Winter applause web version

A Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience

Capitol Theatre Celebrates Grand Re-opening in Many Ways

Top Photo – From left to right: Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO and George Cretekos, Clearwater Mayor unveiled and lit the sign outside the newly renovated Capitol Theatre. The sign changes color. Photo credit: Tracy May Bottom Photo – Ruth Eckerd Hall executives and Board members alongside city officials cut the ribbon on the night of the first performance beginning the Grand Re-opening festivities. See page two to learn more about all the thrilling Grand Re-opening activities that took place at the Capitol Theatre.

Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

What’s inside…

From left to right: Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall CEO and President, George Cretekos, Clearwater Mayor and Michael “Frenchy” Preston, owner and namesake of Frenchy’s restaurant chain, makes a $350,000 donation for the naming rights to the Rooftop Terrace at the Capitol Theatre. See page three to learn more about this exciting donation. Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

Capitol Theatre Re-opens to Much Fanfare..................................................................................................................... 2 Successful Membership Campaign Brings In New Family Members................................................................................. 4 Members Recognized in the Community........................................................................................................................ 5 The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall Continue History of Supporting Arts Education................................................... 6 You’re Invited to the 2nd Annual Dare to Dream Scholarship Awards.............................................................................. 7 Ferman BMW/MINI Supports the Arts............................................................................................................................ 8 Fisk Jubilee Singers Perform A Cappella Spirituals and Transform All In Attendance......................................................... 10 Technical Theater Career Training Begins Its Second Year................................................................................................ 11

A newsletter for the friends of Ruth Eckerd Hall at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts.

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From left to right: Joshua Magidson, Ruth Eckerd Hall Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bill Horne, Clearwater City Manager, Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, Ed Hooper, Florida Representative, George Cretekos, Clearwater Mayor, Paul Gibson, City Council member, Doreen Hock-DiPolito, City Council member, Bill Jonson, City Council member and Frank Hibbard, previous Clearwater Mayor. Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

RE-OPENS TO MUCH FANFARE Within two weeks of opening, gross ticket revenue surpassed a quarter of a million dollars.

On two picture-perfect Florida days in December complete with cloudless blue skies, lots of sunshine and moderate temperatures, the unveiling and lighting of the sign as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the Grand Re-opening of the Capitol Theatre.

At both events, the excitement was tangible among the guests, staff members and volunteers as well as the city and state officials. As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and prior to a VIP reception, Jason Charos performed a trumpet fanfare. Performing with Jason was Will Gingras. Jason’s older brother, Phillip collaborated on the composition of the piece. Jason is a current member of the Ruth Eckerd Hall/ Clearwater Jazz Combo. Phillip is a former member of the jazz group.

Jason and Phillip are the sons of Socrates and Dru Charos, who owned and operated the Royalty (now Capitol) Theatre for eight years.

Bringing it full circle, the official first performance featured five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner, Michael McDonald. Ruth Eckerd Hall Chief Development Officer, Kathy Rabon shared, “Ruth Eckerd Hall is proud to partner with the City of Clearwater to manage the Capitol Theatre, which will have an economic impact of $5.5 million and the equivalent of 175 full-time jobs.”

The amount of detail that went into the eight million dollar renovation of the 92-year-old Art Deco Mediterranean Revival-style building on Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater was extensive.

When it shut down this past March, it had 450 seats and a pretty basic interior layout. Now, the Capitol Theatre has 737-seats, six new loge boxes, the Ray and Geri Trautlein Grande Lobby, the Ray and Geri Trautlein VIP Lounge, an outdoor wraparound art deco sculpture space called “The Big Ticket” veranda designed by artist, Darin Evans and a rooftop terrace that will serve signature Frenchy’s dishes. The veranda features panels that look like an old fashioned movie tickets from the 1920s depicting images from the era such as flapper girls, gangsters and harlequins. Both the veranda and the terrace have views of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway and the Gulf of Mexico.

Looking to the future, a state-of-the-art sound system was installed.

The décor includes green marble flooring inside, sculpted pineapples on the terrace and multi-colored chandeliers. Paying homage to the past, portions of an original brick wall remains in the lobby that commemorates Clearwater veterans of World War I. “We’ve managed to blend the past with the present and make it a working facility,” commented Jeff Hartzog, Capitol Theatre General Manager. “This is a first class venue that everyone can be proud of with great views from virtually every seat.”

Michael McDonald, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner was the first performance held at the Capitol Theatre after it re-opened in mid December. Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

On the day of the ribbon cutting ceremony, George Cretekos, Clearwater Mayor, stated, “Our partnership with Ruth Eckerd Hall comes with a vision to enhance and restore the Capitol Theatre to a prominent position and to provide a cornerstone to the economic redevelopment of downtown. This is truly a day never to be forgotten. A historical moment that reopens a theater near and dear to our hearts. A day we will always remember.” According to Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, “Clearwater is turning a corner with the Capitol Theatre being the new crown jewel of downtown. This former vaudeville venue and movie house is now attracting national acts, many of them selling out. But we’re not just about packing seats for shows. We want to do more. We want to make a difference.”

www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400

All three shows (Michael McDonald, Rockapella and Sinbad) held during the opening week at the Capitol Theatre sold out!

Revival of Theater and a Downtown A Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Tampa Bay Times editorial. Reprinted with permission.

When the newly renovated Capitol Theatre opens tonight, it will become a cornerstone in the effort to revitalize downtown Clearwater.

The historic building has had an $8 million face lift and if expectations are met it will bring people downtown for entertainment with more restaurants and bars to follow. This is just what Clearwater needs to bring residents and tourists downtown to start to build on the cultural energy that is nourishing other cities such as St. Petersburg and Tampa. Credit Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall president and CEO as the mover behind the project, for partnering with the city, county and state to make the theater’s revival a reality.

Buffman has been behind seven restorations of old theaters in his storied career but he says the Capitol Theatre was the most challenging.

The project started with three separate buildings built between 1915 and 1921 or “three ancients with rusty bones and termites” as Buffman characterizes them. They were transformed into a single, seamless structure while doubling the theater’s size. The stylish result evokes the theater’s past as a former vaudeville venue and movie house that opened in 1921. National acts have already been attracted to the 737-seat venue, with many sold out or nearly so.

The project is an example of tax dollars wisely spent to spur economic development and protect historic structures. The theater is one of the oldest in the state. It would not have survived without investments by the city of Clearwater, which purchased it in 2008 and handed it to Ruth Eckerd Hall to run. Most of the renovations were paid for with Penny for Pinellas dollars and a state grant. The soft opening in mid December was part of the lead-up to the gala opening in early February when departing Tonight Show host Jay Leno performed. The theater should put downtown Clearwater on the cultural map again and spur more interest in redevelopment.

Frenchy’s Supports Capitol Theatre with Donation to Name Rooftop Terrace In early October as part of the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign, Michael “Frenchy” Preston added his familiar nickname to the new rooftop terrace at the freshly renovated Capitol Theatre. The terrace will feature some signature Frenchy’s dishes by Ruth Eckerd Hall food service provider Ovations.

At the fall press conference, Frenchy presented a check for $350,000 to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s President and CEO, Zev Buffman. The gift will go to the Capitol Theatre, as well as proceeds from food sales at Frenchy’s Rooftop Terrace.* Frenchy shared, “The Capitol Theatre is probably my first memory of downtown Clearwater. To be able to help out with the renovations of an iconic building and make it the amazing venue it will be for years to come was a natural for us. It was also a way to pay back in a small way to the people of Clearwater

for making Frenchy’s Restaurants what they are today.”

Frenchy was born in Quebec, a French-speaking province of Canada. His family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan when he was in middle school.

Growing up in a bilingual household, his new friends heard him speaking French with his mom, so they started calling him “Frenchy”… and the nickname stuck.

Shortly after high school, Frenchy and some friends took a vacation to Clearwater Beach.

He loved it so much that he decided to stay and get a job at a local restaurant. He spent eight years learning every role and element of the restaurant business before opening his own place. Over the next 32 years, Frenchy opened four more restaurants, a seafood company, a stone crab company and a boutique motel.

From left to right: Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, George Cretekos, Clearwater Mayor and Michael “Frenchy” Preston, owner and namesake of Frenchy’s restaurant chain, make a champagne toast to celebrate the $350,000 donation. Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

*PLEASE NOTE: Frenchy’s Rooftop Terrace is not a restaurant operated by Frenchy’s. It is a location that will feature some signature Frenchy’s dishes only.

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Ruth Eckerd Hall thanks members for 30 years of support!

Music. Membership. Making a Difference.

Successful Membership Campaign Brings In New Family Members

Members Pay It Forward

Marian Major Honored

Beth England (far left, back row) with students

With all of the exciting shows and events happening at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the new Capitol Theatre, the time was right for a new membership campaign. Beginning in mid November, membership campaign fliers were printed, cut and handed out or inserted into program books at shows by ushers. E-mails were sent and the membership campaign was mentioned in stage announcements.

Bay Rays baseball game. Beth and John (not

The results for the membership campaign are in and they are great! We are pleased to welcome nearly 400 new members who joined the Ruth Eckerd Hall family to show their support of the performing arts and arts education with donations totaling close to $60,000.

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this fantastic goal!!

to Beth, “The students had a ball (pun intended).

Marian Major is a mother, a teacher and a counselor. Over the years, she adopted four children and fostered nine others. Marian was an early ambassador for Ruth Eckerd Hall and the arts education programs. She is a long time member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), which advances equity for all women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Marian is also a member of the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. In mid November, AAUW honored her for her efforts to support young people and started a scholarship fund in her name that will be allocated to Ruth Eckerd Hall. In her own words Marian shared, “The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall gives children, who might not be able to afford lessons, the chance to fly. There are so many success stories.”

from St. Petersburg Academy Prep at a Tampa pictured) England are Founding Friends of Music members. Additionally, since 2010 they attended fundraising events such as the 2013 Spring Gala, where they successfully bid on a live auction item – a suite at a Rays game for 16.

They decided to put the suite to good use by inviting students from a local school. According They were treated royally in the suite and got to see a good game.” Thanks to the England’s generosity, Ruth Eckerd Hall’s performing arts students AND the Academy Prep students benefited. What a great way to pay it forward!

As of January 24.

www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400

Members Recognized in the Community Ami Forte Named Businesswomen of the Year Ami Forte, managing director at Morgan Stanley in Palm Harbor, was named the overall winner for Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year for 2013 and winner of the financial services category. She is the first female financial advisor in the firm to be named managing director, a position that honors performance, corporate citizenship, mentoring and giving back to the firm and the community. Ami’s been named on Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list and the Barron’s Top 100 Female Financial list, where for the past three years she’s been ranked No.1. Her professional expertise has been featured on a national stage in places like Forbes, BusinessWeek, Dow Jones Newswire and Fox Business News.

“I think it is very important to give back, both personally and professionally. I have always been ready, willing and able whenever I have an opportunity to promote my firm, my industry and particularly women in our industry,” Ami shared with the Tampa Bay Business Journal in a recent article. She sits on the Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors, is a Friends of Music member, a Preferred Corporate Partner and sponsor of numerous special fundraising events including the Project: Shattered Silence Documentary Premiere, Spring Gala and the Dare to Dream scholarship awards benefiting arts education. Additionally, Ami is a supporter of the Children’s Dream Fund, The Hospice Foundation of Florida Suncoast and the Ronald McDonald House, among others.

Ami Forte, current Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors member, Friends of Music member, Preferred Corporate Partner and sponsor of numerous special fundraising events.

Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass Named Small Philanthropic Business of the Year Susan Benjamin, the owner and gallery director of Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass, accepted the award for Small Philanthropic Business of the Year given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day. She believes in making good art available to people of all economic levels as well as encouraging the awareness and the importance of the arts among our youth.

Susan is extremely active in community arts volunteer organizations. She sits on numerous Boards and has presided as an officer on many of them. Over the years, she has donated her time and talent to serve on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Special Events Committee as well as being a donor to the previous Capital Campaign. Additionally, she has donated an invaluable amount of framing to Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass have hosted fundraising to support Mease Hospital Countryside, Safety Harbor Rotary Art Stroll, the Dunedin Fine Art Center, the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, the Holocaust Museum, the Lighthouse for the Blind, breast cancer causes, UPARC, Safety Harbor Neighborly Services and numerous public and private schools. Their philanthropic mission has helped further the importance of the arts and arts education at Ruth Eckerd Hall and throughout our community.

Susan Benjamin, current Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors member, previous Executive Committee member and Capital Campaign donor, current Chairman of the Special Events Committee as well as an in-kind donor of matting and framing.

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New Record Set In mid December, two sold-out performances with Dave Chappelle set two consecutive records at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The second show at 10 pm sold 2,193 tickets, the most ever for a single performance. That number, when combined with 2,171 paid tickets for the 7 pm show, totaled 4,364 paid tickets, another new record for the most paid tickets over two shows by the same performer. This is the highest attendance since the theater was renovated in 2003.

Continue History of Supporting Arts Education

The first show sold out to Ruth Eckerd Hall members prior to going on sale to the general public proving once again that it pays to become a Ruth Eckerd Hall member!

The previous record was held by Sit Down with Robin Williams and David Steinberg set in February 2013 with a total paid attendance of 2,185.

Charity of Choice Event Supports Arts Education

Alida Laub looks at Santa in awe as she visits with him at the recent Breakfast with Santa event held by the Leading Ladies to benefit the arts education programs of Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Inaugural Holiday Hustle Held One of the great ways for companies to support Ruth Eckerd Hall and arts education is to hold an event to benefit us. These events are called Charity of Choice events. It’s a great way for companies to invest in our community while offering their employees an opportunity to support a great cause – arts education!

Runners and walkers from nine months old to 90-years-old had fun participating in the Inaugural Holiday Hustle to benefit arts education.

The most recent Charity of Choice event was the Inaugural Holiday Hustle held in early December. The festive holiday family running event featured a 5K Jingle Jog and Reindeer Tot Trots attended by 200 runners and walkers. The morning started with Betsy Clement, a member of the Clearwater Chorus (who calls Ruth Eckerd Hall home) singing the national anthem. Betsy also ran in the race! Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Bella Voce students and piano accompanist Judith Hurst performed holiday carols. There were plenty of Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf hats, breakfast treats, mimosas, tee shirts, awards, chances to win show tickets and more at this holiday community-based event. The event was produced by Fred Rzymek and George LaBanca with RaceHawk. The emcee was Pete Williams. The event was sponsored by MacFarlane, Ferguson and McMullen, TBT, Barefoot Wine and Sea Dog Brewing Company. All proceeds from this event go toward the educational programs offered at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall have supported Ruth Eckerd Hall’s arts education programs for over 30 years raising $1.6 million. Each year they host several fundraising events. One of their most cherished events has become a holiday tradition – Breakfast with Santa. The event held this past November included a breakfast buffet, games, face painting, age-appropriate gifts for each child in attendance and, of course, a visit from the jolly ole elf himself – Santa! The nearly sold out audience of 350 guests included donated tickets to family-based nonprofit organizations so that the children could attend and receive a gift that they may not have received otherwise. Lisa Laub with St. Mark Village, the Adults At Leisure Series Preferred Partner shared, “It was the best event for kids that I have attended with my grandchildren. It was organized very well and the presentation was great!”

Thank you to all the donors and sponsors who helped make the holiday season more joyful!

Upcoming Leading Ladies events include: Saturday, February 22 – Posh Sale, Challener-Morrow Production Studio; 8 am Saturday, March 8 – Casino Royale, Private Residence; 6 pm Support them in their continuing fundraising efforts by attending or sponsoring one of their upcoming events. For more information, please call 727.712.2795 or e-mail LeadingLadies@RuthEckerdHall.net.

www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400

You Are Officially Invited to the 2nd Annual

Winning first place in both the drama and vocal categories last year in the 1st Annual Dare to Dream Awards has given me so much confidence as a performer. It was the first time that I had ever performed on a stage as big as Ruth Eckerd Hall. The instructors at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts have been wonderful teachers over the years and I have learned so much thanks to them.

Not only was the recognition for first place an honor but the scholarship money I received is helping me pay for college.

I will be studying musical theatre at Emerson College in Boston.

Thank you Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Dare to Dream Awards for believing in me and making my daring dream a reality.

Witness for yourself the excitement that competing for first, second and third place scholarships can stir up in on stage participants as well as audience members! Join us for an inspiring evening of talent and entertainment on Tuesday, March 18 for the 2nd Annual Dare to Dream Awards. The buffet reception starts at 5:30pm with the performances beginning at 7:00pm.

This fundraising event will showcase the breadth of students trained at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. 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 School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

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 School of the Arts, who otherwise would not be able to afford to participate.

Rachel Salzman won first place in the vocal and drama categories at the 1st Annual Dare to Dream Awards.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $15,000 to $1,500 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.com. 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.

Attending this event is a great way to help students reach their dreams while giving a tax-deductible donation!

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

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Randy Loos, Senior Vice President/ Investment Officer/ Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo and Preferred Partner Committee member

Preferred Corporate Partners’ Thank You Dinner Held Student Performances Reinforce Mission “You are shining examples of corporate citizenship with your support of the arts in our community,” stated Randy Loos, Senior Vice President/Investment Officer/ Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo and Preferred Partner Committee member upon opening the 2012 – 13 Preferred Partners Thank You Dinner. This year’s event was held in the Murray Studio Theater in the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts wing at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Select members of the Ruth Eckerd Hall/ Clearwater Jazz Holiday Youth Combo performed several musical renditions of jazz favorites. Esther Schneider, scholarship recipient and “Fan Favorite” from the inaugural Dare to Dream Awards sang two songs. Both student performances reinforced the Hall’s mission and highlighted the importance of nourishing students’ talents.

The evening featured presentations from Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO as well as Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer.

Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos and his wife Carolyn were also present. The event was sponsored

by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, the Clearwater Threshers, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Melitta, Shellback Caribbean Rum and William Dean Chocolates. Dinner was provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Susan Benjamin from Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass provided the framing for the recognition gifts. Over 80 representatives from 40 companies attended this year’s event.

Ferman BMW of Palm Harbor and Ferman MINI of Tampa Bay joins Ruth Eckerd Hall as a Preferred Partner.

Ferman BMW/MINI Supports the Arts According to Peter M. Gulotta, General Manager,

Become a Member of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Legacy Society

Ferman BMW/MINI of Tampa Bay, “Ferman BMW

Make a Gift of a Lifetime

of Palm Harbor and MINI of Tampa Bay has

How can I help Ruth Eckerd Hall with a charitable

been providing our guests with service, quality and

gift and still leave the same exact inheritance

value since 1895. We support the arts at Ruth Eckerd

(or more) for my family?

Hall because we strongly believe the arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us fostering creativity, goodness and beauty.

They help us express our values, build bridges between cultures and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, religion or age.”

A Wealth Replacement Trust, funded with life insurance, which is income tax free, can be established to replace assets gifted to the Hall.

Tax savings from charitable deductions can be used to pay premiums.

The Trust allows the life insurance death benefit paid to be paid to your heirs at death. Structured properly, the life policy will pay out cash and is income AND estate tax free!

This can mean a much larger after tax inheritance for your heirs than if they received the gifted asset itself!

An Estate Plan or a Planned Gift will help Ruth Eckerd Hall continue to change lives through the performing arts for generations.

Thank you to David Abelson for writing this article.

www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400

A BIG THANK YOU to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Preferred Partners!

Shine the Spotlight on Your Company – Become a Preferred Partner! Becoming a Preferred Partner is easy! Please contact Katie Abbitt-Hartnett at 727.712.2716 or kabbitt-hartnett@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Edward White Hospital Largo Medical Center Medical Center of Trinity Northside Hospital St. Petersburg General Hospital

Health Group Plant City • Sun City Land O’ Lakes • Trinity Carrollwood • Mariner Seminole • North Tampa South Tampa • Pasadena Pinellas Park

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 School of the Arts is supported in part by The Tampa Bay Times Fund, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., the Pinellas Community Foundation, Friends of Music, Target, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Pinellas Cultural Foundation, Macy’s, Florida Blue, the Nichols Foundation, South Arts, the Lightning Foundation, New York Life, UPS and the Volunteer Usher Fund.

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Students attend a Technical Theater Career Training (TTCT) Master Class

Technical Theater Career Training Begins Its Second Year The Technical Theater Career Training (TTCT) Master Class program began its second year with two programs. One in early October concentrated on explaining the differences between a stage manager, a production stage manager and a production manager. It was held in the Murray Studio Theater. The second one held in early November was centered around the load-in of the Broadway hit MAMMA MIA! at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Participating students were able to observe portions of the load-in process, meet several members of the company and learn about their different roles and responsibilities as well as the training and education that led them to the field. After touring both onstage and backstage, the group was able to experience a live sound check for the band and cast. Each student was then given a complimentary ticket to come back that evening and see the finished product – the full show. The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive – another great, up-close and personal experience for our TTCT students, who attend at no cost to them or their school/college. Sisters Alina and Darouny Bounsengsay, participants in the Technical Theater Career Training program, shared, “We have gained experiences and knowledge that we can apply to ‘the real world’ and our future careers. Once you get involved at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, you’ll forever be changed!”

Fisk Jubilee Singers Perform A Cappella Spirituals and Transform All In Attendance This past October, the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall was honored to host a residency with Dr. Paul Kwami, Musical Director and the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University located in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Kwami worked with three middle school choirs at: Azalea, John Hopkins and Thurgood Marshall. Additionally, he worked with the Alumni Singers in St Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Center Stage teen choir. His main focus was with the Boca Ciega High School choir.

The event culminated with a free concert of the Fisk Jubilee Singers with Boca Ciega and Ruth Eckerd choirs singing together at The Palladium in St. Petersburg. The audience was on fire when a Boca Ciega student soloed “I Know I Have Been Changed.” There was electricity in the air and indeed people were transformed by the music.

This project was funded, in part, by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs as well as a grant from the Pinellas Community Foundation Janet A. Huntley Fund.

www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400

Tampa Bay Times Fund Generosity Provides Enriching Environment for Students

Summer camp student in princess costume awaits her cue to go on stage.

For years the Tampa Bay Times Fund has supported tuition assistance for students whose family’s demonstrate need to attend summer classes at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Thanks to their generous grant we were able to offer tuition assistance for 95 classroom experiences to children ages three to 17. These students learned to express themselves, gained self-confidence and practiced self-discipline. They made memories and friends for a lifetime. They laughed, they sang, they danced, they dreamed and they lived out fantasies and acted out a variety of characters from pirates to princesses. According to the parent of one of the students, “Thanks to the tuition assistance program our daughter was able to return for the second summer. It meant the world to her and our family. As a young child, she was extremely shy and found it difficult to speak up in school. Well those days are behind us thanks to the high quality training provided with love and guidance from your professional staff. My daughter has recently earned a solo spot in an upcoming school play. Thank you for making a tremendous difference in a young girl’s life!”

Hoffman Alumni Lives Dream of Acting

Amy Leigh Abelson, previous Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts student, lives her dream of acting in Chicago.

Amy Leigh Abelson’s destiny in the arts was obvious to her mother, Jeanie, from the age of two.

She was lucky to have grown up near the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, which was a positive resource. The shows, voice lessons, summer camps and classes were all nurturing stepping stones to her current theatre career. Amy Leigh recently graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Theatre and Drama (as well as having studied voice). She has quickly become a certified actor combatant via the Society of American Fight Directors and hit the ground running in the Chicago arts.

Most recently, she has acted at the National Pastime Theatre, worked at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and has wrapped up her first featured role in the upcoming Lions Gate/Summit Entertainment film, Divergent. In addition to her acting career, Amy Leigh is an active stage combat fight director.

Amy Leigh is the daughter of David, who’s taught her, “Every day, one step forward. Never one step back.” David and Jeanie have been active members of Ruth Eckerd Hall since 1989. Their support of the performing arts and arts education comes in many forms including a Friends of Music membership, a Preferred Corporate Partnership in association with Morgan Stanley and sponsorship of various fundraising events including Dare to Dream scholarship awards and Spring Gala. Amy Leigh has been blessed with the support of the Ruth Eckerd Hall community, her wonderful family and the power of the arts.

Project: Shattered Silence Documentary Wins Regional Emmy® Award

Project: Shattered Silence was named the winner in the Arts/Entertainment Program Feature/Segment category at the 37th Annual Suncoast Regional Emmy® Awards held this past November. “I was there representing 100 brave young adults who showed everyone in those five years of sold out audiences that they are more than people who go to school… they are like you in many aspects,” commented Jared O’Roark, Artistic Director of the project at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. “Our producer Colleen Hamilton, videographer Brad Clore and editor Mark Harris deserve every ounce of credit as well.”

Left to right: Jared O’Roark, Ruth Eckerd Hall Artistic Director and Colleen Hamilton, Documentary Producer accept Project: Shattered Silence Regional Emmy® Award.

Project: Shattered Silence features the real-life experiences of young people in our community, told in their voices. One example of a real-life story was shared by Ana, who at the age of 15 had suffered unbelievable abuse at the hands of her stepfather. After three years and many beatings, Ana and her family bravely fled. After battling homelessness and tremendous anger, Ana has become a honor student, received prestigious leadership awards and has a very promising future. This special type of heart-felt storytelling caught the attention of the local community station, WEDU, who jumped on board to document the process of creating P:SS start to finish. The documentary will bring the project’s message to a broader audience outside the Clearwater community. The premiere screening was shown at the Capitol Theatre in early January to a sold-out audience. It aired on WEDU in late January. Consult their listings for additional airtimes.

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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 www.RuthEckerdHall.com. All dates and times are subject to change. Circle of Stars members, please contact us on the VIP Line.

Shows & Events FEBRUARY

SECOND SHOW ADDED First show sold out to members

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Alan Parsons Live Project with Rock Symphony & Jon Anderson of YES; 7:30 pm Melissa Manchester; 7:30 pm* Bobby Vinton; 2 pm Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; 8 pm Dallas Brass; 1 pm Trisha Yearwood; 7:30 pm Edwin McCain with special guest Emily Kopp; 7:30 pm* The Temptations & The Four Tops; 8 pm Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam; 8 pm* Celtic Woman; 8 pm Tommy Emmanuel; 8 pm* Teatro Lirico D’Eupora presents Bizet’s Carmen; 1 pm Women of Ireland; 3 & 6 pm* Lang Lang; 8 pm** B.J. Thomas; 1 pm Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes; 7:30 pm* Jennifer Nettles; 8 pm Art Garfunkel; 7:30 pm* Whoopi Goldberg; 8 pm

JAY LENO • Mar 29 7:30 pm • Capitol Theatre

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Bob Newhart; 7:30 pm* Moscow Festival Ballet presents Giselle; 8 pm Mitzi Gaynor; 1 pm Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons; 8 pm Emblem 3 with MKTO and Jackson Gunthy; 7 pm Happy Monday; 8 pm* Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; 8 pm* Dublin’s Irish Cabaret; 1 pm Don McLean; 7:30 pm* Peking Acrobats; 7:30 pm Gino Vannelli; 7:30 pm* A Bronx Tale Starring Chazz Palminteri; 2 pm Michael Bolton; 7:30 pm* Boney James; 7:30 pm* Joan Rivers with singer Aaron Caruso; 7:30 pm* Aaron Neville & the Dirty Dozen Band; 7:30 pm* Richard Nader’s Doo Wop Reunion XIV; 7:30 pm The Not So Newlywed Game with Bob Eubanks; 2 pm The Bronx Wanderers; 3 & 7 pm*

Here’s how you can contact us to get involved: To become involved in the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign, please contact Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer at 727.712.2718 or krabon@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Interested in becoming an usher, please contact Sandy Villasuso, Event Services Manager at 727.712.2707 or svillasuso@ RuthEckerdHall.net.

Please consider making a gift of a lifetime by putting Ruth Eckerd Hall in your estate plans and becoming a member of our Legacy Society. Please contact Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer at 727.712.2718 or krabon@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Interested in becoming an administrative volunteer, please contact Sue Wilson, Human Resources Administrator at 727.712.2704 or swilson@RuthEckerdHall.net.

For membership information including Friends of Music, please contact Maggie Ciadella, Annual Giving Manager at 727.712.2712 or mciadella@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Connect with us any way you want and get the latest news, discounts, special offers and more!

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, Director of Special Events at 727.712.2760 or ndietrich@RuthEckerdHall.net.

To support a Leading Ladies event, please contact Heather Wilson, Development Specialist at 727.712.2795 or hwilson@ RuthEckerdHall.net.

To become a preferred partner of the Hall, please contact Katie Abbitt-Hartnett, Corporate Relations Manager at 727.712.2716 or kabbitt-hartnett@RuthEckerdHall.net.

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The Irish Tenors; 7:30 pm* Neil Berg’s 106 Years of Broadway; 1 & 7 pm Jim Brickman Celebration of the ‘70s; 7:30 pm Marc Cohn; 7:30 pm* George Thorogood and The Destroyers; 8 pm Al Stewart; 7:30 pm* Vince Gill with Special Guest Amy Grant; 8 pm Psychedelic Furs; 8 pm* Moody Blues; 8 pm Annual Dinner; 5:30 pm*** The Diamonds; 1 pm Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist Vadym Kholodenko; 2 pm*

*The Capitol Theatre, downtown Clearwater. **Nuevo Arts Group gathering to support classical arts. Call 727.712.2760 for details. ***Margarete Heye Great Room, Ruth Eckerd Hall. Call 727.712.2760 for details.

Complete your entertainment experience by joining us for our popular pre-show meals!

Reserve your lunch or dinner today by contacting us at 727.791.7400 or www.

RuthEckerdHall.com/events/dining.

Editorial Credits Applause is published three times per year for the members 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, www.RuthEckerdHall.com.

All rights reserved.

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

Ruth Eckerd Hall has instituted a nationwide response plan called Code Adam, which is one of the country’s largest child-safety programs for lost and possibly abducted children.

Ruth Eckerd Hall offers the following accessibility services:

Staff Contributors Katie Abbitt-Hartnett, Corporate Relations Manager Eric Blankenship, Chief Marketing Officer Megan Brennan, Director of Marketing Maggie Ciadella, Annual Giving Manager Nancy Dietrich, Director of Special Events Anna Hertrich, Campaign Development Associate Graphic Design Think Tank Studio

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.

Katie Pedretty, Public Relations Manager Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer Sharon Reid-Kane, Senior Director of Education Suzanne Ruley, Grants Manager Heather Wilson, Development Specialist

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