Stagebridge began in 1978 as an acting class at a senior center taught by Stuart Kandell. Within a year, the actors began performing original collaborative plays at senior centers and in elementary schools. Audiences responded strongly to seeing their peers or grandmas and grandpas on stage.

Kandell hired playwright and teacher, Linda Spector, in 1980 and began a collaboration that has lasted over twenty years. Spector has written more than twenty plays for the company dealing with issues such as street crime, depression, volunteering, stereotypes, technology, love and sex.

In 1991, an annual play of “Grandparent Tales” began by adapting popular children’s books about grandparents and performing for large school audiences. This expanded to include storytelling programs in local schools.

The company receives support from the “Friends of Stagebridge” and grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations.

Meet the Staff

Executive Director:
Dr. Stuart Kandell

Drama/Theatre Director:
Josiah Polhemus

Storytelling Director:
Liz Nichols

Schools Coordinator:
Barbara Johnson

Marketing Director:
Maryann Maslan

Development Director:
Michael Stephens

Bookkeeper:
Suzanne Ludlum

Office Manager:
James Jenkins

Board of Trustees

Tom Flynn – President

Joanne Grimm – Vice President

Jerry Fishman– Secretary

Sheri Davenport

Stuart Kandell, Ph.D.

Evelyn Wesley, Ph.D.