Fall Applause

A newsletter for members of Ruth Eckerd Hall at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts • Fall 2012

Progress Energy 2012-13 Season Sponsor

What’s Inside... pg. 2 More on Agatha Christie’s The BBC Murders

Ruth Eckerd Hall presents The Florida Premiere of a new thriller at the Capitol Theatre

pg. 3 Everyone’s Talking About Friends of Music

pg. 4 Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign

pg. 6 Progress Energy Partnership Grows Stronger

pg. 8 1st Annual Dare to Dream Scholarship Event

pg. 9 Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute Partners with Community Leaders to Help Beautify Elementary School Campus

pg. 10 First Technical Theater Career Training Master Class Held

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The Florida premiere of the national tour of Agatha Christie’s The BBC Murders at the intimate Capitol Theatre in the Cleveland Street District in downtown Clearwater is November 12 – 18. If you have your tickets, we’ll see you at the show! If you need tickets to one or more of the eight performances, call the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office at 727.791.7400.

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Members Experience the Best Seats in the House Circle of Stars members have the best opportunity to buy great seats! Interested in learning more? Contact Melissa Reddington, Director of Membership, at 727.712.2723 or mreddington@rutheckerdhall.net.

Everyone’s Talking About Friends of Music . . . . . . Because the Neon Trees performed at the third Friends of Music concert for the 2011 – 12 season. Their hits include Everybody Talks, which recently went platinum and Animal off of their 2010 debut album Habits.

Kid Rock and The Fray were the other two terrific concerts this season. Our fantastic partners at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa sponsored the evening’s event and hosted Friends of Music members on their gorgeous pool deck for the pre-party. This concert was held at the intimate Capitol Theatre and was a fantastic end to a great year! Information about the exciting 2012 – 13 season Friends of Music events will be shared with founders and members within the next few months.

As always, we thank everyone involved in Friends of Music for continuing to make arts education opportunities possible!

Irene Brookfield, member since 2010, next to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Main Stage, where Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw was performing.

Giving to Ruth Eckerd Hall Brings It Full Circle for Member Circle of Stars Platinum level member Scott Flexer recently shared at a Beauty and the Beast performance, “I went to Eckerd College and worked in the Eckerd Drug Store warehouse while in college. Contributing to Ruth Eckerd Hall now brings it full circle for me.” Scott, owner of Disability Experts From left to right: Heidi, Scott and Ciarrah Flexer. Seated in front: of Florida, and his wife Heidi feel that it’s Rhianna Flexer. important to be members of the Hall and that it provides them a way to give back to the community along with giving them access to great performing arts experiences. If you have a member story to share, please contact us (see back page to learn how) – we’d love to hear from you!

2012 – 13 Circle of Stars Member Events Circle of Stars members can join us for the following 2012 – 13 events. Please be sure to bring and show your Circle of Stars cards to attend these events. Artist attendance is not implied or guaranteed.

Tyler Glenn, lead singer of the Neon Trees, sings for the Friends of Music members, who made their way up to the stage during their recent performance. Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

Circle of Stars members enjoy a Circle of Stars event.

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Circle of Stars Party I Agatha Christie’s The BBC Murders Tue., Nov. 13, 6 and 10 pm The Sage & Capitol Theatre

Broadway Opening Night Cast Party Hair Thu., Apr. 4, 10 pm Hoffman Dress Circle Lounge

Broadway Opening Night Cast Party Billy Elliot Tue., Jan. 29, 10 pm Hoffman Dress Circle Lounge

Broadway Opening Night Cast Party West Side Story Fri., Jun. 21, 10 pm Hoffman Dress Circle Lounge

Broadway Opening Night Cast Party A Chorus Line Tue., Feb. 26, 10 pm Hoffman Dress Circle Lounge

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Expanding the Experience A Capital Campaign in Response to the Needs of the Community Our Capital Campaign, Expanding the Experience, is the next big step in the future of Ruth Eckerd Hall. It will help us continue to fulfill our mission and answer the needs of the community in many ways. Ruth Eckerd Hall has a strong history of responding to our community’s needs: In the early 1980s, community members and leaders came together to create a symphony house. Those visionaries wanted quality arts for our community, which led to the birth of Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Every year since early 2000, there have been statewide budget cuts to education. Following budget cuts at the local level, the Pinellas County School District came to Ruth Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute for help with arts and music accessibility for its students. We adapted our programs and accommodated the school system’s request.

In 2008, Ruth Eckerd Hall and the City of Clearwater agreed to join forces to renovate and revitalize the historic Capitol Theatre. This project was part of a plan to re-energize downtown Clearwater and to keep the theatre as an integral part of the unique character of the area.

Increase educational opportunities for practical workforce training by beginning a Technical Theater Career Training program (see page 10 for more details). Ruth Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute has partnered with numerous Pinellas and Hillsborough County high schools, private high schools and local colleges to help students learn that “The Stars Backstage Shine Even Brighter.” This program was created in response to the challenging economic climate, the need for jobs and the desire for a behind-the-scenes career track for students.

Using the Murray Studio Theater in conjunction with the Cabaret Theater Stage in the expanded Grand Lobby. This will allow Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute students and other talented high school and college students to experience what it’s like to perform in front of a live audience (something that can’t be taught in a classroom). We will allow students to experience activities from backstage to front-ofhouse. Additionally, future theater audiences and employees will be fostered.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is in the quiet phase of the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign. The media has been As we move forward, the Expanding the Experience allowed to follow some of the excitement. Before we go Capital Campaign will allow us to continue to answer the public in 2013, we want to allow our family members the first chance to get involved and commemorate their needs of the community in the following ways: support with unique and individualized opportunities.

Expand the production capabilities and create For more information on how you can be a part of shows that can be developed in the Tampa Bay area Ruth Eckerd Hall’s future, please contact Stephanie and booked elsewhere. The first such production – Smith, Chief Development Officer, at 727.712.2718 or Agatha Christie’s The BBC Murders – will premiere ssmith@rutheckerdhall.net. at the Capitol Theatre in November (see page two for more details). Eckerd Theater Company will also grow its production components. Both these endeavors will create opportunities to increase revenues, fulfill our mission, develop new talent and create jobs.

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Ruth Eckerd Hall Grand Lobby and Cabaret Theater Stage Rendering: Klar & Klar Architects, Inc.

Renovated Capitol Theatre Architect: Fowler Associates Architects, Inc. / Rendering: Shep Art Studio

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Progress Energy Partnership Grows Stronger Ruth Eckerd Hall received a $100,000 grant from Progress Energy. The company will continue as the 2012 – 13 season sponsor underwriting performances on the Hall’s Main Stage. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude from our friends at Progress Energy,” said Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO. “With a little help from our friends, we are able to continue presenting the very best in live entertainment to the Tampa Bay community.” Melissa Seixas, Progress Energy Community Relations Manager, said. “Progress Energy is happy to continue supporting Ruth Eckerd Hall. We value their partnership and the first-rate cultural arts programming and performances they bring to our local communities.”

Progress Energy has supported Ruth Eckerd Hall for nearly 30 years.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Supports the Arts Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa’s mission statement, “Little hotel, Big heart,” guides the resort team in all aspects of its operations, from guest service to teamwork to engagement within the local Tampa Bay area community.

The Hyatt has been a corporate partner with Ruth Eckerd Hall since 2010. “Ruth Eckerd Hall is an important strategic partner of ours that we value greatly,” said Brian Kramer, General Manager. “Their demographics fit perfectly with our target audience and their reach is wide. They have been a terrific partner that has been easy to work with and I look forward to a long and mutually rewarding continuation of our relationship.” The Hyatt has hosted Friends of Music events and offers Ruth Eckerd Hall employees and members discounts – what a great corporate partner!

Brian Kramer, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa.

Bright House Partnership Has Developed Over Time Bright House Networks has been a founding supporter since the Hall opened nearly 30 years ago. According to Brian Aungst, Bright House Network Corporate Director of Government and Community Relations, “Bright House Networks and the Newhouse Foundation has been a long-time supporter of Ruth Eckerd Hall. We feel blessed to have a world-class performing arts center in our backyard that provides a variety of entertainment options and exposes our youth to the arts through The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute, renowned as a leader nationally in arts education. With cutbacks in arts education at the K-12 levels, The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute fills a valuable void exposing our youth to the arts, giving them a more complete educational experience. Bright House Networks is very proud to play a part in assisting this great institution!”

From left to right: Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO with Melissa Seixas, Progress Energy Community Relations Manager.

From left to right: Joyce Pemberton, Ruth Eckerd Hall Director of Corporate Partnerships; Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO and Brian Aungst, Bright House Network Corporate Director of Government and Community Relations.

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Thank you to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Corporate Partners Announces 2012 – 13 Bright House Network’s Blast Friday Events

Support our partners because they support the Hall and the arts in our community!

2012-13 Season Sponsor

Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces events across the Tampa Bay area while branding the Hall’s name. In addition to teaming up for the past six years to produce the popular Tampa Bay Rays Summer Concert Series at The Trop, one of the other well-attended events that Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces is Blast Friday, a free outdoor concert in downtown Clearwater, which is held in front of the Capitol Theatre in the Cleveland Street District. Blast Friday is held the fourth Friday of each month, September through May. It is proudly sponsored

by Bright House Networks, the Tampa Bay Times, 107.3 The Eagle, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa and is supported by the City of Clearwater, the Cleveland Street District and the Downtown Development Board. The 2012 – 13 lineup of performances includes: Fri., Nov. 30, Little River Band, 5:30 – 10 pm Fri., Dec. 7, Miracle on Cleveland Street, 5:30 – 10 pm Fri., Dec. 28, 5:30 – 10 pm* Fri., Jan. 25, 5:30 – 10 pm* Fri., Feb. 22, Dave Mason, 5:30 – 10 pm Fri., Mar. 29, Firefall, 5:30 – 10 pm Fri., Apr. 26, Pure Prairie League, 5:30 – 10 pm Fri., May 31, 5:30 – 10 pm* Fri., Jun. 28, 5:30 – 10 pm* For updates, visit www.BlastFridayClearwater.com. * Artist to be determined.

OLDSMAR

From left to right: Kevin Stone, Ruth Eckerd Hall Entertainment Manager; Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays Manager and Bobby Rossi, Ruth Eckerd Hall Chief Programming Officer. Mr. Maddon presented a number 50 jersey to commemorate the 50th postgame Summer Series Concert produced by Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road.

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Become a Corporate Partner, receive exceptional exposure, recognition and visibility, and enjoy the knowledge that you are helping to make the Tampa Bay community a better place to work, live and play. See the back page to learn how to get involved.

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You Are Invited to the 1st Annual Dare to Dream Awards

Make Ruth Eckerd Hall Your Company’s Charity of Choice

On Thursday evening, November 29, you are invited to the first annual Dare to Dream Awards, a new and exciting fundraising event to showcase the Presented by breadth of students trained at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. As our arts education programs have transformed over the years, we wish to grow and develop a new event. The groundwork for this new event was laid by Harvesting for Scholarships’ founders, Robert Challener and Nelson Morrow. Ruth Eckerd Hall will always be grateful to these two generous donors for helping to highlight sustainable funding for our scholarship program. Guests will enjoy a live and final round of high school students competing for first place scholarships in dance, drama, vocal, instrumental jazz and instrumental classical.

Event proceeds benefit the Youth Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Programs offered at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Does your company want to become more involved in the community? Does your company want to offer employees a way to give to a respected, impactful organization? Does your company want to support Fashion Takes Center Stage, presented by Dillard’s, is education programs that a great example of a Charity of Choice event that become successful. The fourth annual event took help students become more has place earlier in October. self-confident? If the answer to these questions is yes, then your company should consider selecting Ruth Eckerd Hall as your Charity of Choice. Your company can support Ruth Eckerd Hall’s arts education programs by hosting a special event such as a golf tournament, a fashion show or a percentage of your sales for a day. Let your imagination and your employees’ interest lead you to an event that will be meaningful to them and you! See the back page to learn how to get involved.

This will be an inspiring evening of talent and entertainment. Other festivities will include a buffet reception in the Margarete Heye Great Room, respected local and nationally recognized judges, chance prize drawings and the opportunity for the audience to select the “Fan Favorite” in the competition. First prize scholarship recipients will receive $3,000 each. Total prizes awarded during the evening will be $23,500. Additional proceeds from this event will provide the tuition assistance needed to help hundreds of children attend classes at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute who otherwise would not be able to afford to participate.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $15,000 to $1,250 and individual tickets that include the buffet reception are $100 each.

For more information or to purchase these tickets, please contact Nancy Dietrich at 727.712.2760 or ndietrich@rutheckerdhall.net.

Tickets for the performance/competition only are $20 for adults and $10 for children/students 18 years or younger. To purchase these tickets, please contact the Ticket Office at 727.791.7400 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com. What a great way to help students reach their dreams while giving a tax-deductible donation before the end of 2012!

Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall student and scholarship recipient, Alexa Bouchard, performs at a Ruth Eckerd Hall fundraising event.

Please note: All scholarship award participants must be current students at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall or members of the Pinellas Youth Symphony.

2012 – 13 Leading Ladies Events The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall have proudly supported the arts education programs of The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall by raising over two million dollars over the past 31 years. Come out and support their 2012 – 13 fundraising efforts by attending any or all of their events.

10th Annual Breakfast with Santa Sat., Nov. 24, 9 am Margarete Heye Great Room Contact: Jan Harroun at 727.243.2346

Kentucky Derby Party

Sat., May 4, 5 pm Water’s Edge Contact: Sue Sibley at 727.501.5299

Holiday Gala 2012

Sun., Dec. 16, 6:30 pm Margarete Heye Great Room Contact: Jenny Austin at 727.845.1773

Rhinestone Roundup

Fri., Mar. 22, 6 pm Margarete Heye Great Room Contact: Betty Lang at 727.772.8012

Gourmet Dinner at Villa des Beaux Arts

Fri., Apr. 12, 6:30 pm Private Home Contact: Betty Lang at 727.772.8012

A young boy meets the man in the red suit at a recent Breakfast with Santa event held by the Leading Ladies to benefit Ruth Eckerd Hall’s arts education programs.

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Publix Super Markets Charities Continues Support of The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Education Programs Ruth Eckerd Hall received a $15,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities to support community arts and arts education programs made available through The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Since 1999, Publix Super Markets Charities has generously supported Ruth Eckerd Hall’s education programs. Support for the community arts and arts education programs makes it possible for the community to continue to benefit from the variety and scope of performing arts programs and educational opportunities The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute offers to all people, regardless of physical or financial limitation.

Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute Partners with Community Leaders to Help Beautify Elementary School Campus The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall led an artist residency, sculpture and beautification project at Skycrest Elementary School, funded by the Pinellas Community Foundation, Lowes Toolbox and the Clearwater Arts Alliance. In collaboration with art teacher Gina Sullivan, 340 students in third through fifth grades spent five days working with nationally recognized artist Kevin Reese. Together, they designed and constructed a 15-foot-tall permanent sculpture in front of the school. The project had curriculum connections to STEM (programs that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics), taught environmental concerns and important workforce skills such as teamwork. The children continued with a recycling project collecting recycling objects such as tires, bottle caps and wood, which were used to beautify the campus.

Perhaps the greatest impact for Skycrest Elementary School students helped the students was that they could design and construct a 15-foot-tall sculpture to their campus while learning how their see how their ideas and hard beautify ideas and hard work can make a difference. work can make a big difference.

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From left to right: Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO; Michael Abrams, Publix Retail Associate Relations Specialist; Shannon Patten, Publix Media and Community Relations Manager; Allyn Welch, Publix Business Manager and Lydia Ferry, Eckerd Theater Company actor on the set of Eckerd Theater Company’s production of VOTE?.

Thank You To Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Grantor Partners Support for Ruth Eckerd Hall is provided in part through the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Clearwater and the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute and the Eckerd Theater Company are supported in part by South Arts, The Tampa Bay Times Fund, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., the Pinellas Community Foundation, The MetLife Foundation, Roy M. Speer Foundation, Target, Wells Fargo, The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc., Pinellas Cultural Foundation, Macy’s, Friends of Music and the Volunteer Fund.

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First Technical Theater Career Training Master Class Held Ruth Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute held the first Technical Theater Career Training Master Class in late September. This unique educational experience enabled 50 local students from 15 Tampa Bay area high schools and colleges the opportunity to spend an afternoon learning from the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology, Production Resource Group (PRG). The students received hands-on training using state-of-the-art lighting and production equipment from 12 instructors. “As we know, today it is all about jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO. “We are going to actively and immediately prepare the young people of this community to go forth and get a job with real skills they can use right now in the entertainment industry! No other performing arts center in the nation offers this free collaborative opportunity.” Additionally, 200 audience members comprised of future students, parents, teachers and close friends of the Hall witnessed firsthand this exciting new chapter in Ruth Eckerd Hall’s history – providing students with technical skills that will help them enter the workforce and begin their careers! Three other free Technical Theater Career Training Seminars will be held in the coming months.

College and high school students attended the first Technical Theater Career Training Master Class where industry experts gave them hands-on training using state-of-the-art lighting equipment.

Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

Project: Shattered Silence Benefits Children’s Home Society For the third year, Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute students involved in Project: Shattered Silence have selected the Children’s Home Society of Tampa, an agency that protects children and strengthens youth and families throughout the state by providing a myriad of services to benefit from the funds raised from the performances of their play. Project: Shattered Silence is a project that uses true stories from its members to stage a play that helps the audience members learn that true healing comes when we share and learn from each other’s stories. Nearly $7,000 has been donated since 2010.

Project: Shattered Silence participants, along with Jared O’Roark, Resident Teaching Artist (back row, far right) at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall, presented a $1,600 check to the Children’s Home Society of Tampa.

Two Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute Students Win First Place in Local Scholarship Competition The ninth annual Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition was held at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Approximately 1,800 audience members attended the event, which awarded $66,000 in scholarship funds. Dr. Jeffrey Walker initiated the program in conjunction with the Pinellas County Education Foundation to recognize and further the careers of Pinellas County’s most talented arts students. Two Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute students won – current student Aaron Lehrian, a junior at Seminole High School and Ruth Eckerd Hall/Clearwater Jazz Holiday Combo pianist took first place in the instrumental division and previous student Emma Foroutan, a senior at Clearwater High School took first place in the vocal division.

Aaron Lehrian, current Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute student, took first place in the instrumental division of the Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition.

Emma Foroutan, previous Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute student, took first place in the vocal division of the Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition.

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Vote Yes on Referendum for Dollars for Education In November 2004 and January 2008, Pinellas County voters made a personal commitment to education by approving a Referendum for Dollars for Education (an additional one-half millage property tax that costs the average homeowner $60 per year or $5 per month). This referendum produced over $200 million for our schools. The funds were used for the following purposes: • recruit, retain and train quality teachers • preserve reading programs • provide up-to-date textbooks and technology in the classroom • support music and art classes The next vote on this referendum is scheduled for November. We urge you to vote yes! Help preserve music and art classes in our schools.

A Thank You Message from a Grateful Student At the 2007 Harvesting for Scholarships event and in the winter 2007 issue of Applause, you were introduced to Caitlin Tarasi, an outgoing, bright, bubbly 17-year-old high school senior who took classes at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. She was a member of the Teen Choir and Teen Troupe. Caitlin took musical theater, vocal performance, dance and drama classes. She took private voice lessons, participated in the work-study program and interned as a teaching assistant. Flashback five years to 2002 and you would see a very different Caitlin. She was an extremely shy adolescent, who had developed an anxiety disorder that included debilitating panic attacks and severe depression. To help Caitlin manage those issues her parents enrolled her in a Montessori school where, during a music class, she met a Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute Instructor, who had a major impact on her life. She was encouraged to explore her interest in singing. Caitlin enrolled in a summer musical theater program at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall, where she developed a life-changing passion for the performing arts as well as the business end of the arts. And, as they say, the rest was history. Following is a personal update from Caitlin on how The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall helped shape her and her life.

Caitlin Tarasi, former Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall student, sends thank you for helping to change her life.

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I want to fill you in on what I have been up to since graduation and say a big THANK YOU because I know I am where I am thanks to Ruth Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute and the people who shaped me while I was there. During my last semester at Oklahoma City University, I began an internship at Allied Arts, which is central Oklahoma’s United Arts Fund. Right before graduation a position opened up and after a few interviews I got the job! My experience at Ruth Eckerd and the knowledge I gained gave me such a heads-up against the other candidates. I have been at Allied Arts for two months now, working as a development assistant and learning the ins and outs of this non-profit organization and fundraising for the arts. I could not be happier and love working for this wonderful company. I am always thinking of my time at Ruth Eckerd Hall and I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for the many experiences I had. Please know that I think of everyone at the Hall often. Thank you again!

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #746 TAMPA FL

1111 McMullen Booth Rd.,Clearwater, Florida 33759

For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com New shows are being added all the time! For a complete calendar, up-to-date information or to purchase tickets to any of our great shows, please contact the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office at 727.791.7400 or visit our website at RuthEckerdHall.com. All dates and times are subject to change.

Circle of Stars members, please contact us on the VIP Line.

NOVEMBER 1 Howard Jones; 7:30 pm* 2 Steven Wright; 7:30 pm* 3 Celtic Thunder Voyage Tour 2012; 2 & 8 pm 9 LeAnn Rimes; 8 pm 10 Glenn Frey; 8 pm 10 Benise En Fuego!; 5 & 8 pm** 12, 13**** – 18 The BBC Murders; 2 & 8 pm* 15 Regina Spektor; 8 pm 16 Drumline Live; 7:30 pm 18 Aaron Lewis; 7:30 pm 20 ASIA; 7:30 pm* 24 Leading Ladies 10th Annual Breakfast with Santa; 9 am*** 24 Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2012; 8 pm 25 Clay Aiken; 7 pm* 29 1st Annual Dare to Dream Awards – Ruth Eckerd Hall Scholarship Competition Finals; 5:30 pm***

DECEMBER 1&4 Richard Marx; 8 pm* 2 Nunset Boulevard; 2 pm 3–4 Eddie Vedder; 7:30 pm 6 Simply Sinatra Christmas with Steve Lippia; 1 pm 7 Bowzer’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party; 7:30 pm 8 Geoff Tate; 7:30 pm* 8 Catch Me If You Can; 2 & 8 pm 9 Iris DeMent; 7:30 pm* 11 The Kings of Swing; 1 pm 11 A Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair & Rick Braun; Flavor of Jazz VII; 6 pm; 8 pm show 16 Leading Ladies Holiday Gala 2012; 6:30 pm*** 19 & 20 A Christmas Carol; 2 &7 pm 21 R5; 7:30 pm* 21 & 22 John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker; 7 pm and 2 & 7 pm 31 Salute to Vienna – A New Year’s Eve Celebration; 8 pm * Capitol Theatre in the Cleveland Street District in downtown Clearwater **Palladium at St. Petersburg College ***Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall ****Circle of Stars members are invited to a 6 pm pre-show reception and 10 pm post-show Cast Party. Artist attendance at reception is not implied or guaranteed.

Here’s how you can contact us to get involved: To become involved in the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign, please contact Stephanie Smith, Chief Development Officer at 727.712.2718 or ssmith@rutheckerdhall.net.

To support a Leading Ladies event, please contact Heather Wilson, Development Research Analyst at 727.712.2795 or hwilson@rutheckerdhall.net.

To continue or increase your membership, please contact Melissa Reddington, Director of Membership at 727.712.2723 or mreddington@ rutheckerdhall.net or to get more information on Friends of Music, please contact Maggie Ciadella, Social Memberships Manager at 727.712.2712 or mciadella@rutheckerdhall.net.

To become a corporate partner of the Hall, please contact Joyce Pemberton, Director of Corporate Partnerships at 727.712.2716 or jpemberton@rutheckerdhall.net.

To support the Hall’s fundraising events or to host a Charity of Choice event to benefit the Hall’s arts education programs, please contact Nancy Dietrich, Special Events Manager at 727.712.2760 or ndietrich@rutheckerdhall.net.

Interested in becoming an usher, please contact Sandy Villasuso, Senior House Manager at 727.712.2707 or svillasuso@rutheckerdhall.net.

Interested in becoming an administrative volunteer, please contact Deb Vermeer, Director of Human Resources at 727.712.2719 or dvermeer@rutheckerdhall.net.

A COPY OF THE REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH-1562. 100% of each contribution goes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

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Editorial Credits Summer 2012 Applause is published three times per year for the friends of Ruth Eckerd Hall located at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts. Every effort has been made to include all of those that should be included in each article and in each issue. If you have any inquiries, comments or suggestions, please contact Applause, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, 727.791.7060, RuthEckerdHall.com. All rights reserved.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Joshua Magidson, Chairman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Zev Buffman, President and CEO, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Writer / Editor Tami Alderman, Development Associate

Staff Contributors Nathan Archer, Graphic Designer Eric Blankenship, Director of Marketing Megan Brennan, Marketing Manager Maggie Ciadella, Social Memberships Manager Nancy Dietrich, Special Events Manager Anna McGuire, Campaign Development Associate

Joyce Pemberton, Director of Corporate Partnerships Melissa Reddington, Director of Membership Sharon Reid-Kane, Assistant Director of Education Suzanne Ruley, Grants Manager Stephanie Smith, Chief Development Officer Heather Wilson, Development Research Analyst

Mission Statement Ruth Eckerd Hall engages the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts.