MISSION STATEMENT: Powerstories is a nonprofit professional theatre whose mission is to stage true stories of women and girls to open minds and hearts
and inspire action worldwide.
TESTIMONIALS
Thank you for choosing an intelligent script. And hiring an excellent director, actors, and designers. I’m tired of fluff, and I want to be mentally stimulated when I go to the theatre. Ada and the Engine did just that.
Kerry Glamsch
Congratulations to you, Powerstories, and the amazing cast of Ada and the Engine. The play is outstanding, and without a doubt one of the best plays I have seen in Florida. The play was beautifully directed and acted. Absolutely brilliant work.
Lydia
Thank you for all you do to keep the voices of woman and girls in the spotlight. It is so important that these stories are heard.
This was an excellent opportunity for our group of middle school girls to experience professional theatre for their very first time (along with some of their mothers). Thank you for the easy facilitation and accommodation, so that this could happen for individuals representing a community that doesn’t always have the luxury of, or privilege of feeling welcomed, into these spaces … especially during these times. Bravo Powerstories and Stageworks Theatre!
Cornelio “Coky” Aguilera
Actors were superb. Easily could be on a Broadway cast!
Ed Lehmann
I loved the performance! I think it was well cast and they all did an amazing job- especially Ada. Unbelievable with all the material to memorize. Loved her facial expressions and body language also. Actually everyone was so good. Hope to see them all again in other performances.
Susan
Never been to a poorly performed play by Powerstories.
Ann Sofia
Ada was such an awesome show! I really enjoyed the message and was captivated by the entire thing.
Anonymous
Ada was a great show. The actors were amazing.
Anonymous
Thanks for a great night! Got to link up with an Army buddy and spend some time with family. Thanks for taking care of our Vets!
Chris, U.S. Army (Veteran)
As Powerstories Theatre is celebrating 25 years of wonderful productions, a BIG THANK YOU for supplying tickets to Veterans; and allowing us to celebrate the new show! We had a lovely time!
Roxanne, U.S. Navy (Veteran)
Thank you, Powerstories Theatre, for the opportunity to attend Saturday night’s performance of Witch Hunt. We had a great time at the wonderfully acted play. We appreciate you supporting local veterans and their families through your generous ticket donation.
David, U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
Great performances in Jane. That level of acting, directing, and choreographing is rare in a staged reading.
Anonymous
I believe this is my second or third Powerstories event, and they have all been mesmerizing. This one was the best – from the retelling of the historical events to the way they brought it all to life with interesting characters – Wow. Yes, Social Issues is their mantra and I wish more people will take the time to see shows like these. WE would be much less likely to have to repeat some ugly parts of our history. We actually gave the playbill, and a nice heaping of recommendations, to a couple we had dinner with the next day and encouraged them to adjust their weekend plans to see it. As an avid reader since 6th grade, I extend to the Powerstories Team of Fran, Clareann, Deb, Sheri, Shannon, Chris, and Cheryl, as well as the wonderful cast, another standing ovation and thanks for a wonderful presentation, as well as a creative recreation of the events with a unique stage layout. I would see it again if I could, but will wait for their next production. Wishing y’all wonderful success in 2024!
Dominic, U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
The play, Alabama Story, was very inspirational and eye-opening.
Harrison, U.S. Navy (Veteran)
Excellent performance of right before i go. Glad to be there and see how wonderfully they handled the subject matter. Thank you Powerstories Theatre!! The story must continue ;
Powerstories….. You are a Diamond in the community in so many ways. We appreciate your generosity in sharing your passions. Thank You, We appreciate the tickets and were glad to contribute to the cause with raffle tickets. Sincerely, Neatojets
Neatojets, U.S. Marine Corps (Veteran)
Wow… Nearly speechless about this. As someone who has both personally dealt with this issue AND who has lost people to it, including my own father, I don’t know where to begin, nor is this the right place to say all the things I am itching to say about this performance and event. I’m not even sure I would have the words if I wanted to. THANK YOU, Powerstories. My wife and I will be back to see more. We only found out about you through this event through VetTix. Please please please consider putting more tickets on here. Us veterans NEED to see more stuff like this. It’s absolutely wrong in my mind that there was even a single empty seat in the auditorium last night. Thank you so much for this experience. ;
KC, U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
Thank you for a wonderful heartfelt play (Raising 12)…. small theater but great big talent… Thank you
What an awesome event. My guest and I had a chance to meet Fran Powers whose life story was reflected in the production of Raising 12. The cast was young, but each individual brought such a performance to the character role they were supporting. Purely an Awesome performance!
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed Girls in the Boat. The actors were incredibly talented and the message was heartwarming. Thank you so much for your generous donation of tickets.
Powerstories Theatre, thank you so very much for your generous donation, which allowed my mother and me the privilege to enjoy a fantastic performance of “Girls In The Boat” at your location in Tampa. To be honest, I had no idea what we were going to see when we obtained the tickets, but my Mom and I love an adventure! We were so pleased by the strong performances of the actors in this play that chronicled the challenges faced by female athletes who were treated so unfairly, and yet, because they were strong, and because they persisted, they paved the way for women athletes of today! I was unfamiliar with this true story, but the action had me scrolling through my phone during the intermission and when I got home! I played sports in the late 1970s and had no idea what hardships courageous women had gone through to make it so easy for us to have our own bathrooms and showers! So, what a great show, and what a great theater! The actors had our attention from the opening scene until the closing curtain. They were so versatile, playing so many recognizable characters and I was caught up in each one! We thought they were on a real boat! It was awesome! My mother had never seen live theater this close up, so what a great new experience for a 79 year old to have! She thought you all were just fantastic! Thank you again for the wonderful entertainment. So great!!
Deborah, U.S. Navy (Veteran)
We really enjoyed this production of In McClintock’s Corn. It was informative and artistic. Very intimate!! Thanks.
As a veteran, this is the most powerful presentation of this play( A Piece of my Heart) I have seen, honest, heartfelt, the players made the production come to life. Thank you for sharing this story of the women who are as well unspoken Hero”s. I Directed this play 16 years ago and did not realize the impact this play would have on me. My Wife and my fellow Vets, Thank YOU. Ralph and Janette Pauley , Hudson, Florida
* I want to commend the writer, the actors, director and all involved with the production of A PIECE OF MY HEART. I was in the active duty Army for 13 years. My husband was in for 27; my Dad was a WWII infantryman, and my son is at West Point. I could list a number of friends and family members. I cried through your entire show. I cried for some of my own experiences the play brought to mind and for the future life my son will have. I cried for all the soldiers currently serving and those who suffer from PTSD. I cried for the camaraderie of those I served with which I no longer can enjoy. I have never been to war but could relate on so many levels with the story of these women. I am sure every woman who has served in the military could share similar stories. Thanks for choosing to produce such a poignant and relevant show.
Lori Smith
*My family and I attended “A Piece of My Heart” this weekend and the play far exceeded our expectations! The play tells the stories of six heroic women as they navigate life in war-torn Vietnam and adjust to American life post-Vietnam. Simultaneously beautiful and agonizing, this play’s appeal extends to multiple generations: from my uncle, who served in Vietnam, to my daughter, who didn’t know much about the conflict prior to seeing the show. The acting was deep, rich, and professional and the live music was heartfelt and spot-on! Attending this play was well-worth the emotional investment (it’s very possible that you’ll cry).
Christy Everton-Cappa
*I enjoyed this play very much, they did a great job with a tough topic
I am a disabled, combat veteran with PTSD. Viet Nam was not my war but I do have m any friends that where there.
I rode my motorcycle to the Wall in DC every year for many years, tough to hold back the emotions.
Great job and I recommend everyone come see this play. Iron Joe
*Navy veteran and reservist – this play was amazing wish I would have came sooner. So I could have shared the word for such and amazing play. Jeaniel Whatts 5 stars
*The opening night performance of “A Piece of My Heart” can only be described as extremely entertaining and intense; perhaps visceral. It is the true life experiences of six members of an unrecognized and certainly under honored group of heroes. They are the women who served as nurses and entertainers for our young men fighting in Vietnam. Four military nurses, one Red Cross volunteer and a member of a band who signed on for a year’s tour serving in Country share their lives during the tour and upon their return to the USA.
Underscored by beautifully performed live music and using a fast paced complex dialogue which was flawlessly executed you are literally and powerfully taken through the entire range of emotions they experienced; from joy, hope, humor, happiness to anger, frustration and real fear for their lives. This play will rip you out of the mundane and take you to that place where we are all connected.
The icing on the cake is the complicated production. The quick moving of props and people during the performance was professional and perfect. It reminded me of getting excellent service at a very high end restaurant. You were not consciously aware it was happening but you knew it greatly enhanced the experience.
If you wish to truly feel the power of life do not allow yourself to miss “A Piece of My Heart”. Powerstories Theatre, you have done it again! Steve Harding
I saw TWELVE yesterday. Congratulations to my friend Fran Taylor Powers. You won’t find a more “intimate” theater space that Power Stories Theater, and you won’t find a story more filled with heart! Give yourself a Christmas present . . . and GO! Janet
What a great show (Twelve) yesterday was. Loved seeing that whole story come to life and so many parts I hadn’t heard. You should feel very proud. Great cast andand great job directing all those children to keep it so lively. 🙂 Dana
I saw this play (12) over the weekend and really enjoyed it. In today’s world where everything is so political and there seems to be a crisis raging in every nation, it was nice to be pulled back into focus and brought to a place where you see what is truly important and lasting…family! 12 did this for me. It was inspirational, funny, sad at times but woven through and through with love and grace. I liked it so much I saw it again the next day.
The cast was top notch, from the oldest to the youngest, and the venue at Powerstories Theatre makes you feel like you’re a guest. All in all I say, very well done! Charles
Being a part of the audience [Advice I Would Give My Younger Self] was an opportunity to hear stories in a new way. The sharing of stories has a unique and unforgettable way of connecting us all. Through a story wisdom and lessons are passed to teach and inspire others, most importantly our next generation, like in Advice I Would Give My Younger Self. Thank you for sharing. M.F.
I attended the show [Advice I Would Give My Younger Self] on 9/20/16. It was amazing! I laughed, was inspired and sang along with every song. The music was great. The 3 actresses are to be commended. They are fantastic and really engaged the audience. I felt as if I was a part of their group exchanging stories – the ones they read about as well as their own. Don’t miss it! JR
Excellent and Awesome and Powerfully Moving. INDEED!!! Thank you! Please be sure and advise me if there are plans to share your stories in Pinellas County and/or beyond or again in Tampa. Looking forward to it!
“I laughed until my sides hurt when Deanna talked about drying her wig by hanging it on the ceiling fan while undergoing chemotherapy. Chills ran down my spine when Angela talked about being so poor that she captured poisonous snakes in the everglades to sell them for their venom. And then Joy’s exuberance for life recharged my soul and reminded me that we have to take the bad with the good. Such is life. It reminded me that I am lucky to be alive.”
“I have been lucky enough to attend three performances and would go again in a heartbeat.”
In hearing these frank narratives, I began to wonder how I could use their success stories and apply them to the problems in my life. And, of course, I also began to wonder what was my power story and allowed myself to explore my own areas of personal triumph.
“Thank you for all you have done for Amari. She had a rough year with her Mom going through domestic violence and losing employment. Coming to Girlstories has made a difference for her.” (Joann, grandmother)
“Your group…..THIS is how the world should be!” (Masa, teacher)
“I’ve been meaning to thank you for that experience for her!!!! I am just so amazed at what Girlstories has done for our Analina and what a perfect fit it is for her at this stage in her development. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts – you guys are truly inspirational and make such a difference for our girls – love to see their leadership!” (Cathy, parent)
“You will be saving lives here at Van Buren Middle School. I didn’t say helping girls. I meant SAVING LIVES!” (Assistant Principal, VBMS)
Thank you for another amazing year! Jenna has benefited so much from the program. You are shaping lives. Chris Callison
Parent of a High School Girl: We’re trying to get her there as much as possible to help. This is a great experience for her too. We are so thankful that we’ve met you all. Michelle Keeler
I truly appreciate you giving Lily the stage, and very impressed with how bold her voice was. (about younger daughter)
I brought 6 family members last night (to performance) and they were all blown away. So impressed with the production and the quality of the girls performances. See you later today. Amanda Casanova
Krissy looooovvvvvveesss Girlstories, and tells all her friends about it. Also, she wants to make sure that nothing that I sign her up for this summer interferes with the summer program. LaSonja Lloyd
Submit a Testimonial
We’d love to hear your opinions.