Passing the Baton!
As they sprint towards Lane Hall Theatre, Noëlle passes the metaphorical baton to Maddie over the weekend.
Dear Friends of PVTC,
I’ve been wearing a butterfly necklace since January. It’s petite and delicate, flying between my two clavicle bones, right at the center of my neck. The wings are made of two blue gemstones that I can’t quite identify. When I wear it these days, I feel like I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve.
A little over a year ago at a butterfly sanctuary, I followed a knowledgeable young guide as she showcased each stage of the butterfly’s metamorphosis. As I watched transitioning life bubble around me, the guide shared something I hadn’t known previously: as a butterfly shifts from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to mature adult, there is only one part of its body that stays the same: the heart. All the other organs melt away and transform, but the heart beats steadfastly from inception to final flight.
At that very juncture in my life, I was grappling with whether, after fifteen years on staff and thirty years as a whole, it was time for me to leave PVTC. The metaphor for transition was not lost on me as I contemplated the butterfly. Six months later, when I announced to the Board and the community that I would be moving on, the image of the butterfly’s beating heart became the guiding light for me personally as I have imagined this transition for PVTC: though the object itself may take any myriad of forms—egg, caterpillar, pupa, butterfly—the heart, perseveres remarkably, unrelenting, pulsing vigorously with life.
This butterfly metaphor isn’t perfect: PVTC has been flying, gloriously, for decades. But this particular transition is now complete, the sopping wings of an hours-old butterfly bursting forth with freedom. As of Sunday, September 1, Maddie Zdeblick is officially PVTC’s Executive Director. When the Board voted Maddie into this position, I knew the fit would be phenomenal, not just because of Maddie’s expertise as a theatre artist and educator, but also because she carries within her the heart of PVTC, beating with all the vivaciousness of eras past. Maddie, along with Director of Production Siena McMahon, will champion PVTC’s beloved values, centering community, inclusive practices, and artistic excellence in their work and leading with vision and compassion. The programs they undertake may look a lot like PVTC’s historical offerings, or they may look vastly different—either or both are fantastic. What matters is that their hearts are steadfast, their wings are bright and colorful, and they are poised to keep PVTC soaring and exploring, cultivating a garden that is fruitful and abundant.
And now, lest this butterfly metaphor has grown tiresome, I will finish by saying that I fly off to my next adventure full of gratitude. I look back on my 30 years of PVTC with the memories of people, too many to name here (but if you’re reading this, I’m looking at you!) and know that this place has been transformational for me. I won’t be a stranger—PVTC’s nectar is enticingly sweet—but I will be giving time and space for Maddie and Siena to establish their own rhythms and routines. In my continued capacity as a PVTC board member, you can still reach me via email at noelle@pvtc-ca.org and I’m sure I’ll see you around at the park, school, grocery store, and on the trails.
Please join me in welcoming Maddie and Siena as the next generation of big-hearted leadership to PVTC.
Here’s to the ongoing creative journey,
Noëlle GM Gibbs
PVTC is moving forward with new leadership, a new phone number—reach us now at (650) 208-1680—and a new look! Our new logo design pays homage to our roots with multicolored figures reaching for the stars, but incorporates a more modern look and feel. Stay tuned for our new and improved website, launching mid-September!
Last Chance to Register for Fall Classes!
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for these two upcoming events at PVTC.
More details to follow!
Take a trip down memory lane as we celebrate the last 30 years and set the stage for 30 more! Join us on November 9th for a potluck-style community dinner where we’ll honor PVTC’s history and dream about the future.
Join us on Saturday, December 7th for our annual Teddy Bear Tea! In this family-friendly holiday event, enjoy a variety of activities including cookie decorating, holiday crafts, performances, a photo booth, and a special surprise! Each child will receive their own PVTC teddy bear.
From our friends at
the Society of Young Inklings
Calling all youth writers! Join Society of Young Inklings on the PVTC campus for "The Way Words Move Us," a writing conference celebrating the power of storytelling. On September 13-14, 2024, immerse yourself in a world of creativity alongside creative peers. Discover your unique voice, hone your craft through interactive workshops, and be inspired by our keynote speaker, New York Times best-selling author, Joanna Ho. From poetry in the redwoods to character-building improv, this conference offers something for every budding wordsmith. Don't miss this chance to connect, create, and celebrate the magic of writing. Register today!
I’M A BELIEVER - DONATE TODAY!
We believe in PVTC’s vibrant future—and we know you do, too! PVTC aims to raise $300,000 by the end of the calendar year. Donate today to support our need-based scholarship program, top-caliber professional teachers and artists, youth council, and internship program. Your gift allows us to deliver the programs you love to the community.
