About Us

Our Mission

To provide an educational and creative environment for collaboration by producing high caliber theatrical productions. To foster and promote community engagement by facilitating mentorship opportunities both on and off-stage. To encourage alliances with like-minded organizations to give members access to well-rounded experiences. To be a vital and vibrant presence enriching the lives of those within the Capital Region and Hudson Valley through the Performing Arts

Our History

Upstage’s roots began with two organizations – “The Hudson Teachers’ Association” in 1989 and “The Columbia Hall Players” in 1990. They were merged in 1991 and became “The Hudson Middle School Friends of the Arts”, a group that produced shows in 1992-93. It was in 1993 that the concept of Upstage was born. Bylaws were written, and the group was officially formed in 1994 and in 2002 Upstage became an official 501 C3.

Significant Milestones

The 2013-2014 season marked our official 20 year anniversary, and in celebration we presented our founding members with a lifetime membership and produced a cabaret celebrating Upstage’s past, present, and future.

In the 2014-2015 season we expanded our Board of Directors from 13 to 15 directors.

During the 2015-2016 season, Upstage embarked on two new endeavors; Upstage Junior and Upstage After Dark. Upstage Junior features cast and crew all under the age of 18 mentored by seasoned Upstage members. Upstage After Dark features adult cast and crew with themes that appeal to a more mature audience.

Our website, originally launched in 2007, was redesigned and launched at the beginning of the 2016-2017 season to continue to bring Upstage into the future by providing online membership applications, advertisements for our performances, as well as the ability for online ticket purchasing. We also introduced new membership perks such as: online advanced ticket discounts, membership levels from Individual to Producer, each with their own specific incentives.

Community Involvement

We give back through volunteering and involvement in community events including: Hudson Flag Day Parade, Hudson Pride Parade, Day of Hope, Arts Walk, Winter Walk, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, and disaster relief benefits.

We present senior awards to graduates of local high schools that are pursuing their education in the arts, and two specialized senior awards to Upstage members, the Brett Pelesz Memorial Award and the Upstage Achievement Award.

The Next 25 Years

Short Term

To expand mentoring opportunities that encompass all aspects of theatre, including further development of our Junior and After Dark productions. Assist with funding to produce a full season of shows (Junior, Full Company, After Dark, Dinner Theatre) through the ability to purchase a full sound system, eliminating the financial impact of rental costs.

Long Term

Find and support a permanent home that can accommodate all the needs of our company including, but not limited to: audition, rehearsal, performance, and storage space.