SCPA is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose mission is to provide classes, programs, and events where individuals can develop skills in music, dance, and theater, thereby fostering self-esteem and an appreciation of the arts.

The following is a narrative of activities of the Santa Cruz Performing Arts nonprofit organization beginning in September 2008.

September 8: SCPA files articles of incorporation with the state of California while continuing to work on state and federal 501(c)3 nonprofit applications. Officers of the board include Robin Macomber as president/ CEO, Karen Bradshaw as treasurer/CFO, and Jennifer Andrews as secretary.

September 2008 through March 2009: Working with a sympathetic property manager, SCPA works to fulfill its mission by offering low cost rehearsal space to rock bands, dance groups, the Be in Your Own Band music program, and the children's theater organization Kids on Broadway at the Dascom building on the Westside. Kathryn Gestri voted in as director on the Board of Directors.

February 2009: State and Federal 501(c)3 applications completed and submitted.

March 2009: A change in property management brings to an end over six months of successful SCPA operations at the Dascom building. Generous donations on the part of the Bradshaw family, and Dennis Morrison complete the organization's professional sound and lighting systems.

April 7, 2009: Santa Cruz Performing Arts receives its confirmation of tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization from the IRS. All donations and revenue are tax exempt retroactive to the date of incorporation.

Also in April:

• In response to the freezing of budgets for state school music programs, SCPA volunteers Nat Schultz and Robin Macomber create custom music arrangements for the Mission Hill Middle School choir. SCPA makes plans to provide sound, stage management, and entertainment for the first annual Mavericks Art and Food Fair.

• David Nordgren becomes the Be in Your Own Band music programs newest teacher, taking over the B40 Middle School class for Renée Solano.

• Santa Cruz Performing Arts moves to the Digital Media Factory at 2809 Mission St. on the Westside.

• Working with Fit Flix, a local producer of fitness oriented DVDs and exercise products, SCPA arranged an audition for local talent with the goal of providing employment for dancers in upcoming Fit Flix productions. In spite of a lead time of only four days, the audition was a success providing immediate and substantial employment for dancers in Santa Cruz while reducing production costs for Fit Flix. A very special thanks to the Digital Media Factory for hosting the audition, and providing an opportunity for SCPA to further its mission.