Special Theatrical Fundraising Event on Stage September 20-21, 2024
New Tampa Performing Arts Theatre
New Tampa Performing Arts Theatre
On Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21, Powerstories Theatre invites you to “A Celebration of the Power of the Arts,” an unforgettable evening featuring the powerful and poignant play Right Before I Go. We are honored to have Hollywood acclaimed writer, producer, director, and playwright Stan Zimmerman, the brilliant mind behind Gilmore Girls, The Golden Girls, and Roseanne, narrate the play on both nights.
Alongside our community’s finest actors, the staged reading will be enriched by a cast of local celebrities, including chief meteorologist Dennis Philips, television anchor Wendy Ryan, Tampa Bay Lighting assistant coach Rob Zettler, Former Miss Florida USA and Miss World USA, journalist Chloe Cabera, publisher 83 Degrees Diane Egner, President and CEO The Crisis Center, Clara Reynolds, Donald Dowridge, Jr. Military Veteran and Motivational Guru, and more – all coming together to support this vital cause.
Zimmerman’s Right Before I Go is a poignant play that brings to life the final words of individuals lost to suicide, including heartfelt messages from celebrities, LGBTQIA, veterans, and bullied youth. Directed by Karla Hartley, Producing Artistic Director for Stageworks, the play also shares powerful stories of survival, illuminating the struggles and resilience, ending with a message of hope, inspiring a conversation, and offering solace that we are not alone in our battles.
Friday, September 20 Event Highlights:
Saturday, September 21 Event Highlights:
Your attendance at this event is more than just an evening out; it’s a contribution to pulling back the dark curtain on mental health and bringing these critical conversations to light. By attending, you witness a powerful piece of theatre and contribute to a larger mission of hope and healing. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit the Crisis Center, reinforcing our collective commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Join us for an evening where art and empathy converge. Witness Right Before I Go and be part of a movement toward understanding, compassion, and change. Celebrate the transformative power of theatre and join us for this special event during Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. Experience Right Before I Go and help us draw back the curtain on mental health and illuminate the path to hope. Buy your tickets now and be inspired by the transformative power of storytelling.
RATED: PG-13
Content Warnings: Mentions of suicide
Young Man
Young Woman
Man
Woman/Kristin
Director, Designer
Stage Manager
Light Board Operator
Sound / Projections Operator
Writer, Producer, Director, Playwright
STAN ZIMMERMAN is a man of many mediums (TV, film and theatre). He’s been nominated for two WGA Awards for Best Comedy Writing – The Golden Girls and Roseanne. Stan’s also written and produced on Gilmore Girls, co-created the Lifetime sitcom, Rita Rocks, wrote on both Brady Bunch movies and rewrote the ABC-TV movie of Annie. Stan has a BFA-Drama from NYU/Circle-in-the-Square and has directed LA productions of The Diary of Anne Frank-Latinx (eight iterations since 2018, including a tour to Vancouver), Entertaining Mr. Sloane, A Tuna Christmas, Gemini, Spike Heels, Pledge, High Maintenance, Heartbreak Help, and his original plays — Meet & Greet, Knife to the Heart, Have a Good One, and Yes Virginia (also Judson Theatre-Pinehurst, NC). Stan directed Off-Broadway’s Hyprov (Daryl Roth Theatre). TRWplays has published and licensed four of his works — Yes Virginia, Silver Foxes and his suicide awareness play, right before I go, including a School Edition. Stan continues to appear in the play across the U.S. Next up, May 2025 (Curtis Theatre-Brea, CA). He’s directed multiple one person shows, such as Daughter Of, Warm Cheese, and Blink and You Might Miss Be (Broadwayworld Best Director winner). Zimmerman & Berg wrote last year’s Lifetime hit Christmas movie, Ladies of the 80’s: A Divas Christmas. Stan’s book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore was released this past February by Indigo River Publishing. He appeared as “the Bartender” on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live (Bravo) to promote it. Stan began this year directing Paul Rudnick’s The New Century (BENT Theatre-Palm Springs, CA) and ends it with his original play, Yes Virginia (The North Street Playhouse, Onancock, VA).
Chief Meterologist
Denis Phillips’ desire to be a television meteorologist began by seeing Santa on radar when he was 6 years old. It’s true… although severe weather really hooked him. He is one of those crazies you’ll see tied to a palm tree in a category 3 hurricane… doing a live shot… sideways.
Denis attended Penn State University because of its reputation in weather forecasting since one out of every four meteorologists in the world comes from PSU. He SWEARS their national championship football team the year before had NOTHING to do with it!
Denis graduated in 1985 and got his first on-air position in Salisbury, Maryland, shortly thereafter. After stops in Gainesville, Providence, and Los Angeles, Denis finally ended up in Tampa. He says the Bay area offers all the challenges weather-wise he could ever hope for severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and plenty of opportunities to tie himself to a palm tree!
Evening News Anchor/Mental Health Reporter
An Emmy award-winning journalist, Wendy Ryan joined ABC Action News in April of 2003 as the evening anchor and continues to anchor the 6 pm, 7 pm, and 11 pm broadcasts.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Wendy launched her Mental Health franchise. In it, she goes in-depth on the resources available in Florida and how social media is impacting our children.
She continually focuses on the causes of suicide and the many organizations trying to combat the stigma of talking about our mental well-being.
Before that, Wendy focused on restaurant inspections in her Emmy-nominated franchise, Dirty Dining. Many of her stories have been featured on Good Morning America, 20/20, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO. She also conducted countless investigations into food safety inspections through Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants, the Department of Agriculture, and the CDC.
For over a decade, Wendy has been part of the Emmy award-winning ‘Taking Action Against Domestic Violence’ campaign and Prime-time Special.
Over the last twenty years in the Bay Area, Wendy has also covered major hurricanes, including live continuous coverage during Hurricanes Charlie, Francis, Ivan, Jean, Irma, Ian, and most recently, Hurricane Idalia.
She’s also covered other major local events, including the 2004 Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, the 2008 Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Championship, the 2012 Republican National Convention, and several years of live coverage of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
During her career, Wendy spent almost ten years in Los Angeles, California. She worked as an anchor/reporter for KWHY-TV, The Business Channel, covering the financial markets and interviewing top CEO’s from around the country. She then moved to Miami to launch her own national show with NFN, Net Financial News.
Wendy also worked for a national cable network focusing on international issues and covering the Middle East peace process.
Wendy was the main evening anchor for WICS-TV in Springfield, Illinois, where she met her now husband, Jerome, live on the air. They also welcomed a daughter, Raquel, in 2010.
She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arizona.
Wendy has been profiled in ‘Broadcasting and Cable Magazine’ after her personal story with MRSA was documented and went viral on Facebook, as it was happening. In addition, her career has been profiled in Creative Loafing Magazine and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.
Wendy also volunteers with several non-profit organizations and emcees countless events, including the FARA Energy Ball, raising money for Freidrich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, St. Jude’s Hospital Gala, Humane Society Fundraiser, Hope Villages of America’s Faces of Domestic Violence, CASA-Community Action Stops Abuse, The Haven of Tampa Bay, Salvation Army, Lowery Park Zoo, Make a Wish Foundation, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Ray’s ‘Family Fun Day,’ Florida Hospital Gala, American Cancer Society’s Walk, Abilities Foundation, St. Claver’s School Fundraiser, Trinity School for Children Fundraiser, Hands Across the Bay’s Dancing with the Stars Event, & the FL Strawberry Festival’s Fundraiser and Fashion Show.
Assistant Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning
Rob Zettler is entering his fifth season with the Lightning after being hired to serve as an assistant coach on Jon Cooper’s staff on December 7, 2020.
Prior to becoming an assistant coach with the Lightning, Zettler served as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks from 2017 through 2019. Before he rejoined the Sharks, he served as the head coach of the Lightning’s top AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, from 2013-2016. Zettler took over those head coaching duties on March 25, 2013, after serving as an assistant coach that season before Cooper was promoted to the Lightning. Zettler coached the Crunch for the final 11 regular season games of the 2012-13 season and led the team to an AHL Eastern Conference Championship and their first appearance in a Calder Cup Final before falling in six games to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Zettler compiled a record of 108-90-41 in three-plus seasons as the head coach of the Crunch.
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Zettler, 55, served as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks (two stints) and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played in the NHL for 14 seasons with the Minnesota North Stars, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Nashville Predators, the Washington Capitals, the Sharks, and the Maple Leafs. He skated in 569 career games, recording five goals and 70 points.
President & CEO, The Crisis Center
Clara A. Reynolds, LCSW, MBA, is a distinguished executive leader with over 19 years of dedicated service managing nonprofit organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Her career is marked by a robust portfolio of accomplishments, demonstrating expertise in revenue growth, strategic planning, and community impact.
Currently serving as President & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay since July 2015, Clara oversees a large team and plays a pivotal role in serving over 160,000 individuals annually. Under her guidance, the Crisis Center has achieved exceptional growth, expanding its services and impact across the community. Clara’s leadership has been instrumental in driving a remarkable 130% revenue increase from 2015 to 2024. Clara also co-founded Success 4 Kids & Families in 2005. She saw it grow significantly during her ten-year executive tenure before its scheduled merger with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay on January 1, 2025.
Clara’s professional journey is deeply rooted in her educational background, holding a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa and dual degrees in Social Work and Psychology from Florida State University. Since becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in December 1997, Clara has leveraged her expertise to spearhead numerous initiatives benefiting children and adults in the community.
Beyond her role at the Crisis Center, Clara is recognized as a thought leader and subject matter expert, as evidenced by her over 200 media appearances since 2020. Her advocacy extends into academia, where she co-created a significant course on mental health and wellness in the workplace in collaboration with the USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences.
Clara’s commitment to community service is evident through her extensive involvement in advisory roles and boards, including positions with the University of South Florida’s School of Social Work and College of Nursing Advisory Boards and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida’s School of Social Work and a guest lecturer for the University of New Haven.
Throughout her career, Clara has received several accolades for her leadership and contributions, including the Tampa Bay Social Worker of the Year award in 2015, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioner’s Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government award in 2023 and the USF Women in Leadership and Philanthropy’s Community Leadership Award in 2023. Her passion for service extends beyond professional endeavors, as she actively participates in organizations like the Athena Society, Leadership Tampa Alumni, and the Junior League of Tampa.
In her personal life, Clara cherishes time with her family in Tampa, where she resides with her husband and son. She enjoys engaging in long-distance swimming competitions, reflecting her active lifestyle and commitment to personal wellness.
Journalist, Founder Cabrera Communications, Former Miss Florida USA and Miss World USA
Cloe Cabrera is an Ybor City native, whose parents are Cuban immigrants. She is an award-winning journalist and Communications specialist, who also happens to be the first black/and Hispanic Miss Florida USA and a former Miss World USA.
Publisher, 83 Degrees
Diane Egner is a community leader and award-winning journalist with more than four decades of experience reporting and writing about the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. She serves on the boards of the University of South Florida Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications Advisory Council, The Institute for Research in Art (Graphicstudio, the Contemporary Art Museum, and USF’s Public Art Program) Community Advisory Council, Sing Out and Read, and StageWorks Theatre Advisory Council. She also is a member of Leadership Florida and the Athena Society. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA in journalism, she won the top statewide award for editorial writing from the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors while at The Tampa Tribune and received special recognition by the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists for creative work as Content Director at WUSF Public Media. Past accomplishments and community service include leadership positions with Tampa Tiger Bay Club, USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP), Alpha House of Tampa Bay, Awesome Tampa Bay, Florida Kinship Center, AIA Tampa Bay, Powerstories, Arts Council of Hillsborough County, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Diane and her husband, Sandy Rief, live in Tampa.
Military Veteran
Motivational Guru / Mentor / Facilitator / Author / Scholar / Historian / Actor
Founder of DLD (Determined to Learn and Develop) Enterprises,
Established January 1992
Celebrating 32 Years of Motivating A Society!
Mr. Dowridge a Baltimore, MD. Native, residing in Tampa for the last Fifty years.
He holds a Degree in Marketing Management.
Mr. Dowridge Proudly served in the U.S. Army with Two Honorable Discharges.
Retired from the U.S. Post Office as the First African-American Male Manager.
DLD over the years recognized by two U.S. Presidents & the Governor of Florida.
Recently Recognized as Florida’s Motivational Guru
Mr. Dowridge’s 13th Book, THE POWER OF BEING A WINNER, was #1 on Barnes and Noble.
His 14th Book, MOTIVATIONAL MOMENTS, has also been a Best Seller.
Dowridge created “DLD MOTIVATIONAL MOMENT,” which was heard every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday on Local radio stations AM 1150 WTMP Radio, 99.1 FM St. Petersburg,
FL. N-TOUCH Radio, WMNF 88.5 FM, 1250 WHNZ, WTBN 570AM & and a host of online radio stations.
Mr. Dowridge has appeared on numerous T.V. News and Radio Shows.
He won a Recurring Role on NBC SEAQUEST, The HBO HIT, THE WIRE.
Performed James Brown Florida State Fair.
Dowridge is Celebrating his 14th Year, portraying the Great Abolitionist FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
DLD has contracted with Locked Martin, Department of Children and Families, CDC of Tampa, Baltimore City Schools,
Head Start, Howard University, Morgan State University, and the University of South Florida, to name a few.
1999 to present, DLD is a consultant for Hillsborough County Public Schools Project Promise.
Dowridge is tied to numerous organizations, namely 100 BLACK MEN OF TAMPA BAY.
MR. DOWRIDGE OVERCAME TREACHEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES, HIS MOTTO: HANDS THAT HELP ARE HANDS THAT INSPIRE.
Featuring Stan Zimmerman’s RIGHT BEFORE I GO
TALKBACK FACILITATOR – FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
Elizabeth Behner, M.A., LMHC, NCC, is a dedicated school counselor at a public high school in Pasco County, Florida. With a robust background in education and mental health, she has been a certified school counselor since 2015, following thirteen years of teaching middle school. She obtained her licensure in mental health counseling in 2022. Elizabeth currently serves as the counselor for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, where she uses her expertise to support students in achieving their academic and personal goals.
Elizabeth’s passion for mental health is deeply personal and professionally driven. Her own experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped her commitment to helping others lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Her dual role as an educator and mental health professional reflects her dedication to fostering both academic excellence and emotional well-being.
PANELIST – FRIDAY NIGHT
Stephanie Koszalka, LCSW is the Manager of Clinical Services at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. In her role at the Crisis Center, she is responsible for the daily operations of the non-profit organization’s counseling service program.
PANELIST – FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
Natasha A. Pierre is an award-winning speaker, author, Emotional Intelligence Coach, and mental health educator with over 20 years of lived mental health experience. Her relatable style allows her to connect with diverse audiences to share the importance of consistent mental health care, self-advocacy, effective community building, and legislation.
Natasha devotes much of her time to mental health education and advocacy. She frequently shares her lived experience in the community, in law enforcement Crisis Intervention Training sessions, and as a subject matter expert for local news networks.
Natasha holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Duquesne (Du-cane) University in Pittsburgh, a Social Security Administration Work Incentives Practitioner credential from Cornell University, and Post Crisis Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificates from the University of South Florida.
She is the author of Provoking Thoughts Volume 1: 101 Inspirational Quotes for Daily Life, Jumpstart Your Happy: Get Closer to Happiness Now, and is currently working on her third book on resilience.
PANELIST – FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
Dr. Darlene Williams is a licensed clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience [as of 2022] counseling others with a variety of issues. She has advanced training in forensic psychology, hypnotherapy, & equine-assisted psychotherapy, & largely utilizes transpersonal (including ecotherapy), experiential (e.g., equine-assisted psychotherapy, sand tray, play therapy), & CBT methods to address a variety of issues, across the lifespan (we treat ages 2-102). Dr. Williams treats individuals, couples, families, & groups with a focus on trauma, grief, & loss, dissociative disorders including DID, & couples’ issues. Through her involvement as cofounder and clinical program director of FL nonprofit Equusolutions, Inc., Dr. Williams offers customized healing workshops & retreats for survivors and loved ones, caregivers, partners, & therapists of trauma survivors to mitigate secondary traumatization, vicarious trauma, burnout, and/or compassion fatigue.
PANELIST – SATURDAY NIGHT
Phoenix Bullis-Caballos serves as a therapist at the Corbett Trauma Center, which is part of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay—a local non-profit committed to aiding individuals and families through crises and challenging times. In his role, he supports clients in processing, managing, and moving forward after traumatic experiences, as well as educates groups on suicide intervention.
Introducing CRISIS CENTER ON FRIDAY NIGHT
Clara A. Reynolds, LCSW, MBA, is a distinguished executive leader with over 19 years of experience managing nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. As President & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay since 2015, Clara has overseen significant growth, serving over 160,000 individuals annually and driving a 130% revenue increase. She co-founded Success 4 Kids & Families in 2005, which will merge with the Crisis Center in 2025. Clara’s expertise in mental health is evident through her numerous initiatives, media appearances, and her co-creation of a mental health and wellness course with USF.
Clara holds an MBA from the University of Tampa and dual degrees in Social Work and Psychology from Florida State University. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has been recognized for her leadership and contributions with several awards. Clara is actively involved in advisory roles and boards, including the University of South Florida and the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Introducing CRISIS CENTER ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Ken Gibson is the Senior Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, a local non-profit organization that works with individuals and families dealing with crisis and traumatic situations. In his roll at the Crisis Center, he works to increase awareness about the organization in the community.
Featuring Stan Zimmerman’s RIGHT BEFORE I GO
Powerstories Theatre is thrilled to partner with Project Return, an organization that supports individuals with mental health challenges. This collaboration aims to highlight the incredible artistic talents of Project Return’s members, providing them a platform to share their stories and creativity with the community.
Powerstories “Celebrate the Power of the Arts” featuring “Right Before I Go” will showcase a diverse collection of artwork created by Project Return artists. These pieces reflect personal journeys, emotions, and experiences, offering a unique perspective on mental health and resilience.
By partnering with Project Return, Powerstories continues its goal to use the arts as a vehicle for social change and community engagement. This event celebrates the artistic achievements of individuals with mental health challenges and fosters a supportive environment where their voices can be heard and appreciated. Join us for this inspiring event and witness the transformative power of art and storytelling. Together, we can promote mental health awareness and create a more inclusive and empathetic community.
For sale: $100
Featuring Stan Zimmerman’s RIGHT BEFORE I GO
Powerstories Theatre is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with the Crisis Center. Together, we are committed to making a difference in our community by donating a portion of all ticket sales to support the Crisis Center’s vital services. The Crisis Center ensures that no one in our community faces a crisis alone. They respond to hundreds of thousands of requests for help each year, offering a range of evidence-based programs designed to meet community needs.
After each performance, the Crisis Center will join us for insightful talkback sessions, offering a platform for open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention. These discussions aim to foster understanding, healing and hope through the power of storytelling and community connection. Join us for an evening where art meets advocacy, and every ticket purchased contributes to a larger mission of hope and healing. Let’s come together to amplify our voices and stories, making a positive impact on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is a local, non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone. The organization is the community’s gateway to help, hope, and healing and is Tampa Bay’s elite provider of crisis and trauma services. The Crisis Center offers a range of evidence-based programs designed to meet community needs:
For more information about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, please visit www.crisiscenter.com.
Featuring Stan Zimmerman’s RIGHT BEFORE I GO
Powerstories Theatre is joining forces with Life Amplified SPECTACULAR Prom singers for an evening that promises to be both enchanting and profoundly uplifting. After our staged reading of “Right Before I Go,” Life Amplified SPECTACULAR Prom singers will join patrons, their powerful voices filling the lobby with live music. Indulge in delectable desserts and coffee as you connect with fellow art enthusiasts, celebrating the transformative magic of the arts.
Since 2013, Life Amplified has been a beacon of community spirit, driven entirely by volunteers and dedicated to raising funds for local causes through their impactful charity showcases. Their performances are renowned for their stirring messages and profound community impact, aligning perfectly with our mission at Powerstories Theatre. This event is more than just a performance; it’s a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and shared human experience. Together, we will foster understanding, healing, and hope through the power of the arts.
Featuring Stan Zimmerman’s RIGHT BEFORE I GO
Would you like to partner with Powerstories to enhance your visibility and brand awareness and allow for meaningful engagement with your network? A sponsorship brings well-deserved recognition and provides a platform to entertain prospects and foster new client relationships. We invite you to explore elevating your brand through our different sponsorship levels.
Each sponsorship level comes with free tickets that can be donated to a local nonprofit if you do not use them for yourself, employees, or clients.
In times of darkness, it can feel like there’s no way out. But remember, you are not alone. There are people who care about you and resources available to help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out:
You matter. Your story isn’t over. Reach out, speak up, and know that help is always available.
Here’s where we will be bringing theatre to you next!
PO Box 18021
Tampa, FL 33679