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Next Stage has its roots in another important community project – the reconstruction of the Putney General Store by the Putney Historical Society. In 28, when the 2-year-old landmark in the heart of the village burned almost to the ground, PHS took on its restoration with generous support from the community. 18 months later in October, 29, an arsonist struck and completely destroyed the renovated structure. Already reeling from the first fire and the Great Recession of 28, the village center was now gutted with many vacant storefronts, a newly vacated church, and a severely threatened village economy. In the face of this latest disaster, PHS and Sandglass Theater held a gathering to bring the community together at the empty church on Kimball Hill. Grieving the town’s recent losses, families and performers packed the pews not only to mourn, but to begin the process of moving on. The event restored the community’s spirit with a resolve to rebuild the store, and also became the genesis for Next Stage Arts Project. Inspired by the energy and will of the community to rebuild the store, a group of committed neighbors formed Next Stage Arts Project and entered into a collaboration with PHS around a singular, shared vision: converting the deteriorating church into an accessible community resource and performance venue. Our Vision is to be a magnet for connection and exploration. Next Stage stimulates cultural engagement by creating opportunities for collaboration among audiences, artists, and educational and arts organizations.
