Volunteer Spotlight
Your name: Stephanie Levine
Organization: Cranford Schools Friends of the Performing Arts (CSFOPA)
Title: Co-President along with Annette Noll
Location: Cranford, NJ
Contact Information: Cell:917-568-0956,
Email: StepLevine@aol.com
Can you provide a bit of history about your organization?
The Cranford Schools Friends of the Performing Arts is a non-profit 501c3 organization that supports the performing arts programming in the Cranford Public Schools. We have several fundraising events to raise money for our organization. The largest fundraising event we have is the Cranford Film Festival. FOPA is similar to a PTA for the arts.
How long have you been with this organization?
I’ve been with FOPA for approximately five years. First as a member, then as a board member. I am now a co-president with Annette Noll.
What drew you to be part of this group?
Our organization is dedicated to enhancing the overall experience of students involved in the performing arts, whether it be theater, dance, music, or any other expressive form. We recognize the profound impact that the arts have on the holistic development of our students, promoting creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.
What types of tasks do you perform?
As a FOPA co-president, I collaborate with Annette to provide leadership for the organization. Work closely with the FOPA board members to plan and execute fundraising events, liaison with Cranford HS supervisor of the Arts, collaborate with performing arts teachers to advocate for their needs and promote performances and events.
Tell us about your recent event.
“Cranford Film Festival” in 2023 was our most successful fundraiser to date. The larger, 200-seat theater we had at the Cranford Theater was completely sold out. We even had a waiting list! It was a wonderful event with incredible energy. Our festival also screens online for people who cannot get to the theater or who live far away. We raised enough money to donate a substantial amount to each performing arts teacher at Cranford High School, as well as the performing arts departments at Orange Avenue School and Hillside Avenue School.
How can the community help your efforts?
We encourage community members to attend our student performances throughout the year. Ask the community members to spread the word about what FOPA means to the performing arts students of Cranford. Share information about events and fundraisers on social media, and through word of mouth. If you are a local business, we would love to forge partnerships to co-sponsor, share resources and increase visibility.
How can someone get involved with your organization and volunteer?
We always appreciate all the help we can get! Please feel free to email me at steplevine@aol.com. If you want to support the arts, please reach out to us!
Any other information you would like to include?
We are an all-volunteer, parent-run organization representing all CHS ensembles including acting, band, choir, dance, orchestra, technical theater, Orange Avenue School ensembles, OAS play and musical, Hillside Avenue School ensembles, HAS play and musical.
The 2024 Cranford Film Festival is fast approaching and will be held on April 20th. We are still accepting short film submissions until March 15th.