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About Us
The Stage Exchange is a 4-rehearsal program culminating in salon-style performance where both older adults and teens partner or form small groups to perform existing songs, musical pieces, and scenes from plays - or create their own. Mentors come from the industry to guide participants and help them hone their skills. Participants have the opportunity to perform at the final showcase in a warm, inviting, salon-style atmosphere. Rumor has it, we also dole out the best babka cake in town.
Most important is that our students and older adult artists bring more of the joy we need into the world. Their talents that they share with the world make a huge difference in the lives of everyone involved, including the audience of family, friends, and community members. Who knew one tiny bar of music could do that?
The Stage Exchange Way
Friendship
We ensure that, throughout the program, teens and older adults truly form meaningful relationships. Through collaborating, rehearsing, and performing a piece that reflects their joint artistic style, both teens and older adults form friendships with each other that last a lifetime.
Art.
Our students and older adults are very serious about their craft. Whether it be singing, acting, or playing an instrument, they are passionate about each detail of their work. They have the opportunity to network with our mentors, and hone their skills using advice from these industry professionals to develop and become better performers. The rehearsal process and final performance offers them a rare opportunity to practice their performance skills in front of a welcoming audience of community members.
Belonging
Both generations are fully involved in the process and program. It is not only one generation performing for the other; both older adults and teens perform a piece they choose together. Over the course of our 4 weeks together and at the final performance, our cohort demonstrates not just what one generation can do, but what people from across generations can achieve. We emphasize how much the younger and older generations' talents and input matters.
Founder
Bailee Stein
Bailee Stein is an actor, singer, and dancer born and bred in NYC. The arts run in her blood, particularly from the beloved matriarchs of her family who have been dancing flamenco for years and inspired her to dance flamenco, too. Bailee is trained in the Meisner technique from The Neighborhood Playhouse's teen conservatory, and works privately with professional Broadway actors and singers. She has performed in musicals at Merkin Concert Hall and other venues in NYC. She's volunteered for 7+ years with local nonprofit organizations, including DOROT, in which she sits on the Executive Board of the Next Generation Council, Concerts in Motion, and more.