Upstage Artisan Show

UPSTAGE ARTISAN ALLEY CRAFT SHOW FUNDRAISER COMING SOON

Cupid is coming two days early to the Waterloo Arts District! UpStage Artisan Alley, a fresh, indie, pop-up boutique and craft show, opens its doors from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Cleveland’s Slovenian Workmen's Home (15335 Waterloo Rd.).

The event will serve as a fundraiser for UpStage Players, a local, non-profit children’s theater company, as they gear-up for their spring musical, Seussical: The Musical. 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, hand-painted keepsakes and magnets, canvas art, jewelry, crocheted items, last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts and more!

The event will also feature a rehearsal from the UpStage Players, face painting, food and refreshments, raffles, prizes…and an opportunity to socialize with the cast, crew and staff of UpStage Players and local artisans.

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 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 100 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, 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.

Upstage Players provides many benefits for their artists, including building self confidence, encouraging self-esteem, 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 a spring musical, an improvisational troupe and the Upstage Underground summer show.

The UpStage Players spring musical Seussical: The Musical, will take place on April 15th and 16th at 7:30 p.m. and April 17th at 2:30 p.m., also at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home. Advanced tickets are $6 each and are reserved seats. Admission is $8 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.

For additional information about UpStage Players, or to download a printable ticket order form or purchase tickets via PayPal for Seussical: The Musical, visit www.upstageplayers.com.