STOA

01/20/2026

One of our special guests lost their special bear at Clarke Chapel. Don't worry, we won't let Zelby get it. STOA knows this bear doesn't belong in Zelby's Mountain Zoo.

If your child lost their bear while attending one of our shows this weekend, please message us, we're happy to reunite this bear with his owner.

01/18/2026

Standing ovation for Wesley Thompson and the cast of STOA!

Last night was Wesley’s final performance as John Bear, and he truly brought down the house — in tears. At curtain call, when the audience rose to their feet, the cast wrapped around Wesley, holding the space for him with such care and love. It was a moment I will never forget.

My heart swelled, my eyes welled, and it felt as though the chapel itself expanded with the applause and cheers.

The artists who bring this story to life — and the audiences who gather to witness it — are experiencing magic in the making.

One final performance today at 2:00 PM, featuring Greyson Pham as John Bear. Please join us for an unforgettable experience.

01/18/2026

We just wrapped our final evening performance of this run of STOA.

Now, there is ONE show left, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Sunday, January 18
2:00 PM Matinee
🎟 Adults: $15
🎟 Kids: $5

If you’ve been meaning to come… this is your moment.

Come see our show.
Come see STOA.

01/17/2026

Last Chance to Experience STOA

Tonight and tomorrow mark the final opportunities to experience STOA: A New Musical Journey.

What began as a story built with care, collaboration, and community has grown into something truly special onstage—shared with families, students, and audiences across our region. As this journey comes to a close, we’re deeply grateful for everyone who has supported, attended, and helped bring STOA to life.

Final Performances:
• Tonight (Saturday) at 7:00 PM
• Sunday at 2:00 PM — Closing Matinee

Tickets: $15/Adult or $5/Kid.

If you haven’t yet experienced STOA, we would be honored to welcome you before the final curtain.

A story rooted in heart, imagination, and community—shared one last time.

01/17/2026

Just a Few Hours Away — Sensory-Friendly STOA at 2 PM

Our Sensory-Friendly Matinee begins at 2:00 PM today, created especially for families seeking a gentler, more flexible theatre experience.

Discounted Tickets: $10/Family or $5/Individual.

This performance reflects our deep belief that live theatre should be accessible, joyful, and welcoming to everyone — and we are proud to share this milestone with our community.

01/17/2026

Today at 2:00 PM — Sensory-Friendly Performance

This afternoon, we’re honored to offer a Sensory-Friendly Performance of STOA: A New Musical Journey — thoughtfully designed for children and families who benefit from a reduced-stimulus theatre experience.

This is the first sensory-friendly live theatre performance of its kind in our region, created with great care by Sarah Keely Decker to ensure a welcoming, inclusive environment for all.

• Reduced sound and lighting
• Relaxed audience expectations
• Movement, fidgets, and comfort items encouraged

Saturday | 2:00 PM
Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College

Pay at the door: $10 per family or $5 per individual

We would love to welcome you this afternoon.

Join us for a sensory-friendly matinee of STOA at Lycoming College, designed for children and families with sensory considerations.

01/16/2026

There’s still time to experience STOA: A New Musical Journey, an original, family-friendly musical audiences are calling magical, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

If you’ve been meaning to come, this is your moment.

Join us for our final weekend and see why so many have been moved by this story of love, nature, and connection.

Upcoming Performances
- Friday at 7:00 PM
- Saturday at 2:00 PM (Sensory-Friendly)
- Saturday at 7:00 PM
- Sunday at 2:00 PM (Closing)

📍 Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College
🎟️ Kids $5 | Adults $15 • Pay at the door or online

(Sensory-Friendly Show is discounted to $10/Family and $5/Individual) Please pay at the door for this show.

We look forward to welcoming you to our show!

01/16/2026

STOA Sensory-Friendly Social Story

Crafted by Sarah Keely Decker, the STOA Sensory-Friendly Social Story is designed to help families and audience members feel prepared, informed, and comfortable before attending our Sensory-Friendly Performance. This visual and written guide walks patrons through what to expect—from arriving on campus to experiencing the performance—so surprises are minimized and confidence is built in advance.

Adaptations include:

Reduced Visual Stimuli
- Softer lighting
- House lights remain on

Please note: Due to the natural resonance of the venue, auditory stimuli can only be slightly reduced. Audience members with aural sensitivities are encouraged to bring preferred noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs.

Adapted Theatre Etiquette
- Tactile items encouraged (fidget toys, stuffies, blankets, etc.)
- Beverages and snacks permitted
- Movement is welcome and encouraged

What to Expect Information
- Campus map and building preview
- Locations of bathrooms and quiet room
- Program includes a story overview with advance warnings before unexpected moments (such as louder sounds or moments of distress)

Sarah crafted this Social Story as an important tool in making live theatre more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for all families.

More information is available here:
👉 https://www.stoabear.com/sensory-friendly-matinee

STOA Sensory-Friendly Show
Saturday, January 17th @ 2pm

Tickets reduced, $10/Family or $5/Indivdual. (Pay at the door).

Download a PDF of our STOA Sensory-Friendly Show Social Story (no music)
👉https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qYLdMNgTqhaKHaI0BwomT_JW6TTcRgK_/view?usp=sharing

01/16/2026

An incredible shout-out to Sarah Keely Decker for her extraordinary work in making STOA’s Sensory-Friendly Performance a true first of its kind in our community.

We’re not aware of any other local live theatre productions that have been intentionally adapted for children and families with sensory considerations—but STOA is a story about overcoming adversity and persevering.

"In nature, all things are possible," is a resounding message of this show, and Sarah has embodied that spirit wholeheartedly.

Over the past several weeks, Sarah—who is currently studying to become a licensed music therapist—has worked tirelessly to thoughtfully adapt this performance so more families can experience live theatre in a way that feels welcoming, supportive, and accessible.

She consulted closely with Jeff Pelly, director of specialized programs at the Williamsport Area School District, ensuring these modifications were guided by care, expertise, and intention.

Sarah, kudos to you for your heart, your leadership, and your deep commitment to sharing music and the arts with everyone.

We’ll be sharing the Sensory-Friendly Social Story she created shortly, so families planning to attend can know what to expect in advance.

Sensory-Friendly Performance Details:
- Saturday, January 17
- 2:00 PM
- Tickets available at the door
- $10 per family or $5 per individual

We’re so proud of this inclusive step forward—and grateful to be sharing live theatre with more families in meaningful ways.

01/16/2026

It’s our final weekend of performances — come see what everyone is buzzing about!

Experience STOA: A New Musical Journey at Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College.

Showtimes
Friday — 7:00 PM
Saturday — 2:00 PM (Sensory-Friendly Performance)
Saturday — 7:00 PM
Sunday — 2:00 PM (Closing Performance)

🎟️ $15 adults • $5 children

Use promo code SEESTOA or pay at the door.

Join us and be part of this moment.