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FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dear friends of Stages,

Well, here we are. It’s been over six months since
we opened Stages’ new home, The Gordy, that
we had the opportunity to celebrate for just seven
short weeks before the shutdown. This moment
in time is dramatically different than we expected
it to be. And the reality of not being able to fully
experience this transformational new venue has,
yes, been traumatic. That said, I am continuously
inspired by Stages’ community of artists and
audiences, and the shared commitment to making
plays and telling stories, even when the way we
traditionally do this work is not possible.
From the reading of Vincent Terrell Durham’s Polar Bears, Black Boys and Prairie Fringed
Orchids as part of the national Juneteenth Theatre Justice Project, to the launch of Pieces
of the Moon as a radio play, to the recent streaming of a Zoom-captured Sensitive Guys,
Stages artists and staff have been at work finding new ways to make connection in this
moment of social distancing. Today, we’re excited to host you for a program called Stages
Studio Sessions that features diverse Houston-based artists in performance with an original
show weekly through October 11th.

Yes, it’s true, we cannot wait to be with you again at The Gordy once it’s safe and
responsible for us to do so. But, today, that’s not possible. We are leaning in and focusing
on storytelling in new mediums that allow us to continue forward in relationship until the
moment we can again sit together in the dark to learn how to love each other in the light.

We have made the decision to present this dynamic programming to our community at no
cost to hopefully inspire at a time when that is so important in our lives. If you are able, we
invite you to support Stages with a philanthropic contribution. This is the only investment
we have at the moment to fuel our work forward. Donations can be made online at www.
stageshouston.com.
We’re grateful to be in community with you.

Sincerely,

Mark D.A Folkes
Managing Director