event's success will further demonstrate that the Waterloo Arts District is a unique destination for all Northeast Ohioans.

Upstage Players is a nonprofit professional children's theatre 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 150 children today. Although the UpStage family has grown tremendously over the years, their nocut policy remains unchanged.

The children of UpStage Players come from varied backgrounds and communities, yet they 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 andWillowick. 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.

Upstage Players provides many benefits for their artists, including building self confidence, encouraging selfesteem, providing social outlets, promoting responsibility and leadership and providing a fun, safe haven. In addition to its artistic value, UpStage Players brings communities together and gives kids something to do. The organization produces numerous shows throughout the year, including the upcoming spring musical "Aladdin, Jr.," an improvisational troupe and the Upstage Underground summer show.

The UpStage Players spring musical "Aladdin, Jr.," will take place on March 26th and 27th at 7:30 p.m. and March 28th at 2:30 p.m., also at the Slovenian Workmen's Home. Advance tickets are $5 each and are reserved seats. 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 advance tickets, email
upstageplayers@gmail.com. For additional information about UpStage Players, or to download a printable ticket order form for "Aladdin, Jr.," visit www.upstageplayers.com. To find out more about UpStage Artisan Alley, check out www.upstageartisanalley.blogspot.com.