Nonprofits in the news: Arts group reaches milestone

Cast members from Community Stages, front, from left, Zoe Cox, 16, and Caroline Overly, 10, and back, from left, Lilly Gonzalez, 16, Robert Skipper, 14, Charlie Overly, 13, Tyler Ruiz, 18, and Trinity Gori, 16, rehearse a scene from one of their folktales at the Chelsea Art Center on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, March 21, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Community Stages, a nonprofit theatre arts organization based in Ocala, provides personal development for all ages through performing arts training, community events and family-centered performances.

The group, which is in residence at the Chelsea Art Center at 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., is celebrating its first anniversary with some free events.

An open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 18, with opportunities to tour the venue, meet team members and learn about programs and classes. An Aug. 20 event from noon to 1 p.m. is open to homeschooled students ages 9 to 14 to learn about the Homeschool PAL (Performing Arts Local) and VAL (Visual Arts Local) programs. An audition prep workshop will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 for ages 10 to 18, ahead of auditions for a holiday musical. The auditions will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3.

To learn more, go to communitystages.org or call (352) 707-8243.