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What is this?
Hello! My name is Dominick Stern, and I am directing a Benefit Cabaret featuring works from “Next To Normal” in support of the National LGBTQ+ Cancer Network with a a group of like minded peers I founded called “Pond Players” based in Westchester, New York.
Our cabaret is being organized with great care and purpose, and our primary mission is to raise both awareness and financial support for LGBTQ + individuals and families affected by cancer.
What will I help?
The donations given to us will go towards:
Sets (Built by students themselves!)
Microphones / Sound Design
Costumes (All designed and made by students!)
The Theater & Location
100% of the profits will be given to the charity
The Cast
Diana Goodman - Juliana LoPresti of New Rochelle High School
Dan Goodman - Vera Rivers of The Denzel Washington School of the Arts
Natalie Goodman - Juliette Lewis of New Rochelle High School
Gabriel Goodman - David Bunting of Dobbs Ferry High School
Henry - Sofia Jimenez of Professional Performing Arts School
Dr. Madden - Hannah Levine of Blind Brook High School
Dr. Fine - Talia Brandon of New Rochelle High School
Where Can I Buy?
Get your tickets here.
Join us for performances Aug. 22 - 24
The Charity & Our Story
As a person in the LGBTQ+ community who has had cancer affect my family and those close to me, supporting the National LGBTQ+ Cancer Network feels both personal and urgent. I created the "Pond Players" to build a space where young artists like me can use our talents to spotlight real world issues through storytelling. Mental health and domestic abuse, which Next to Normal explores powerfully, are experiences many queer individuals face disproportionately, and this show helps start those conversations. Our performance is not just entertainment, it’s a call to action, one that brings visibility to overlooked struggles within LGBTQ+ lives. The cast and crew is built up with students, reflecting how youth can make powerful change with limited resources. This project reminds me that theater can be a healing space, both for those onstage and those watching. I wanted this fundraiser to not only raise money but to build awareness, and hope for people affected by cancer in our community, and beyond.
The Wellness Fund at the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network has many great programs to:
- Educate our community on their increased risks for cancer and the importance of early screenings
- Support our community with direct services and connection to care
- Uplift our community through advocacy at the national, state, and local level
- Train healthcare providers and agencies on culturally competent methods and practices
- Keep all of our services and program free for our community
- Provide support directly to the most vulnerable in our community
- Offer free Cancer Support Groups 3 times every week
- Expand our current offerings so that we can serve more people in need
- Improve the lives of every single LGBTQI+ person living with, affected by, or at risk of cancer
The Director
I am a student at Dobbs Ferry High School, and with the Pond Players, I have brought together talented and passionate peers of mine to support a charity we feel--we know--is very important. I started this project to use the arts as a means to express, support, and raise awareness for issues that are important to me as a student in the modern world, that are also relevant to everyone no matter their background as a human!
Thank you!
Theatre, while important, is expensive. Yet, with donations from lovers of artistic expression, magic can be brought to life on stage. We hope you can support us through this journey in any way you can, and even if you can't, follow us on Instagram and stay updated on our process!
@pondplayerz
Organizer
