Growing Together: How Community Roots Keep STOA Strong
As we move into the holiday season — a season of gratitude, reflection, and connection — I’ve been thinking a lot about how far STOA: A New Musical Journey has come. What began as a quiet idea under the canopy of Brandon Park has grown into something living, breathing, and deeply communal. And that growth has only been possible because of the people here in Williamsport who have believed in this journey.
Local artists, students, families, small businesses, and sponsors have stepped forward with open hearts and open hands — offering their talents, their encouragement, their time, and their resources. Every partnership, every meeting, every rehearsal, every conversation has added a new root, helping STOA take hold and flourish. This musical is not just a production; it is a reflection of the community that has nurtured it.
The Strength of Community Support
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Williamsport community rally around STOA in ways that have humbled me again and again.
Local artists and musicians have poured their creativity into shaping the sound and spirit of the show.
Schools and students have jumped in with excitement, eager to bring the forest of STOA to life.
Sponsors and organizations have stepped up early, believing in the power of original, locally created art to make a difference.
Families, friends, and neighbors have reached out — sharing posts, spreading the word, offering encouragement.
Each connection, each conversation, has helped STOA take root. Together, you form the foundation of something much larger than a stage production.
Why the Arts Matter, Here at Home and Everywhere
STOA’s story is rooted in nature and connection, but its purpose is deeply tied to the transformative power of the arts.
The arts nurture creativity and emotional intelligence in children.
When young people sing, imagine, create stories, and step into new roles, they grow in confidence, empathy, and expression. These are the roots of strong, thoughtful future adults.
The arts strengthen communities.
Shared moments like sitting together in a theater, hearing a story unfold, feeling the same spark of wonder, build lasting community bonds across generations.
The arts support local economies and fuel civic pride.
From local performers to small business partnerships to increased foot traffic and visibility, the arts uplift the economic and cultural life of a region.
Williamsport has always had a deep well of creativity. STOA is one more reflection of what becomes possible when we invest in imagination and make space for stories.
A New Milestone: STOA Has Found Its Stage
With all this community support behind us, we’re excited to share a major milestone:
STOA: A New Musical Journey will make its stage debut at Lycoming College’s Clarke Chapel from January 9–18, 2026.
This historic and inspiring space will transform into the forest of STOA — a place where the story can bloom, where audience and performers meet, and where our community’s creativity comes alive.
I am profoundly grateful to Lycoming College President Chip Edmonds, Gwynne Kinley, Executive Assistant to the President, and Brooke Spicer, Coordinator of Music and Conference Services, for their belief in this project and for opening the doors to this beautiful venue.
And now, the next chapter begins…
🎟️ Tickets Are Officially On Sale
We’re thrilled to invite the community to experience this world for the very first time.
Premiere Dates
January 9–18, 2026
Lycoming College — Clarke Chapel
700 College Place, Williamsport, PA
Public Performances
Saturday, January 10 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 PM
Friday, January 16 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 PM
School Matinees (January 12–16)
We are scheduling daytime performances for local elementary schools.
Educators: please connect with us if you'd like to reserve seats for your students.
How to Get Tickets
Online:
Purchase easily through On The Stage.
In Person (Coming Soon)
Tickets are also available beginning Dec 1st for in-person pick up at Tag’s Take Out located at 1116 Market Street in Williamsport.
Group & Corporate Tickets
Bring your friends, coworkers, students, or community groups.
We offer customized group packages to make attending together simple and affordable.
Sponsor-A-Seat Program
Help make the magic of STOA accessible to children, veterans, and community members by sponsoring a seat.
Growing Like a Forest
In STOA, the forest thrives because everything is connected. Every root, every branch, every voice playing a role in the health of the whole. Our community is no different.
A musical does not grow because of one person. It grows because of many.
And STOA has grown because this community has supported it and believed in its potential.
This season, I am profoundly grateful for every person who has been part of this process. Your support gives this project its heartbeat.
A Note of Thanks, And an Invitation
This season, we’re thankful for every helping hand and every person who has helped STOA take root and grow.
Join us as we continue nurturing creativity and community.
👉 Sign up for updates
👉 Share STOA with a friend
👉 Learn how you can support this journey
Together, we’re growing something beautiful.