On this Giving Tuesday…

It has been a challenging year, one that provided Los Altos Stage with pride in our accomplishments and concerns for the arts, as some arts organizations struggle with reduced audiences which result in reduced revenues.

While we are pleased for our successes (and financial stability), we also recognize the importance of strengthening the arts for the future. Today I’m reaching out to invite you to join us in shining a brighter light on the value of artistic expression, especially in these difficult times.

Your support is crucial. A year-end gift, particularly in the $250–500 range, will help us move forward, including mounting a capital campaign (pending City approval) for a new downtown theater while producing our upcoming 30th season of exceptional productions.

This year we hired BuildingBlox Consulting to create a Capital Campaign Feasibility Study, which we presented to the City of Los Altos as a public/private partnership (a January council vote is expected). The study has renewed our purpose and confirmed the potential for a new, purpose-built downtown theater with enhanced audience amenities, a focus on youth performances, and expanded learning opportunities. Here are some of the findings:

• What inspires us? Live theater brings people together, sparks dialogue, fosters empathy, and builds community.
• Our purpose: Los Altos Stage Company celebrates diverse art and culture, creating a welcoming space for artists and audiences to connect.
• What are our challenges and opportunities? Theater strives to bridge divides, stimulate meaningful dialogue, share experiences and broaden perspectives on important community issues.

We’re proud of our 30-year history of excellent productions and invite you to join us for A Christmas Story, The Musical, running through December 22. Featuring a talented cast —ten of whom are local youth — it’s a charming family show to kick off the season. Every play requires staffing, casting, set design and building, publicizing, etc., and there are three more productions being organized for 2025, plus two new youth shows! It’s a busy, fulfilling schedule.

We are very grateful that you have joined us this year, participated in surveys and interviews, and expressed enthusiasm for the new theater effort. We value your efforts and ask that you expand your commitment to LASC by donating, inviting your friends and neighbors to join you, and advocating for our current programs and the new theater.

With your help, we’ll continue to meet the challenges ahead and make a lasting impact on our community through the arts.

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season,

 Vicki Reeder, Board President