Will Kempe’s Players is excited to present William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at SLCA!

One of Shakespeare’s first plays performed at The Globe, Julius Caesar explores the timeless themes of brotherhood and loyalty. After triumphing over his former comrade turned rival Pompey, Caesar amasses sole power in Rome. A conspiracy arises to counter him, and the Republic’s leading men are forced to choose between their ideals, their friends and their own self-interest.

Will Kempe’s Players pleases scholars and lovers of Shakespeare—and converts those who once dreaded reading the Bard in English class. This Troy-based cooperative stages the work of Shakespeare and his contemporaries using the methods of their era. Will Kempe’s Players promotes an inclusive creative environment, making these works engaging and accessible to modern audiences—all while retaining historical authenticity.

July 26 at 4 p.m.

Will Kempe’s Players is excited to present The Alchemist at SLCA!

A wealthy man flees London during a plague, leaving his townhouse in the care of his trusted butler, Jeremy. However, Jeremy has other ideas, quickly turning the home into a seedy den of crime. After pulling off several successful scams, Jeremy and his fellow scoundrels run into trouble when a mysterious visitor arrives.

Written by Ben Jonson—often considered second only to Shakespeare among English dramatists—the Alchemist is a comedic show about con men and the willingness of their victims to be deceived.

Will Kempe’s Players pleases scholars and lovers of Shakespeare—and converts those who once dreaded reading the Bard in English class. This Troy-based cooperative stages the work of Shakespeare and his contemporaries using the methods of their era. Will Kempe’s Players promotes an inclusive creative environment, making these works engaging and accessible to modern audiences—all while retaining historical authenticity.

July 27 at 4 p.m.

Come to the 8th annual Juried Art Show, a collaboration with A Still Small Voice 4U!

This year’s theme comes from the writing and activism of Phil Ochs, as summed up in the phrase: Many hands built this land.

Awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m. followed by a performance by jazz keyboard musician Nat Mussman.

Works will be presented in the Gallery throughout August.

Aug. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.

For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story.

This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been designed to save the world, Puffs is inspired by the series of books “who shall not be named” and is a comedy for anyone who has ever felt like a secondary character in someone else’s story.

The play gives a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three new heroes just trying to make it through magic school. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal rejects with a thing for badgers. A hilarious and heartfelt epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. Please note that Puffs is not an official part of the Certain School of Magic and Magic franchise.

This performance contains adult language and sexual references.

Aug. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 10 and 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Are you ready to rock? Are you interested in meeting like-minded musicians and learning from professional players?

We’re excited to introduce Rock Band Camp at SLCA! This two-week, immersive music day camp is designed for ages 12 to 16 and will be led by Mike Iwanos from the Troy Music Academy. Mike is an experienced group leader who will guide students in a collaborative and supportive environment, all while preparing for a live performance on the final day of camp.

Any professional musician will tell you that playing music in a group setting is a magical experience, and we’re thrilled to offer this opportunity! The camp is open to students who currently play at an early intermediate or advanced level; however, no prior group experience is necessary.

We welcome guitarists, electric bassists, keyboardists, drummers and vocalists. Please bring your own instrument. We will provide drums and keyboards.

If you have questions, please contact lessons@troymusicacademy.com or tanya@slca-ctp.org.

Aug. 11 to 22 (weekdays) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn how to create functional, whimsical art from old newspapers!

In this workshop, Barb Neu Berti will teach participants how to prep newspaper for crafting and how to shape it. Everyone will go home with a usable bowl that they made.

All materials will be provided—just bring your enthusiasm and creativity. Arrive in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. The newspaper print and glue can cause a mess!

Barb is a lifelong crafter and loves taking ordinary objects and turning them into art. As an active part of the SLCA community, Barb has led many delightful workshops at the Center.

Aug. 24 from noon to 3 p.m.

Get ready for a squishy, sparkly, sticky-good time!

In this playful workshop led by Carron Tessitore of Crafty Feats and Sweet Treats, kids ages 5 to 10 will mix, knead and stretch their very own custom slime creations—then wind down with a sweet cupcake snack they decorate themselves. Kids leave with their homemade slime, a treat and a smile.

A proud Averill Park resident for over 32 years, Carron has had a lifelong passion for creativity, community and education. Recently retired after a fulfilling three-decade career in educational consulting, she is now channeling her energy into creating crafting and volunteer opportunities for the young (and young at heart).

With Crafty Feats and Sweet Treats, Carron brings together her love of hands-on creativity and her belief in the power of joyful, shared experiences—offering workshops that are imaginative, inclusive and always just a little bit sweet!

Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon

Calling all stylistas for a fun and fashionable fundraiser!

SLCA’s upcoming fashion show will feature chic styles by Haute Messes in Dresses presented by local models. A complimentary, curated selection of mocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be available courtesy of our sponsor, Sand Lake Merchant, as well as champagne and wine provided by Joe Carr.

Tickets are $30 ($20 if under age 21).

Sponsorships are also available:

• Fashionista ($100): 2 tickets (reserved seating)
• Trendsetter ($200): 4 tickets (reserved seating)
• Icon ($500): 10 tickets (reserved seating)

We’re also looking for people ages 16 and up to model. No experience required.

Contact Susanne at susanne@slca-ctp.org to register as a model and/or for more info.

Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 and 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Learn to decorate handmade clay using the slip trailing pottery technique! 

In this workshop, after you personalize your very own clay cup, instructor Candice Potrafka will bring it back to her local studio to glaze and fire the pottery.

Candice plays with mud and fire to create clay vessels adorned with symbols and images exploring and reflecting the commonality of human experience across cultural boundaries. She produces her work locally in her home studio known to friends as The Magical.

No drawing or pottery-making skills are needed for this workshop. Adults and children 10 and older are welcome.

Playing with clay can be messy, so arrive in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. 

Oct. 25 from noon to 3 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of local food, live and silent auctions, music and fun including jazz music by T. L. Holloway and your favorite Sand Lake restaurants serving up special dishes!

Your sponsorship ensures that SLCA can serve its mission of providing quality artistic programs right here in Sand Lake:

• Gold Star ($800): 8 tickets and 8 drinks
• Silver Star ($400): 4 tickets and 4 drinks
• Bronze Star ($200): 2 tickets and 2 drinks

Special thanks to Honorary Chair Valarie Jeffers.

Tickets on sale soon.

Oct. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Daley’s on Crooked Lake

POSTPONED UNTIL 2026.

A Raisin in the Sun debuted on Broadway in 1959. The title comes from the poem “Harlem” (also known as “A Dream Deferred” by Langston Hughes. The story tells of a black family’s experiences in south Chicago as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of the father. The play deals with matters of housing discrimination, racism and assimilation and is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential theatrical works of all time.