Performing Arts Houston | Encore Magazine, Spring 2024

Performing Arts Houston

Spring 2024 MAGAZINE

The world stops for Bruce Liu

Performing Arts Houston

615 Louisiana Street, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77002-2715

713.227.4772

info@performingartshouston.org performingartshouston.org

Meg Booth President & Chief Executive Officer

Leslie Nelson Chief Financial Officer

Raie Crawford Director of Education & Community Engagement

Jordan Drum Director of Development

Brian Glass

Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital

Ashley Johnson

Patron Services Associate

Caroline McCain Development Associate

Brenda Oliveira

Board Liaison & Executive Assistant

Helena Oliver Development Manager, Individual Giving & Events

Michelle Pacheco Patron Services Manager

Caroline Senter Public Relations Associate

Jennifer Steiner Director of Operations

Lee Strickland Director of Artistic Programming

Phoebe Vo Accounting Manager

Ashley Warner Program Manager, Education & Community Engagement

About Performing Arts Houston

Performing Arts Houston (formerly known as Society for the Performing Arts) connects audiences with exceptional artists through diverse performances and learning experiences. We ignite and cultivate passion for the performing arts, exploring the vast landscape of artistic expression to discover new understanding about ourselves, create community, inspire dialogue, and enrich our world. More at performingartshouston.org.

Board of Directors PERFORMING ARTS HOUSTON 2023–2024 EXECUTIVE C O MMITTEE

H. William Swanstrom, Board Chair

Vijay D’Cruz, Board Vice Chair

Tymothi O. Tombar, Secretary

Curt D. Karges, Treasurer; Vice President, Finance & Audit

Willie C.W. Chiang, Vice President, Nominating & Governance

Melanie Gray, Vice President, Special Projects

G. Mark Jodon, Vice President, Development

Emily T. Kuo, Vice President, Marketing & Sales

Theresa Mallett, Vice President, Education & Community Engagement

Jeffrey A. Ball

Leah R. Bennett

Meg Booth (Ex Officio)

Charles C. Boettcher

Charles D. Davidson

Theresa A. Einhorn

Stephen M. Gill

Norah G. Adams

S. Kris Agarwal

Brian D. Bravo

Deborah C. Gordon

Michael D. Hatfield

Eileen Lawal

Scott S. Nyquist

Marisol Salazar

Stephen M. Trauber

Saul Valentin

DIRECTORS

Armando A. Perez

Amy Marlyse Plato

Lance G. Reynolds

Roxann Thomas Chargois

Tejuana L. Edmond

Mary Fischer

Sean Gorman

Shawn K. Jackson

Joel Lambert

Ginni Mithoff

Katherine Easterby Murphy

Michaelene Lusk Norton

Salvador Pareja

Ann V. Rogers

Melanie B. Rother

Omar Samji

Leslie Elkins Sasser

Tracey Shappro

Andrew B. Smith

Kristina H. Somerville

Fernando Vizcaino

Margaret Alkek Williams

DIRECTORS EMERITI

James J. Postl

Robert B. Tudor III

John T. Jones Jr.

Founder (1917-1994)

Marcus A. Watts

Jesse H. Jones II President, Performing Arts Houston Foundation

SEASON SPONSORS

performingartshouston.org

Audience

GUIDE

HEALTH & SAFET Y

All policies are at the discretion of the artist, presenter, and venue, and are subject to change. For the latest updates on Health & Safety protocols, please visit performingartshouston.org/faq.

PARKING

Event parking is available in the Theater District Parking garage for $15. Street parking in Downtown Houston is free after 6pm, Monday-Saturday, and all day Sunday. Parking rates and availability are subject to change.

DOORS OPEN

Unless otherwise noted, doors to the lobby will open 60 minutes prior to performance start time and seating inside the auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to start time.

LATE SEATING

Late seating is at the discretion of the artist and may not be available. We suggest everyone arrive early, allowing extra time for parking, entry, and concessions inside the lobby.

FOOD & DRINK

Concessions are available for purchase in the lobby. Eating inside the performance space is prohibited but you're welcome to enjoy drinks during the show.

ACCESSIBILIT Y

For accessibility information, or to purchase accessibility seating, contact the Box Office at 713.227.4772, or visit performingartshouston/visit/ accessibility.

CHILDREN

Unless otherwise specified, all children ages 4 and above may attend performances. Tickets must be purchased for all children, regardless of age, as required by the City of Houston Fire Code.

DEVICES

As a courtesy to others, please silence all electronic devices and refrain from using them during the performance. Even on silent, the glow from devices can be a distraction. Photography and recording of any kind are strictly prohibited.

TICKETS

All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets can be exchanged or donated up to 48 hours prior to the performance. Exchange fees are waived for all Performing Arts Houston members.

Upcoming Performances

BRUCE LIU, PIANO

April 2 • Tuesday, 7:30 pm

Tickets

Cullen Theater, Wortham Center

The First Prize Winner of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition makes his Houston recital debut. Part of the Admiral Transfer Music Series

MIKE BIRBIGLIA: PLEASE STOP THE RIDE

April 11 • Thursday, 7 pm Cullen Performance Hall at UH

Comedian Mike Birbiglia's newest stand-up show rolls into Houston.

THE PRINCESS BRIDE: AN INCONCEIVABLE EVENING WITH CARY ELWES

April 11-12 • Thursday-Friday, 7:30 pm Jones Hall

Following a screening of the beloved film, star Cary Elwes shares secrets and tales from behind-the-scenes.

KRONOS QUARTET AND SAM GREEN: A THOUSAND THOUGHTS

April 13 • Saturday, 7:30 pm Jones Hall

A live documentary chronicling the quartet’s groundbreaking, continent-spanning, multi-decade career.

Part of the Admiral Transfer Music Series

AN EVENING WITH AM Y SEDARIS

April 17 • Wednesday, 7:30 pm Cullen Theater, Wortham Center

An evening of colorful discussion with the actress, author, comedian, and rabbit educator.

AN EVENING WITH PETER SAGAL

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

April 30 • Tuesday, 7:30 pm Cullen Theater, Wortham Center

A humorous and highly entertaining group of pluckers from across the pond.

Part of the Admiral Transfer Music Series

May 3 • Friday, 7:30 pm Cullen Theater, Wortham Center

Hilarious and insightful commentary on current events plus a behind-the-scenes peek at the funniest show on radio.

Houston Communities Within Reach

“Performing Arts Houston is taking live arts beyond the stage and into Houston’s schools, rehearsal halls, studios, and libraries. We’re committed to meeting the community in their own backyard and fostering life-changing connections with real working artists.” — Raie Crawford, Director of Education & Community Engagement

Photos by Melissa Taylor

As we near the end of our season, we’re reflecting on the impact made by our Education & Community Engagement team, working year-round to create live arts learning opportunities throughout Houston.

3 COMMISSIONS AND WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTATIONS spotlighting Houston artists Kam Franklin, Group Acorde, and ShaWanna Renee Rivon

STUDENT MATINEES for elementary school children with Chicago's Manual Cinema

20 HOUSTON PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS presented through the H-E-B Performance Preludes Series

MASTERCLASSES & OPEN REHEARSALS featuring artists like MOMIX, Kronos Quartet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DAYS building engagement at Lila Downs, Manual Cinema, and Bluey’s Big Play

ARTIST DISCUSSIONS with Step Afrika!, Time For Three, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, part of the Westwood Trust Creative Chat Series 

A COLLABORATIVE DANCE INSTRUCTION with Houston Ballet facilitated by Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

PAGES & STAGES BOOK CLUBS in partnership with Harris County Public Library

THE ANNUAL STUDENT ART CONTEST featured artwork from young creatives throughout the region 

CONVERSATIONS ON DANCE

PODCAST EPISODES featuring MOMIX's Moses Pendleton, Step Afrika!'s Jakari Sherman, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo dancer Shohei Iwahama

TEACHING ARTIST RESIDENCY

SESSIONS at Houston area schools as part of the Collaborative Arts Project

We're grateful to our members and supporters for making these programs a success. Thanks to you, Houston students and lifelong learners can engage with the arts in ways that spark their creativity and build lasting connections.

The World Stops for Bruce Liu

Getting to Know the Chopin Winner

Since winning the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in 2021, Bruce Liu’s continued his rise as one of classical music’s most sought-after soloists. To accompany his Houston recital debut at the Wortham Center on April 2, we talked briefly with the virtuoso about life and music.

Hi, Bruce! Is there anything you'd like your Houston audience to take away from your recital?

“It's a very mutual thing. We say that music is a universal language—and it has the power to really connect us during those two hours, like living in a common space and trying to understand the composer's message all together, no matter what problems we face in everyday life. The messages that are transmitted to us through performance are somehow all similar and yet very different at the same time. I’m always really appreciative of those moments because I also get inspired by the audience in a sense.”

Congrats on your huge win at the Chopin Competition. Can you describe how it felt to hear that you’d won?

“To be honest, it was a blackout moment for me because since childhood, I have always dreamed of just participating. I don't think I even had the courage to think of winning the competition. So, after being so involved in the process of the competition and making so many friends, I really had like a blind moment when they called my name as the winner. I probably stayed there for five seconds, and my world kind of stopped. I would say that I will never forget that feeling.”

How did you get your start playing music?

“I started music as a hobby. As a kid, I had so many hobbies I enjoyed. I liked to swim, I liked to play board games, and of course I liked sports. At some point in my early teenage years, I thought that music would be a great way for me to express my emotions, and as I got older, I realized that it's something that can really bring me into a new world, like a fantasy world. Music always had me thinking about unrealistic or impossible dreams. Like when I was in science class learning about the universe and the planets…it all felt so far from the realistic world. Music gave me that same sense of wonder and allowed me to be imaginative.”

What advice would you give to someone just starting to learn an instrument?

“Don't rush and always enjoy the slow practice, but always train with happiness.”

Photos by Bartek Barczyc

World Stops for Bruce Liu

The Fiesta Continues!

Houston’s celebration of Hispanic culture returns

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” is such a cliché. It’s also true. Performing Arts Houston’s relationship with the Mariachi Festival led to three sold out performances at the Wortham Center last year. As the Festival prepares for its fifth annual series next season, our organizations look forward to building on the strength of our partnership and our success in reaching the community.

Founded in 2020, the Mariachi Festival celebrates the Hispanic culture of our city. When talking about the mission and vision of the organization and the partnership with

Performing Arts Houston, Festival Director Ben Mendez is both direct and ridiculously inspiring.

“The Mariachi Festival is a loud-and-proud display of our traditions.” says Mendez.

“Partnering with Performing Arts Houston has helped us broaden our reach, so now, people of all walks of life are being exposed to mariachi. That’s really the dream for us—to spread the word that mariachi is still alive in Houston and inspire the next generation of mariachi musicians.”

The fifth annual Houston Mariachi Festival returns August 23-25 with some of the best mariachis and folklorico dancers across Texas. This year’s headliners include Mariachi Mariposas, Mariachi Imperial de America, and Mariachi 7 Leguas. But headliners are just the start. Audiences can expect an experience of cultures that’s immersive, fully welcoming, and extraordinarily meaningful—plus a LOT of great music.

“Whether you’re coming to see your favorite mariachis or you’re just wanting to learn more about the culture, we want folks to come out to the theater and feel at home,” said Mendez. “It’s going to be a real party, and it will sell out!”

Tickets for the 5th annual Houston Mariachi Festival start at $19 and go on sale March 19, at performingartshouston.org. Learn more about the festival and sponsorship opportunities at mariachifestival.com and on social @houstonmariachifestival

The Fiesta Continues!

Mariachi Imperial de America with Meg Booth and Ben Mendez

with Board Member Tejuana L. Edmond

When did you start attending performances at Performing Arts Houston?

I’ve been attending performances at Performing Arts Houston for as long as I can remember. My most memorable experience was attending the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at Jones Hall for the first time many years ago. This powerful performance, complemented by my love of dance, enhanced my connection to the arts in such a profound way. I knew at this moment that performing arts was deeper than the art itself. It was a way for one to interpret the feelings, the emotions, and the connection to the artist in his or her own unique way. Since this moment, I eagerly await The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to grace the Jones Hall stage every two years. Attending this performance eventually became a family and friends affair that we would all anticipate.

Why do you believe it’s important to support the arts?

I believe that the arts are for everyone. Over the years, the arts truly transcended the historical lines of separation designed to force a demarcation that should not have existed. The diversity of the arts captures what our society is made of – different people from all races, backgrounds, and walks of life being united through creativity. If I can do my part to ensure that every person or community has access to the arts, I have fulfilled a purpose much greater than me. If you reflect on what the arts, particularly performing arts, have done over time to unite and to bring about change, you can’t help but realize the power that the arts has to create a common bond in a very meaningful way.

Why do you support Performing Arts Houston in particular?

There are really two reasons that I am a loyal supporter of Performing Arts Houston, as a donor, Board Member, and as a patron. First, Performing Arts Houston is a world class organization that

At the Performing Arts Houston Kaleidoscope Ball.

Photo by Jacob Power

curates impactful programming, providing performances for everyone to enjoy. From children’s programming to globally recognized artists, the intentionality to offer diverse performances is appreciated. Second, I strongly identify with the mission and purpose of Performing Arts Houston. Not only does Performing Arts Houston provide amazing programming year after year, but the organization also provides access to the arts to underrepresented and diverse communities. The New/Now commissioning project is absolutely amazing, and I enjoy seeing Houston’s local artists and talent receive support, training, and funds to bring their creativity to life.

Do you have an artistic background or history?

I remember being a student at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Houston, Texas, and I wanted to be part of something that provided an outlet and a way to express myself in my own special way. I had a teacher who convinced me to join the modern dance group at the school. I was never classically trained in dance, but she believed that I had talent. I did my very first modern dance recital in middle

school, and I was hooked from that point on. Though I did not continue to explore dance post high school, it was always a special part of me. It was the one thing that allowed me to just be –to embrace my own interpretations of the artform without judgement. Though I loved dance, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a chemical engineer. Being able to support the arts in a considerable way through Performing Arts Houston and to have a strong focus on STEAM efforts in my work and in my community has allowed me to embrace both of my passions through the years.

What is one of your favorite Performing Arts Houston performances you have attended?

I’ve loved every performance that I’ve attended with Performing Arts Houston, so it is difficult to choose just one. If I had to choose the most significant experience that truly inspired my soul, I would have to choose the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Revelations performance leaves me speechless each and every time. It is a classic that I will forever love. If I

Q&A with Tejuana L. Edmond

had to choose the performance that makes me smile every time I think of it, it would be the performance of the legendary Smokey Robinson, Jr. It was the first time that my father joined my mother and I for a Performing Arts Houston performance. To witness the smile on his face and to see how much he truly enjoyed the show makes my heart smile every time I reflect on this moment. My mother and father speak of this performance often. It was such a wonderful memory that I will always cherish.

At the Performing Arts Houston Open House.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz.

Salazar Arts Internships Inspire the Next Generation of Arts Leaders

We’re honored to announce a reimagined internship program, sponsored by longtime Performing Arts Houston Board Member and supporter Mari Salazar. For the first time, interns with Performing Arts Houston will be paid, allowing students to participate without the financial burdens that typically come with unpaid internships.

Performing Arts Houston gives college students handson experience working in the arts as interns. Many of our interns have gone onto flourishing careers in the arts, including our own Development Manager Helena Oliver, who got her start with us as an intern in 2017.

“During my internship with Performing Arts Houston, I got to experience and participate in the work that goes into our performances behind the scenes. I loved the weekly curriculum sessions and learned about each department of the organization. The staff and board members were so welcoming and inclusive that I knew that this was the type of work I wanted to do and, even more importantly, the specific place I wanted to work. So, in the fall of 2018 I returned as a full-time staff member to work in the Development department!” -Helena Oliver, Development Manager.

The Salazar Arts Internship Program is an 8-week program designed to give students real world experience that will accelerate their careers in a variety of roles, including marketing, education, fundraising, production, and programming.

“This internship program really allows participants to explore.” says Mari Salazar. “Interns are going to work closely with the Performing Arts Houston team, build lasting connections in the Theater District, and find their own unique path in the arts. By making this a paid internship, my hope is that students from diverse backgrounds will feel welcome to apply.”

Applications for the Salazar Arts Internship Program are open now, and will close April 12, 2024. College juniors, seniors, and graduate students seeking degrees in relevant fields are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit performingartshouston.org or email education@performingartshouston.org.

"This internship program really allows participants to explore."

Mari Salazar, Internship Sponsor

Photo: Mari Salazar backstage with Lila Downs

Gets with the Program Lee Strickland

with Jeff Goldblum

Our very own Director of Artistic Programming Lee Strickland has spent over two decades helping Houston's live arts scene flourish by bringing the world's best performances to our city (and he does it all while being spiffily dressed and making us laugh). Lee pours a lot of love and care into planning our performances, and we love him for it.

We asked Lee about his role at Performing Arts Houston, and what he’s looking forward to in our new season!

How did you get involved in the arts?

Really, it was because of my mom. In college, I was making minimum wage running after school YMCA programs, and I needed more money. My mom mailed me a job listing from the Fort Worth Star Telegram for a part-time box office employee at Hasta Manana Musicals. I applied for the job and the rest is history!

You’ve been with Performing Arts Houston for 18 years. In addition to being Director of Artistic Programming, what other roles have you had at the organization?

I was hired as the Director of Sales in 2006. Since then, I’ve been the Director of Operations, General Manager, Director of Marketing, Front of House Manager, Customer Service Specialist, and Lead Telemarketer. I even had a

brief stint in the Finance Department. Eventually, I found my way to being the Director of Artistic Programming!

What’s a skill you use every day in your role?

Patience. In the world of live arts, things very rarely work in the timeframe you want them to. In addition to that, we're a multi-genre presenting company working with artists from around the world. So, knowing how to have meetings in different time zones, navigate language barriers, and keep people happy is vital.

What's the best part of your job as Director of Artistic Programming?

When you've been working in the arts for as long as I have, it's easy to lose sight of the profound impact live art can have on people. My favorite moments in this job are the reminders of that impact— seeing an audience experience a show together and leave the theater bonded by the performance.

What do you look for when booking artists to bring to Houston?

When I’m looking for an artist, I try to keep two things in mind: 1) Is this quality? and 2) Who is the audience? My taste is not representative of everyone, so I keep an open mind to the art and do my best to make sure it connects to the people of Houston.

What’s the most memorable Performing Arts Houston performance you’ve seen?

One that stands out to me is Goran Bregovic. He’s a Baltic musician and he had a band called his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra. It was one of the most electrifying shows I have ever seen on stage. It went on for three and a half hours. A lot of Houston’s Serbian population came to the show, and everyone in the audience had the time of their lives.

Which performances are you most looking forward to in our 24/25 Season?

I can’t wait to launch our first ever Global Music Series. Music has had a profound impact on my life and I’m very excited that Performing Arts Houston is committed to bringing in artists from around the world. Music is a language of its own that transcends speech.

I always look forward to our Chiang Family Series, but next season has something I'm particularly excited for as a child of the 70's and 80's. I can't share too much just yet, but my fellow gen x-ers are in for a huge treat!

At the Performing Arts Houston Open House with Willie Chiang. Photo by Daniel Ortiz.

Performing Arts Word Search

Sure, you can find great art onstage with Performing Arts Houston—but can you find these artsy terms in the word search below?

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Individual Supporters

Performing Arts Houston would like to thank the individuals who support our work through generous membership contributions and annual gifts. For more information on member and donor benefits, please visit performingartshouston.org or contact Jordan Drum at 713.632.8104 or jdrum@performingartshouston.org.

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Karen Doolittle

Patrick and Risha Dozark

Mona K. Draper

Andreea Dulama

Jean DuPont

Donna Ellis

Jocelyn Ellison

Alexandra Emsley

Teri Erwin

Daniel Espinoza

Vernon G. Facundo

Kenzel Fallen

Margarita Farias

Marcia and Tom Faschingbauer

Shantau Fellows

Itzel Figueroa

Joan Finn

Christopher Fisher

Brian Flores

Elouise H. Fluitt

Mark Folkes

James Ford

Linda Ford

Melissa and Stewart Foster

Lorena Franch

Gwendolyn Franklin-Scott

Mary Frazier

Kenneth Friedman

Abigayle Friehauf

Klubo and Jeff Gainsborough

Gilberto Galarza

Sonja Galloway

Marissa Garcia

Jenny Gardner

Judith Garnil

Leslie Gassner

Ruth Gilman

Lynn Gissel

Vanessa and Jeremy Goebel

Tyonia Gomez

Frances Gonzales

Clarissa G. Gonzalez and Xavier Isaiah Tijerina

Jason Grissom

Justyna Grot-Hatfield

Jenny Guo

Arpan Gupta

Karina Haas

Julie Hanson

Kathe Harrell

Craig Hauschildt

Kia Hawkins

Allyson Hill

Andrea Holberg

Monsterville Horton

Jennifer Howard

Judith and Bert Hungerford

Velda Hunter

Debra Hyder

Andrew F. Icken

Robert Inaba

Ralph Ireland

Wendy and Philip Irizarry

Katherine Jackman

Individual Supporters

Chandria Jackson

Denise Jackson

Joyce Busch Jackson

Corrie Jenkins

Karen Jewell

Juan Carlos Jimenez

Alex Johnson

Christen Johnson

Michael and Teri Jones

Myrtle Jones

Tony Jones

Jamie Jung

Jonathan Kabay

Jennifer Kahla

Meena Kaji

Vijay Kale

Kristina Kamel

Karen Kellum

Joy Kelly

Kerry Kiehl

Chad Kitchens

Nikola Kivett

Richard Koehler

Erin and Jeff Kraus

Miguel Kremenliev

Wojciech Kropiewnicki

Linda Kwok

Stephanie Ladobruk

Cynthia Lamb

Rosie Lang

Sheri and Tim Lathrop

Brandon Lausser

Patricia Lawler

Arielle Lawson

Susan Lazarus

Kelly LeBlanc

Elizabeth Lee

Shirley Lee

Tina Lee and Joel Smith

Nicole and Julius Leitner

Jazmin Lerma

Marcia Levetown

Devin Licata

Guadalupe Licea

John Lock

Maria Lopez

Marisa Lozano

Ricardo Lozano

Kent Lucas

Min Lynch

Ana MacNaught

Valdete Manfron

Paul Manino and Elizabeth Cloninger

Diego A. Manrique Parraga

Ella Markovsky

Charlotte Marsh-Jiles

Maria Martin

Alex Martinez and Anita

Shahani

Joaquin Martinez

Jon Martinez

Refugio Martinez

Susana R. Martinoia

Courtney and Cary Maurstad

Chi Mbachu

Shelley McCaul-Parent

Sheryl McCurdy

Jane McEldowney

Alicia McGhee

Yvonne McIntyre

Ron McKeithen

Rosie and Robert McStay

Ben Mendez

Ginger Menown

Joshua and Corey Mermis

Kenneth Miller

Marjan Mohtashamian

Desiree Moore

Belinda Chow Mundey

Sharon Murphy

Erika Myers

Doris J. Myles

Mauricio Nava

David A. Nettles

Kevin Nguyen

Linh Nhuc

Katherine Nix

Feyi Obafemi

Cindy Obermeyer

Megan Obinor

Maxwell Ocansey

Toni Odumosu

Dana Omari

Leah Oren-Palmer

Jim Oswald

Adecia Parker

Ravi Patel

Stephen Patlan

Rodney Pegram

Kieana Peluso

Frank Pennington

Sharon Peoples

Ed Perez

Chadwick Peters

Kay Peterson

Erica Piper

Eric Polk

Maria Portela N.M. Porter

Amy Potts

Timothy Pownell

Ana Pressler

Renita Price

Doak Procter

Liliya Quebedeaux

Alice Quinn Schwarz

Florante A. Quiocho

Shreya Ramesh

Luis E. Ramirez

Morgan Rasmus Alfred

Jennifer Renner

Ragan Rhodes

Denise N. Richardson-Brown

Nicole Ridgway

Valerie Rivera

Raza Rizvi

Romeo C. Robinson

Carolyn Roch

Shalla Rogers

Joseph M. Rojas

Veronica Rosenberg

Constance Roy

Fayellen Russell

Linda Ryan

Liliana Salinas

Lisa Salom

Michael Sanchez

Morgan Sanders

Amie Schexnayder

Mary Schoemann

Carrie Schultz

John Schwartz

Rahshundra Scott-Covington

Chad Searcy

Andrea and Charles Seay

Rina Shah

Chris Shea

Alan Shelby

Elise Sheppard

Brenda Short

Todd and Betsy Siff

Maxine Silberstein

H. Colleen and Michael B. Silva Jr.

Raquel Silverberg

Pranika Sinha

Ryan Sledge

Andrew Smith

Berenice Smith

Phillip Smith

Sydney and Allen Smith

Kevin Solomon

Chris Souders

Katherine Speed

John Spelman

M. Springer

Damion Square

Betsy Stein

Brandon Stein

Robin Steinkamp

Brandan Still

Howard Stokes

LaShonda Stokes

Prudence Sun

Andrew Sung

Nicole L. Talbot and Russ C. Pfeifle

Huan Tang

Jerome Tarnopol

Corey M. Tay

Edda Tinis

Victoria B. Tinsley

Celeste Torkay

Mechelle Tran

Lily Tsang

Nimi Tuamokumo

Marianne Tucker

Lesly Van Dame

Gleeson Van Riet

Mary and Martin Vandenbrook

Marcus Vandrovec

Jane Vaselenak

John M. Vitucci

David Wainwright

Elizabeth Walker

Tammie Wallette

Jennifer Wang

David Waronoff

Dustin Visa Watkins

Joyce Westfall

Bettina M. Whyte

Robert Wickman

Glenda Williams

Robert Williams

Stephanie Willis

Cecilia Winters-Morris

Carrie Wirsing

Margaret Wische

Ekaterini Yamalidou

Jasmine Young

Tse-Kian Yu

Beth Zhou

Listings accurate as of 2/20/2024

Institutional Partners

Performing Arts Houston is proud to recognize our corporate, foundation, and government partners for their exemplary community leadership and support. To learn more about partnership opportunities and benefits, please contact Jordan Drum at 713.632.8104 or jdrum@performingartshouston.org

CORPORATE PARTNERS

$50,000+

Admiral Transfer & Rigging

ConocoPhillips †

H-E-B †

Le Méridien Houston Downtown*

$25,000-$49,999

Kirksey

Plains All American

Wells Fargo†

WM *

$10,000–$24,999

711 FIT *

Crestwood Equity Partners LP

Locke Lord LLP †

Motiva Enterprises LLC

TD Securities

Vinson & Elkins LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Westwood Wealth Management

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

$5,000–$9,999

Bank of Texas

BMW of West Houston

Bracewell LLP

CAMAC International Corporation

Corebridge Financial

Goldman Sachs

Jackson & Company *

LD Systems*

Legacy Community Health Services

FOUNDATIONS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

$100,000+

Houston Endowment, Inc. †

The Humphreys Foundation†

Texas Commission on the Arts †

The Wortham Foundation, Inc. †

$50,000-$99,999

The Brown Foundation, Inc. †

The Elkins Foundation

$25,000-$49,999

The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts †

M.D. Anderson Foundation†

National Endowment for the Arts

Powell Foundation

Vivian L. Smith Foundation

$10,000-$24,999

City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance†

Kayser Foundation

Memorial Hermann Foundation

MATCHING GIFT SUPPORTERS

The Coca-Cola Company

Corebridge Financial

Coterra Energy Inc.

Listings Accurate as of 2/20/2024

ExxonMobil †

LyondellBasell

PNC

Porter Hedges LLP

Truist

$1,000-$4,999

Amegy Bank

Bergner & Johnson Design*

BrightStar *

The Coca-Cola Company

Coterra Energy Inc.

ExxonMobil†

Vision Production Group

Mid-America Arts Alliance

City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board †

$5,000-$9,999

Anonymous

George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation†

Phillips 66 Truist

*Includes in-kind support

†Indicates 10+ years of consecutive support

ANNOUNCING SOON

Our biggest season yet

Coming this spring, the 24/25 Season features bigger names, more events, and a wider range of artists and genres than ever before.

All members get priority access to the best seats at the best prices and no-fee exchanges. Memberships start at just $25/year. Additional tiers offer waived fees, free parking, and more.

Join today, amplify the arts, and look forward to new amazing experiences.

Learn more at performingartshouston.org/memberships

Woman Wearing Orange Scarf, by Laura Wheeler Waring