Round of applause for supporters of the arts

I am humbled to say that more than 300 volunteers contribute to Curtain Call’s success each year.

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”

Since this weekend is Greek Easter, it seems appropriate to go way back to a better writer than I for inspiration, and the above quote: Aristotle.

Each April, thousands of grateful nonprofit organizations across the country celebrate Volunteer Month. And each year it gives me pause to think of how our community is made better by volunteers. I am humbled to say that more than 300 volunteers contribute to Curtain Call’s success each year.

As Stamford’s longest-running, and only year-round, nonprofit producing theatre organization, we could not provide the level of service to the community that we do, without the tens of thousands of hours of volunteer time contributed each year. From our volunteer performers who entertain, and the behindthescenes crews that run our shows, to the ushers, office helpers and others, it’s amazing to see the community spirit so strong and vibrant at our community theater. Numbered among the most dedicated volunteers are our many long-serving board members.

Mahatma Gandhi once said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. The volunteers who “get lost” with us each year have never been more appreciated than during the past two years, and to them, I am forever grateful. While thanking these wonderful and generous volunteers for the arts, (and of course, our loyal patrons), all of us at Curtain Call also need to thank our elected officials who have supported live theater at Sterling Farms since 1972. Members of our Board of Representatives, Board of Finance and other municipal boards are all volunteers and contribute greatly to our quality of life in Stamford and truly need to be thanked for their level of volunteerism.

While we’re still not quite back to normal audience levels here, this season, with the leadership of our amazing staff, hundreds of volunteers will have made 120-plus performances possible. That includes the wonderful world premiere of our upcoming May show, “The Lobby” and our recently announced June production of “Disaster, the Musical” (and yes, we’ll be back with outdoor Shakespeare in July and our annual Summer Youth Theatre show in August.)

And speaking of summer: this summer, we will mark the 50th anniversary of The Kweskin Theatre — 50 years! Thousands upon thousands of volunteers have made that possible. To all who have helped in the past and those looking to try something new by getting involved here, I am thankful.