In the summer of 2021, I was walking down Main Street in Saranac Lake with my husband James and then ten-year-old daughter, Rafaela, when we saw a flyer for a performance of “The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe” at Pendragon.

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Having just bought a house in SL that spring, we were new to the area and looking for things to do. So off we went to the show, not knowing anything about the theatre itself or even realizing the show was part of a summer camp program. We were so impressed and so intrigued by a production featuring all these talented kids! I remember meeting Mike in the lobby and saying something very close to “what is this magical place and where do we sign up to be part of it?”

 

Cut to today: Rafaela just finished her third summer in Camp Pendragon and I am so proud to have just joined the Board of Directors. Who could have predicted how fortuitous that flyer would turn out to be!Pendragon Theatre is the heart of this community.

 

I don’t think it is possible to overstate how much Pendragon has done for our family. We have watched our daughter absolutely thrive. She has made friends and memories for life and been inspired by the adults who have been mentors and examples of how to build a supportive community.

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She has made friends and memories for life and been inspired by the adults who have been mentors and examples of how to build a supportive community.  

I, myself work in the arts, in book publishing, and I know we are all living in a world where so much is competing for our time, attention and money. I also know it has never been more essential to have a space where we gather together in person to celebrate what art does for us all; how it brings us together with our neighbors; how it shows us other lives and worlds and in so doing makes our lives and world bigger and better; how it teaches us what it means to be a part of a creative community that cares about building confidence and championing inclusivity; how it inspires us to laugh and cry and walk down the street humming show tunes.

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I hope you will offer your support, in whatever amount you can, to ensure Pendragon continues to have a thriving home in The North Country, continues to draw artists and visitors to this beautiful place, and continues to inspire future generations of performers and theatre-goers.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity,

 

Gabrielle Brooks

Board Member & Camp Pendragon Parent