I look forward to attending any performance put on by Paraphrase Productions. Their creativity and love for the arts and people is brightly displayed.
I've served on several boards and my career has been in the non-profit industry. My past employment includes Executive Director (local chapter) of the March of Dimes and MS Community Services. When I was asked to serve on the founding board of directors for Paraphrase Productions I didn't hesitate.
I've been following this non-profit since it's inception... Pre non-profit if you will. Let me give you some words that describe Paraphrase-Productions: Energetic, exciting, excellent, scrappy, bold, confident, young, smart, inclusive, charismatic, servent-leaders, honest and talented. Their productions are first rate, and they have put all those descriptors and more into serving our community with the kind of entertainment that brings chill bumps and heart thumps. Part of their mission is to encourage and develop young adults by providing a safe place in the theater world to explore their budding talent. They are adept and bringing out the best in their peers, which is celebrated on the stage.
The newest Paraphrase project is partnering with Special Kids Connect which serves the community of developmentally disabled young adults by offering workshops and camps called "Sing, Dance and Move". It's very heart warming to watch Paraphrase-Productions provide a safe place for these special young people, giving them an opportunity to shine.
In addition, they are taking on the local establishment of theatre with bold vision, and respectful collaboration. Paraphrase truly is shining a new light on our local theater!
As a board member, I can attest to the fact they are organized, timely and thorough with their reports. Their deadlines are always met, they excel at networking and personal relations. They are critical thinkers brining a business-like mentality to the arts. It works.
Paraphrase-Productions is a winner and I am looking forward to helping them develop the resources to continue the wonderful work they are doing!
Our daughter is a Paraphrase Production leader, and she and three other college age adults made the summer of 2018 productions amazing. Emily's a communication major and heading into her senior year at BIOLA. This summer, she created marketing materials, solicited Monterey area business for advertising sales and performance poster posting, built sets, learned about fundraising, solicited audiences and so much more. Emily, with Andy, Paul and Victoria have created opportunities for area theater actors and fans to enjoy musicals and plays. These creative minds and their committed Board of Directors makes the future of Paraphrase very bright. Looking forward to the 2019 season!
Want a wonderful night out? Check out the latest Paraphrase Production appearing in the Monterey area. We saw the musical, Hunchback of Notre Dame this July and enjoyed the professional, detailed, enthusiastic singing/acting. Great set and effects (my favorite effect was the human staircase). It is even more impressive that this 5 year old non-profit is managed by 4 twenty somethings :) -- what a great experience learning how to produce such excellent theater but also manage a thriving business too. Supporting Paraphrase Production supports Monterey area youth/young adult actors and business people.
I have been endlessly impressed with the integrity and professionalism of these young people. Everyone at Paraphrase Productions - from the leadership team to the stage crew and every actor - strive for excellence in every show they do. What an amazing opportunity this is for the next generation who wants to break into this industry and learn all the different aspects in a positive and encouraging environment. Every show they produce is well worth the price of a ticket!
I was first introduced to Paraphrase when it was in its infancy. I was asked to help with publicity for their first show, so attended one of their early rehearsals for “Little Shop of Horrors.” I was incredibly impressed with this group of young, passionate, driven actors and organizers, most just out of high school. Their vision of creating a mentorship program for performers, crew and higher level creators was novel and inspirational. Since that first show, they have never looked back. They have worked methodically to grow the organization, the shows, the budget and the vision to “shine a new light on theatre through peer-to-peer mentoring of young adult artists in theatrical performance and creative excellence.” Paraphrase is one of the best new non-profits in our community.
Paraphrase Productions brings wonderful theatre to the Monterey Bay area. Their shows always excel in both acting and production value. I travel all the way from Orange County to come see their shows. As an audience member, you can tell they are passionate about telling exciting and touching stories, mentoring younger artists, and bringing the community closer together through theatre.
Every show I've seen by Paraphrase has been exceptional. The set, the actors, the lighting and sound, everything really has been top notch. They seek to grab your attention and make you think in ways you never thought previously and you leave deeply inspired. The quality of their work is truly unparalleled.
I am extremely gratified to serve on the board of Paraphrase Productions because of the work they do to support the arts in Monterey County. The organization regularly produces what I feel are excellent, professional productions of Broadway musicals and plays. It gives Monterey County actors and musicians the opportunity to audition and participate in these plays, along with workshops to strengthen their skills. This year, they have partnered with Special Kids Connect to provide classes in Movement and Singing for the population that SKC serves and have provided volunteers to assist with making the classes that much more meaningful for those students. Paraphrase is made up of people who feel passionate about live theater and want to make it possible for a wide variety of ways to enjoy it.
it is increrdible to watch Paraphrase Productions grow. With only three years of operation they have made a name for themselves. Young men and women taking the theater arts on the Monterey Peninsula. They have brought together an unblievable array of young talent for musical performances. Their professionalism in porducing and promoting their events is commendable. We look forward to see what they will be bringing for the 2109 season. They are developing great support from patrons of the arts.
Paraphrase is a group of talented young adults who believe in working with their community to provide opportunities for individuals to learn, grow and develop their talents while providing exceptional affordable entertainment.
Paraphrase Productions is an amazing non-profit company. My family and I have made it a point to drive 6 hours every summer to see the wonderful shows put on. I have had the privilege of watching the last 4 shows put on by paraphrase. Each show makes my love and appreciation for this company grow. I can not wait until next summer to see what unforgettable show will be put on.
Had an amazing experience at these show are so well done, truly magical performances with such immense talent.
Paraphrase is providing an outstanding avenue for young adults both in and out of school to continue receiving experience in the theater arts and learn new skills. Whether it be on stage acting and singing, in direction of a play, back stage support, lighting and sound work, costuming, props and sets creation, or other facets of the theater business. We are lucky to have the dedicated management of Paraphrase who is willing to provide the leadership and dedication to ensuring their goals and objects are met in this not-for-profit company. Please support their efforts by donating your money or time to continue their current successes.
Previous Stories
We were very pleasantly surprised with the professionalism of the production, acting, singing and costumes for The Man of La Mancha and Pippen. I believe the formula of mentoring, volunteerism and commitment to excellence of everyone evolved will make Paraphrase Productions a huge success in the coming years. It will be the place to be to demonstrate what you have learned from formal and informal training and experiences in all avenues of theater.
Paraphrase Productions is such an incredible nonprofit! Serving a niche in our community-teen and young-adult thespians-Paraphrase Productions has given many young actors a place to work on their craft while feeling welcomed and appreciated. I have been a participant since their beginning, and watching the organization grow and blossom has been incredible. Created by some of the kindest people I know, Paraphrase Productions is an inclusive space for anyone and everyone. I hope they continue to gain support as a nonprofit and spread their talent for many years to come.
It takes a spectacular theater company to bring out the best of the amazing talent involved to create something extraordinary and memories that last a lifetime.
I have rather high standards and have been VERY impressed with each production that I've seen so far. I can honestly say that each show has been nothing short of spectacular! So, naturally I wanted to work with the talented bunch at PP. Working with them on The Glass Menagerie was a complete joy, and I hope to work with them again in the future!
In the Monterey area, there's very little opportunity for youth interested in theater to make the jump from high school theater to professional. What opportunity there is can feel intimidating. Paraphrase does a wonderful job of educating and encouraging youth in an exciting, creative atmosphere. It's obvious how passionate about theater the production staff is, and that translates into incredible performances. The mentorship program is ideal for jobs such as stage managing and directing where it's difficult to find that foothold experience.
Paraphrase does well at teaching its cast and crew the skills necessary for thriving in the industry as well rounded professionals, all while still maintaining a fun-filled, lighthearted atmosphere. The Paraphrase team is brimming with welcoming, kind, hard-working individuals. There is something truly special about this company.
I have enjoyed for many years both large and small theater productions in Southern California. Although told by two people I respect that Man of La Mancha and Pippen were very good the level of professionalism and talent I witnessed that weekend was remarkable. It was evident from the early minutes until the emotional endings when many, including myself came to our feet. Kudos to the surprising small guys who made it a great evening!
