<div dir="ltr"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-3dc9dc15-7fff-3732-ac33-15647d96f3d2"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">November 7, 2022</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CONTACT: </span><a href="mailto:paul@ancramoperahouse.org" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,255);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">paul@ancramoperahouse.org</span></a></p><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-68e6ba6b-7fff-fc57-cda9-07ceb7f0922c"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(5,5,5);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(5,5,5);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">PRESS PHOTOS: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/bdc2bj7h">https://tinyurl.com/bdc2bj7h</a></span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">ANCRAM OPERA ANNOUNCES LOCAL STORYTELLERS </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">FOR NOVEMBER 13 </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">An evening of homegrown stories told by local residents</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ancram Opera House is excited to announce the four local storytellers for its popular series REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES, which will take place on Saturday, November 13 at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 available at </span><a href="https://www.ancramoperahouse.org/" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">ancramoperahouse.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ancram Opera House Director </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Paul Ricciardi </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">created REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES in 2016, and now conducts storytelling workshops throughout the region, including an ongoing residency at Taconic Hills Central School District. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ricciardi works with storytellers to help them prepare their stories for the stage. “The goal is not to create a polished monologue, but to allow the spontaneity of a real-life story to shine through,” he said. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES has become an audience favorite that we produce twice a year” said Ricciardi. “It seems that now, more than ever, people have a deep need to listen to, and tell stories.” </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">This edition features returning storytellers</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Sarah Katan</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> and </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Danielle Molinski</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, as well as new storytellers </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Paula Kaplan-Reiss</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> and </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Kitty Kiefer</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sarah Kattan</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> is a local outdoor educator and licensed guide. Her company, Whale of a Trail Adventures, is based out of Hudson, NY. Sarah's story is about how her love, and need, for maps has impacted her life in unexpected ways.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Danielle Molinski</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> is a 7th grade student at Taconic Hills. She was thrilled to be a part of Ancram Opera House’s REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES workshops in 5th and 6th grade! Her story is about unique ways in which friends can be made.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Paula Kaplan-Reiss</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> is a psychologist who lives with her husband in Canaan, NY. She is a mother to three grown sons, loves the arts, and the outdoors. Paula's story tells of her hike up a mountain and the kindness of strangers.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Kitty Kiefer</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> lives in Salisbury, CT with her cat Dale / she works at Artgarage at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. She is a non-practicing attorney and an artist. Kitty’s story is about getting beyond waiting for time to pass.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The stories from the students involved in this fall’s REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES program at Taconic Hills were videotaped last week and will be available to watch on the AOH website and YouTube channel shortly.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES is g</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(5,5,5);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">enerously sponsored by the Copake General Store. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The Ancram Opera House, where REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES will take place, is located at </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">1330 County Route 7, Ancram</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, NY. For more information visit </span><a href="http://www.ancramoperahouse.org" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">www.ancramoperahouse.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Cambria,serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">###</span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr">Gail M. Burns (she/her)<div>Press Representative, Ancram Opera House</div><div><a href="mailto:pr@ancramoperahouse.org" target="_blank">pr@ancramoperahouse.org</a></div><div>Gail's phone: 413-458-4246</div><div>AOH phone: 518-329-0114</div><div><a href="https://www.ancramoperahouse.org" target="_blank">https://www.ancramoperahouse.org</a></div></div></div></div></div>