September-October 2016 Happenings

SEPT-OCT 2016

Art + Wellness

ON THE COVER: Photo by Eric Woolsey. The Rep’s sensory friendly performances of Goldilocks made theater inviting for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory processing disorders.

Read more on page 6.

Letter from the President Greetings Friends!

I hope my note to you today finds you well – physically, mentally and creatively. It’s no coincidence that this issue of Happenings is dedicated to telling stories and highlighting work in our community related to the arts’ immense, positive impact on individuals’ physical wellness and personal well-being.

We’re pleased to highlight the heartwarming and inspiring stories of local arts organizations (pg. 3-7) – organizations that your extraordinary contributions through A&E help support – that are incorporating the arts into wellness areas such as: cancer care; elder care and engagement; deaf and blind accessibility to the arts; and sensory-friendly performances for children with sensory sensitivity or autism.

All of these programs plus so much more are featured in our annual Fall Arts Guide (pg. 12-14). As you’ll see, there is no shortage of creative opportunities for you and your family to find arts experiences that will lift your spirits, bring you joy, expand your creative horizons and improve your own well-being.

Finally, I’m proud to announce A&E’s launch of a revamped crowdfunding platform for arts organizations of all sizes. stARTup-StL (pg. 16) is an evolution of our past crowdfunding site – power2give.org – which raised over $100,000 for local arts projects in the course of its three-year lifespan through 2015. Power2give.org was managed by a third party organization and fees were higher than A&E would have liked. Meaning, arts organizations weren’t receiving as much of their contributed income as we’d like to see. So we created our own! Now, arts organizations that post projects to stARTup-StL receive all proceeds except the nominal 3% credit card processing fee. This means, 97% of every contribution made through A&E’s stARTup-StL is directly benefiting arts and arts education projects. I encourage you to visit the stARTUP-StL page on our website (KeepArtHappening.org) – you’ll find it under “What We Do”.

Because, this is exactly what A&E – and your contributions – do: together, we provide essential support to outstanding arts and arts education organizations and projects making a healthy, positive impact across our region. Our world would be so dull, so lifeless without the arts and freedom of creative expression. Your support for A&E makes St. Louis an outstanding city in which to live, learn, work and play.

And, now we’re finding that the arts also make our community a healthier place to live – read on to learn more about what your contributions to A&E are helping to achieve. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Cynthia A. Prost President and CEO P.S. If you are moved by the stories, outcomes and impact you read in each issue of Happenings, I encourage you to renew your annual contribution or make an extra gift of your support to A&E at KeepArtHappening.org and give today!

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Art + Wellness: Big Muddy Dance Company

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Art + Wellness:

Act Two Theatre

Access 12 Art + 15 Young 10 the Arts: Community: Friends of

Know & Go A&E Grantee the Arts: Calendar Fall Arts

Meet Kelly Guide Hummert

ART + WELLNESS:

St. Louis Symphony’s SymphonyCares Program

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ive years ago, when the Saint Louis University Cancer Center partnered with the St. Louis Symphony (an A&E grant recipient) and its SymphonyCares program, no one was sure what to expect. How would patients respond to having musicians play as they were undergoing hourslong, invasive treatments? And how would the musicians react to playing in an intimate setting to such a vulnerable audience?

“Honestly, we actually have more musicians who want to play than we have times available,” says Maureen Byrne, who oversees the program for the Symphony.

St. Louis Symphony musicians playing at the SLU Cancer Center as part of SymphonyCares.

As the program enters its sixth year this fall, 12 more musicians have asked express thanks or have a quiet converstream and I had cranes soaring in the Byrne if they could join the 28 who are sation. sky and doing their crane dance.” already involved.

“There is no protocol as far as that is Lilly says she appreciates the emo As for the patients, most can’t seem concerned,” says Weaver. “Some of the tional connection she makes with to get enough of the live music, say musicians feel compelled to connect patients through her music.

Crystal Weaver and Andrew Dwiggins, with the patients and vice-versa. We “It reminds you why you became a both board-certified music therapists allow for the opportunity to have some musician in the first place, in order to with SLU Cancer Care. “Listening to mingling time afterwards, but it is touch people’s lives, to connect with these amazing musicians play transtotally up to the musicians who are your audience … In this case, our audiports them.” playing that morning ence [is] at a difficult period of their “Most of the time, patients The musicians always and the patients.” lives and [we can] transport them away remark how if affects the play in pairs in a num Carl Freter, Director of from the difficulty they are experiencway they perceive time,” ber of combinations – a Hematology and ing. To be able to do that is an honor.” says Dwiggins. “They forget The St. Louis Symphony is an A&E grant guitarist and violinist or Oncology at SLU for a little while that they recipient. For more information about clarinetist and flutist, for School of Medicine and are going through someSymphonyCares, visit stlsymphony.org. For example – and perform the Interim Director of thing unpleasant because more information about the St. Louis for 45 to 60 minutes. the SLU Cancer Center, they are able to focus on University Cancer Center, visit “The music really notes how the SLU something beautiful. The slu.edu/cancer-center-home. does help to lessen a Cancer Care program music often takes them to a patient’s anxiety,” says strives to take care of place in their memory – a Weaver. “Music is somepatients “along all of certain song might remind thing that is very familthe axes of their them of their childhood, or iar even in an unfamiliar humanness.” a film they saw, or a loved setting like the infusion “One big part of that is one.” center. The music helps the spirit and the soul,” -Andrew Dwiggins normalize the experihe says, “and I think Music Therapist ence.” music speaks very SLU Cancer Care Weaver also points strongly to that.” out that chemotherapy treatments can SLU cancer patient Barbara Fletcher, take upwards of six hours. “There is says she closes her eyes and imagines only so much TV a patient can watch,” herself in some other place while listenshe adds. “The music is a pleasant ing to Symphony violinist Silvian diversion.”

Iticovici and Principal Harpist Allegra Sometimes after the performances, Lilly perform. the musicians will talk to the patients, “I was with leaves falling down in one A SLU Cancer Center patient enjoying a or a patient might pull one aside to selection,” she says. “There was a SymphonyCares performance.

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ART + WELLNESS:

Big Muddy Dance Company’s Senior Embrace

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he heart and soul of the Big Muddy Dance Company (an A&E grant recipient) is invigorating life through dance, explains Erin Warner Prange, executive director of the St. Louis-based repertory dance company.

“Through our Senior Embrace Program, we do just that,” she adds.

Since its inception in 2012, Senior Embrace has brought high-quality dance performances to audiences who might not be able to travel to see them otherwise. All performances are offered free to the facility and its residents. Last year, 11 dancers performed at 27 senior living facilities throughout the bi-state region; this year, the goal is to perform at 30 locations.

“We feel that professional dance is important for audiences of all ages,” says Prange. “Seniors were an audience we felt missed out on a lot of the shows, especially seniors who know what professional dance is and cannot physically get out to see it anymore. We thought bringing dance to [elder care] facilities was the best opportunity for them to experience [dance] again.”

Activities directors at several area senior facilities agree. “We get more people to come see the Big Muddy dancers than any other entertainment,” says Carmen Smith, Brentmoor Senior Living activities director.

Most of the senior outreach dance performances last about 45 minutes

Big Muddy dancer Miranda Payne during a Senior Embrace performance of Just Reminiscin’.

and consist of new and classic works.

Several of the pieces are geared to an older generation, including people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, whose long-term memory may be much better than their short-term, says Prange.

“We recently commissioned a new work called Just Reminiscin’ that highlights the World War II, boogie-woogie era with the men in military uniforms and the women in red, white and blue ‘40s era dresses,” says Prange. “We also have a piece called Prom and Sensibility that is more of a ‘50s-’60s romantic duet piece.”

After each performance, the dancers talk to audience members. Prange says so many of them tell company members how appreciative they are and how

Erin Wagner Prange (left) dancing with an audience member.

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much they enjoyed the show.

“A lot of times we walk into a facility and notice residents, with dementia or not, sunken into their chairs, heads lowered, or even sleeping,” says Prange.

“By the second or third piece, they are sitting up straight, laughing, and enjoying themselves.

“By the end of the performance, they are so excited. They want to hold the dancers’ hands and tell their stories. A lot of them have great memories; [some that even] family members have never heard.”

Big Muddy Dance Company is an A&E grant recipient. To learn more about the Big Muddy Dance Company and Senior Embrace, visit thebigmuddydanceco.org.

Dancers performing Just Reminiscin’ during Senior Embrace.

ART + WELLNESS:

Act Two Theatre’s Deaf Night at the Theatre

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erving St. Charles and St. Peters, Missouri, the volunteer-operated Act Two Theatre (an A&E grant recipient) is presenting its 23rd season at the St. Peters City Hall Cultural Arts Centre. What sets this season apart is Act Two Theatre’s commitment to present shows accessible for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.

So far this season, Act Two has offered five Deaf Night at the Theatre performances, and a final interpreted performance of the year scheduled for Nov 5 - a showing of NunCrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical.

The idea for the program was sparked when, in 2013, actress Jamie Chandler requested an ASL interpreter at the show so her Deaf younger sister, Jessica, could enjoy Chandler’s performance in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

“When I first brought it up to Act Two they were very open to it and really excited by the idea,” says Chandler, now in Los Angeles. “They were incredibly helpful and supportive every step of the way.”

Chandler had performed on stage many times, but her sister had never attended a show. “She always knew about what I did but she had never seen it in person. It was really neat to be able to share that with her, since it is such a big and important part of my life.”

The cast and crew were as enthusiastic about the new service as the

An ASL interpreter (left) during a Deaf Night at the Theatre performance.

board had been. “My fellow actors were really excited about it,” Chandler continues. “For most of them it was something that had never been done at one of their performances before.”

The immediate positive reaction to the request was deeply appreciated by Chandler and her family. “It was my first time performing with [Act Two Theatre] and I was so grateful that it was never treated as something they had to do. I know that myself and my family and probably so many others out there are so grateful for people who treat [offering ASL interpretation] as a given and not as a burden.”

For the Act Two Theatre board of directors, Chandler’s request brought to light the importance of ASL interpre-

tation in the community, and they began searching for a way to offer interpreted performances regularly.

Last year, Act Two Theatre committed to self-funding two years of interpreted shows, and kicked off the program in February 2016 with an ASL interpreted performance of their season opener, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In addition to ASL interpreters on stage, who express the emotional context and tone of the performance in addition to the words spoken by the actors, Deaf Night at the Theatre performances also include interpreters at the box office, concessions and usher stations.

To raise awareness and reach out the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, tickets are ‘pay what you like.’ In addition to making performances accessible to a wider audience, Act Two strives to educate hearing patrons about the Deaf experience and increase connections between communities. Many audience members with full hearing have expressed their appreciation for the interpreters at performances, and Act Two looks forward to growing the program reach in 2017.

Act Two Theatre is an A&E PNC Project

Grant recipient. The final 2016 Deaf Night at the Theatre performance will be NunCrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, November 5. To learn more, visit acttwotheatre.com.

Two ASL interpreters (right, in black) during The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. 5

ART + WELLNESS:

Sensory-Friendly Theater

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or many parents whose children what would happen in Goldilocks. fall of 2016 as part of its Opera on the are on the autism spectrum or Adjustments to the standard perforGo series. have sensory sensitivity, attendmance included using blue gel cover Coplon is planning The Rep’s next ing a live theatrical performance is not ings to mute the lighting and removing sensory-friendly performance for April an easy option. Parents worry their chil- microphones from the actors. The 1, 2017, a production of My Father’s dren won’t be able to endure the bright space also provided an area behind the Dragon, based on a children’s book by lights, loud noises or unpredictable last row of seats where children could Ruth Stiles Gannett. movements on stage. pace if they needed to move around, or Melanie Mills, director of autism ser Thankfully, though, that is changing even dance; and a “fidget room” was vices for Easter Seals Midwest, hopes as St. Louis area theatrical companies also available if they needed a longer that more of these performances will broaden their programming to include break from the action. take place locally. sensory-friendly perActor Alan Knoll, “It can be a real struggle for kids formances. who played Fred the “My favorite quote that one with autism to sit through a perfor Imaginary Theatre Bear, said, “It was parent said to me after a senmance,” says Mills. “And yet we don’t Company, the actually quite gratifysory-friendly performance was, want to deny them that pleasure.

Repertory Theatre of ing because the kids ‘This is theater without conse “We heard from families who went to quences.’ That’s exactly what St. Louis’ (an A&E were really into it.

Circus Flora and The Rep for the first theater should be.” grant recipient) tourSome of them were time with their children because they -Marsha Coplon ing troupe for young dancing with Fred, never felt comfortable taking them Director of Education audiences, hosted a which was really before. They worried their child couldn’t Repertory Theatre of St. Louis sensory-friendly pertouching. I guess they sit through the show without ... being formance of were on my side.” disruptive,” Mills continues. The sensoGoldilocks earlier this year, specifically STAGES St. Louis and Circus Flora ry-friendly performances break down for young children with autism and sen- (both A&E grant recipients) have that barrier. “Every child should be able sory processing challenges. hosted sensory-friendly shows for chilto enjoy a wonderful performance.”

“Having the show in a small, condren and their families, and Opera The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is an tained environment like the Emerson Theatre of Saint Louis (another A&E A&E grant recipient. For more information, visit repstl.org.

Studio Theatre allowed us to adapt the grant recipient) is planning one in the space in ways that made it very comfortable for the children attending,” explained Marsha Coplon, director of education at The Rep. Coplon, whose background is in special education, says she had been wanting to offer this kind of theater experience for years, but couldn’t figure out the logistics until the small studio space became available.

“Often parents fear that their special-needs child might become disruptive and they will have to leave; or the unfamiliarity of the space or the noise will cause the child to meltdown,” said Coplon. “So they don’t come and that is a true shame. Theater should be accessible and enjoyed by everyone.”

Prior to these performances, parents were able to download a narrative with specific details and pictures of what their child could expect. This included everything from entering the theater, to ushers helping them find their seats, to locating the restrooms. In addition, before each show Coplon explained Imaginary Theatre Company’s sensory-friendly production of Goldilocks.

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ART + WELLNESS:

MindsEye Brings Performances Alive for the Blind

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hink back to the last play you saw – what comes to mind first?

The actors on stage? The details of the set? The witty dialogue? Theater is usually made for an audience with full sight and hearing abilities; but for those who are blind or visually impaired part of the story is lost. MindsEye is bridging that gap to make performances more accessible and welcoming for a larger

alarm.

MindsEye regularly broadcasts artistic and cultural news from a range of local and national publications; but its new program will offer audio descriptions during live performances for members of the audience who are blind or have low vision.

Amelia Christ, community outreach coordinator, says the program was inspired by their work with Variety audience of St. Louisans.

Children’s Theatre. For three years, MindsEye was founded in 1973 to MindsEye has worked with Variety to provide readings of newspapers and offer verbal descriptions of shows so magazines for the blind and print-imvisually impaired audipaired. Created through ence members, crew community partner“Descriptive audio brings and performers experiships with the WMRY performances alive for me, ence the costumes, set, radio station in painting a picture in my sight gags and choreBelleville, IL, MindsEye mind. I am committed to ography alongside the was the third reading promoting the service so seeing audience. service of its kind that others may be able to “The experience of share the enjoyment of worldwide. these performances.” working with Variety Broadcasts now -Stephen Kissel, Theatre has been transreach 13,000 people MindsEye Communications formative because through SCA radios Committee we’ve seen the impact (able to broadcast addiof audio description on tional services as part attendees with vision loss, and also the of a station’s standard signal), internet effect on performers with vision loss,” streaming, mobile apps and others.

Christ explains.

MindsEye also organizes community “When we got involved with Variety events, like an annual beepball tournaTheatre, Andrew Adolphson, who has a ment – a modified baseball game visual impairment, was working backplayed with a ball emitting a constant stage. By using audio description, he was able to hear action on the stage described. He understood the show, his cues and things like sight gags better.

“Working with Andrew as he blossomed in the theater world underscored how much audio description empowers the blind community.”

To create the audio, a trained describer attends dress rehearsals and takes notes on visual elements: costumes, props, set pieces, choreography, and so on. During the performance, the describer speaks about the visual aspects of the show in a manner that complements the dialogue on stage, and heard live on headsets given to visually impaired attendees.

MindsEye brought in Joel Snyder, Ph.D., a member of the American Sue Bolen, MindsEye audio describer, Council of the Blind and one of the first

A student with a headset that provides audio descriptions during a performance.

to do audio descriptions for theater more than three decades ago, for an intensive training workshop in July.

Sponsored by Ameren Illinois, the weekend workshop trained a mix of MindsEye volunteers, teachers, eye care professionals, theater professionals, supporters and more. Cultural organizations were invited to attend to learn about how they can use audio description in their own venues.

MindsEye will soon offer audio descriptions for performances at venues all over St. Louis, including the Peabody Opera House, Scottrade Center, Chaifetz Arena, Missouri Botanical Gardens and Mustard Seed Theater, with additional venues in the works. Sponsored by Ameren Illinois and Lighthouse for the Blind St. Louis, MindsEye raised additional funds through a crowdfunding campaign for the program on A&E’s stARTup-StL platform.

For more information about MindsEye,

visit mindseyeradio.org. For more information about stARTup-StL, see p 16 or visit KeepArtHappening.org/stARTup-StL.

reviewing notes for a show.

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MAKERS OF ST. LOUIS:

Laurel Clark

“I like being idealistic because often times I find out it’s true. I really believe that when people are in touch with their creativity - whether they’re professional artists or not - I think that they’re better people just having some form of creative expression. They’re happier, they’re more fulfilled, and when people are more fulfilled they tend to be better and kinder to others. ” -Laurel Clark artist, author, teacher, creativity coach, interfaith minister

Laurel Clark with selections of her work.

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r. Laurel Clark’s journey to visual art has been a winding one. Clark describes herself as an artist, author, teacher and interfaith minister. She is president emeritus of the School of Metaphysics, a nonprofit education and service organization in Windyville, MO, where she has been teaching for over three decades. Clark is also a creativity coach, helping people connect to their creativity and find well-being.

Clark grew up in New York visiting museums and in a house full of art. She never learned to draw and never thought of herself as an artist. She began writing at a young age, and has since published books and articles 8

focusing on creativity, healing and dream studies.

Encouraged to try painting by a friend, Clark began experimenting with different media and immediately felt a connection to the process and the health benefits of creating visual art.

“The idea of making things, and being able to make something out of whatever is there, is how I see the wellness aspect of it,” she says.

“For example, I painted ceramic tiles and took them outside to spray them with a varnish ... one of them dropped and shattered. In the past I would have been mad at myself … but there was a piece that fell on the step below that was still fairly big, and the thought that came

to me was that even when the world is broken you can still find beauty in it.”

Clark now coaches others to reflect and relax in a four-to-six week program that teaches attendees new art media and materials while focusing on uncovering or recovering natural creativity.

“The goal isn’t the art or the poetry they come up with, but the process of the self discovery.” Clark smiles and adds, ”Though people usually do like the art they create.”

Clark’s work can be seen at Mind Scape

Gallery in Chesterfield and various art fairs.

Meet other Makers of St. Louis at KeepArtHappening.org/MakersStL. For more information about creativity coaching, cisit laurelclark.com.

CENTENE CENTER FOR THE ARTS TENANT:

Gateway Center for Performing Arts

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he Centene Center for the Arts, owned and operated by the Arts and Education Council, is home to a number of arts and arts education organizations. One of the nonprofits that calls the Centene Center home is Gateway Center for Performing Arts (GCPA). GCPA seeks to strengthen, enrich and shape St. Louis communities by providing performing arts exposure, education and expression through summer camps, private lessons, workshops and the GCPA Youth Theatre.

A&E sat down with GCPA Executive Director Paul Pagano for a brief conversation about the history of the organization and its role in enriching the arts in our community.

How does GCPA bring these opportunities to children living in the city?

We offer classes for grades K-12. We offer an array of performance classes – musical theatre being the core of what we do, but also recognizing what makes up musical theatre is singing, dancing and acting. So, we offer private voice lessons from faculty, and we have formalized dance classes that are specific to different genres, particularly for our mainstage production. Stephanie Fox, the artistic director and head of dance, puts together classes that are not only based on musical theatre technique in general, but also tailors classes so kids

Photo Credit: Gabrielle Mueller

What inspired you to start GCPA? GCPA was founded in 2013 by me, my wife, Lori Pagano, Stephanie Fox and Ashleigh Blevins. We all lived in the city, and we had been working in arts organizations in different corners of the community and recognized there was a need for arts inside the city limits.

There were kids who wanted to take classes, to perform, but they didn’t have the ability to get out west or to the University City area. Being city residents, we wanted to bring those opportunities to the city.

GCPA Executive Director Paul Pagano.

have an opportunity to learn from us and learn the technique itself, and then see the application of that when they come to the auditions.

I’m director of the acting program as well as executive director. I find that we can tell stories through song and through dance, but if we forget the human element it’s all just a show. So, we have to learn how we act as human beings and then find that in all of the stories. Acting is a big focus because that’s the element of performance I’ve seen neglected the most. If you want to be able to perform and you don’t want to just train to be in the ensemble, you have to take acting classes.

What do you see for the future of the organization?

We want to be a place where kids who are novices, as well as stage veterans, come to us in order to explore the world beyond themselves. Part of our mission with our Youth Theatre Company is to explore stories that not everyone is telling. We don’t want to copy what everyone else is doing, instead we try to choose shows that tell great stories but don’t have the opportunity to be produced.

We want the kids to know that whether they are great at what they do or are just getting started, they’re going to learn and they’re going to grow, no matter what their experience is.

We just announced classes for the fall semester, so we’re fresh and ready to go.

During September GCPA is partnering with Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Tor Hyams, composer Adam Labow and writer Marc Palmieri for a 3-week workshop focusing on their new musical, Greenwood. Students will suggest edits and share feedback on the progression of the story and see behind-the-scenes development of a musical. GCPA will hold a live reading of Greenwood on Sunday, September 25.

Some of the cast of GCPA’s West Side Story sings I Feel Pretty at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.

Gateway Center for Performing Arts is a

tenant of A&E’s Centene Center for the Arts.

To learn more, visit gcpastl.org.

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HETTENHAUSEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS World Fest: Anda Union

WHEN: Sept 30; Fri, 7:30 pm WHERE: Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 North Alton St, Lebanon, IL

SEPT-OCT 2016 ONGOING DISCOUNTS WITH THE ARTS CARD

JAZZ AT THE BISTRO

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Spirit of St. Louis

WHEN: Sept 16; Fri, 8 pm

Offers 2-for-1 admission to most 9:30 pm shows Wed-Thur. For details call 314.571.6000 or go to jazzstl.org

SEPTEMBER EVENTS REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS Follies WHEN: Sept 7 - Oct 2; Tues, 7 pm; Wed-Fri, 8 pm; selected Wed, 1:30 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun, 2 pm, selected Sun, 7 pm

COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card, excludes boxes; purchase in-person at the box office Opening weekend, celebrate the 90th anniversary of Lindbergh’s historic flight across the Atlantic with the St. Louis Symphony and Chorus, featuring the works of Weill, Boulez and Debussy’s La Mer. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Eine kleine Nachtmusik

WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves

WHEN: Sept 23; Fri, 8 pm

COST: $17.50-$79.50

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card Sept 7-16 only

COST: $25-$111

Stephen Sondheim’s remarkable musical salutes the world of show business with lavish panache as former stars gather one last time to relive their faded glories. Past and present collide as memories spring to life among an exuberant score and poignant observations of love and memory.

314.968.4925 or repstl.org

STAGES ST. LOUIS Sister Act

WHEN: Sept 9 - Oct 9; Tues-Fri, 8 pm; selected Wed, 2 pm; Sat 4 & 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm, selected Sun, 7:30 pm WHERE: The Robert G. Reim Theatre 111 South Geyer Rd, Kirkwood COST: $20-$59, student/senior rush tickets day of show $15 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card for Tues-Thurs evening performances only A recent Broadway smash-hit, Sister Act comes to STAGES in its regional premiere bringing the gift of laughter, the power of music, and heavenly inspiration. 314.821.2407 or StagesStLouis.org

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card An addictive acoustic combination of Mongolian musical styles that incorporate fiddles, flute and percussion with unique throat singing techniques.

Sponsored by Arts Midwest. 618.537.6863 or thehett.com

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd

COST: $5

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card, excludes boxes; purchase in-person at box office The amazing talent of St. Louis Symphony musicians is on display with Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Trumpets and Strings. Enjoy an evening of hometown virtuosity and familiar favorites that concludes with Pachelbel’s Canon in D and Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto WHEN: Sept 25; Sun, 3 pm

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Beethoven’s Eroica

WHEN: Sept 30; Fri, 8 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card, excludes boxes; purchase in-person at the box office Shocking audiences since its premiere in 1805, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 will jolt you from its opening chords and move you through the energetic and transformative work. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

DANCE ST. LOUIS Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company WHEN: Sept 30 & Oct 1, Fri and Sat, 8 pm WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center One University Blvd COST: $30-$50 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card (orchestra sides, parterre sides or grand-tier seating only). Limit 2 complimentary tickets. Offer not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets.

Led by artistic director and two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Bill T. Jones, the New York City-based company performs its profoundly moving work, Analogy/Dora: Tramontane, based on an oral history Bill T. Jones conducted with Dora Amelan, a French Jewish nurse and survivor of the Holocaust. 314.534.6622 or dancestlouis.org

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd

OCTOBER EVENTS

COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card, excludes boxes; purchase in-person at box office Music Director David Robertson and renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman join together for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 as part of a season-long exploration of the composer’s five legendary piano concertos. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

SHELDON CONCERT HALL Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet

WHEN: Oct 1; Sat, 8 pm WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall 3648 Washington Blvd COST: $25-$40

Events Key 10

Cinema

Classical

Dance

Jazz

Music

Speaker

Theater

Visual Arts

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card on full price tickets only (Tickets available by presenting the card in advance at the Fox Theatre Box office, 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 pm) The youngest of New Orleans’ Marsalis jazz dynasty, percussionist Jason Marsalis returns to The Sheldon as leader of his Vibes Quartet.

314.533.9900 or thesheldon.org

SAINT LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY Thibaut Garcia

WHEN: Oct 1; Sat, 8 pm WHERE: Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Rd, Ladue

BACH SOCIETY Mozart’s Mass in C Minor WHEN: Oct 9; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 East Adams Ave COST: $25-$45 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card (purchase tickets at the door with ARTS Card) A celebration of his marriage, Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor was never completed. It stands, nonetheless, as a magnificent testament to Mozart’s sheer genius. The Bach Chorus and Orchestra are joined by four soloists including Dutch soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg and Zürich soprano Juliet Petrus. 314.652.BACH or bachsociety.org

COST: $24-$28

REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS Until the Flood

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card (call or purchase on website using promo code: A&E) Winner of six International Guitar Competitions, Garcia, a stunning 22 year old guitarist from Paris, France, makes his St. Louis debut. This performance is part of the St. Louis Arts Experience, a citywide arts collaboration. 314.229.8686 or guitarstlouis.net

ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE Macbeth WHEN: Oct 7-16; Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm; Thurs, 7:30 pm WHERE: Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Ave COST: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for students and educators

NEW JEWISH THEATRE Golda’s Balcony WHEN: Oct 6-30, Wed-Thur, 7:30 pm; Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm; Oct 11 at 7:30

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Symphonic Dances

WHEN: Oct 21 & 23; Fri 8 pm, Sun 3 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card, excludes boxes; purchase in-person at the box office Stormy, serene, romantic and tranquil, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances is a stunning virtuoso showpiece for orchestra, while pianist Orli Shaham performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

COCA The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and The Hare

WHEN: Oct 22-23 & 9-11; Sat-Sun, 1 & 5 pm

WHEN: Oct 12-Nov 6, Tues, 7 pm; Wed-Fri, 8 pm; selected Wed, 1:30 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun, 2 pm, selected Sun, 7 pm

WHERE: 524 Trinity Avenue, University City

WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card for 1 pm Saturday performance only

COST: $17.50-$79.50

With dazzling visuals, poignant choreography and the creative use of music ranging from classical to pop, New Orleans-based Lightwire Theater brings two classic tales to the modern stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience.

314.561.4877 or cocastl.org

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card Oct 12-21 only Celebrated writer, performer and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Dael Orlandersmith has fashioned a striking and powerful portrayal of the people in the St. Louis community, exploring how they feel about the recent social unrest. 314.968.4924 or repstl.org

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card for full price tickets After being told by three witches he will become king, Macbeth, a once loyal soldier, sinks into the depths of darkness and despair as he seeks the crown regardless of consequences. Free preshow discussion Saturday, Oct 8 at 7 pm. 314.361.5664 or stlshakespeare.org

moments of tranquility. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Dvorák Cello Concerto

WHEN: Oct 14 & 16; Fri, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card, excludes boxes; purchase in-person at the box office Acclaimed by London’s The Guardian as “one of the finest cellists around,” Alban Gerhardt performs Dvorák’s lyrical Cello Concerto – a work beloved for its memorable melodies and

COST: $16-$20

SAINT LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY Pavel Steidl

WHEN: Oct 29; Sat, 8 pm WHERE: Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Rd, Ladue COST: $24-$28 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card (call or purchase on website using promo code: A&E) One of Europe’s most highly regarded artists of any instrument, Czech guitarist Pavel Steidl makes 19th-century guitar music come alive through his dramatic presentations. 314.229.8686 or guitarstlouis.net

WHERE: Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Dr COST: $39.50-$43.50; $15 students DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card (discount not available online) Following the trajectory of the life of Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, the play focuses on the defining moment of her public life surrounding the disastrous 1973 Yom Kippur War and asks “What happens when idealism becomes power?” 314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org

St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall.

11

IN THE COMMUNITY:

A&E Grantee Fall Arts Guide

ACT TWO THEATRE Closing out its 2016 season, Act Two Theatre presents Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical Nov 4-12.

Featuring all new songs including “Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are Us” and “It’s Better to Give than to Receive,” this show is filled with typical NUNSENSE humor and some of your favorite carols.

Visit acttwotheatre.com for more infor-

mation. Read about Act Two Theatre’s Deaf Night at the Theatre program on page 5.

AFRICAN MUSICAL ARTS African Musical Arts (AMA) launches its 2016-17 season with Mama Afrika: The Musical, showing Sept 24-28, a joint theater production celebrating the life and music of South African Grammy Award winning music icon, Miriam Makeba. On Oct 6, opera singer Alison Buchanan will perform Songs of Diversity & Social Justice. Then, AMA’s Intercultural Music Initiative Chamber Players will perform pieces highlighting African-descent Composers for Winds October 9 and African-descent Composers for Strings Nov 6.

THE BLACK REP Opening The Black Rep’s 2016 season is Miss Julie, Clarissa and John, telling the story of a dangerous attraction between a landowner’s daughter and his top servant. Boundaries of social class and racial lines are crossed, conveying the true conflict of identity experienced by the interracial daughter of a slave woman. Running Sept 7-25, this Midwest premiere makes powerful statements about the cultural struggles faced then - and now.

Visit theblackrep.org for more informa-

tion.

CENTER OF CREATIVE ARTS (COCA) Two classic children’s tales receive modern twists in COCA’s production of The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare. The tales unravel on stage through a blend of full-body puppetry, technology and dance set to both classic and contemporary music, bringing these age-old stories to new life. Performances will be held Oct 22 and 23. COCA’s Pre-Professional Division presents Akeelah and the Bee, the story of a girl finding escape and inspiring her community through her passion for words, Nov 4 and 5.

Visit cocastl.org for more information.

CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM Organized by the Contemporary Art Museum’s (CAM) 2016 Teen Museum Studies class, Kelly Walker: Schema will run through Dec 31. Schema presents examples from the artist’s most iconic series in preparation for the full exhibition opening of Kelly Walker: Direct Drive, September 16. The exhibition will feature Walker’s collection of multifaceted work dating back to 2003 as well as pieces created specifically for this exhibition. Through a variety of media including photography, painting, printmaking, collage and sculpture, Direct Drive addresses and destabilizes issues of identity, race, class, sexuality and politics.

CAM’s 11th annual Open Studios STL will take place Oct 8-9. More than 170 St. Louis-based artists open their studios and art spaces to the public over the course of one weekend, with guided biking and walking tours organized by CAM. CAM also offers free Stroller Tours and Morning Play Dates, Oct 5 and Nov 2.

Visit camstl.org for more information.

CRAFT ALLIANCE CENTER OF ART + DESIGN Now through October 23, Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design presPhoto Credit: David Lancaster

A

s the summer draws to a close, the stages and venues in St. Louis come back to life. Get excited for the wide array of arts events offered by A&E grantees this fall!

Visit africarts.org for more information.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF GRAPHIC ARTS: ST. LOUIS The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) St. Louis rallies voter action through its fall exhibit, Designed to Vote: An Exhibition. Every four years AIGA participates in this nation-wide series, using interactive designs and posters made by AIGA members and influencers to motivate citizens to register and vote. This year’s campaign asks, “How would you design a healthier, safer and equitable St. Louis (and nation)?”

Visit stlouis.aiga.org for more informa-

tion.

MADCO’s Liquid Roads choreographed by Gina Patterson, September 22 and 28.

12

Grantee Fall Arts Guide (cont.)

Photo Credit: Dilip Vishwanat

ents Between the Lines: Roy Strassberg and Bunny Burson. First generation Jews, Strassberg and Burson’s works pull from family memories of the Holocaust and ask viewers to investigate the deeply personal stories that rise to the surface of their works.

Visit craftalliance.org for more informa-

tion.

DANCE ST. LOUIS The Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company performs the thrilling Analogy/Dora: Tramonte, Sept 30 and Oct 1, chronicling a French Jewish nurse’s harrowing encounters with internment camps while working for a Jewish underground organization. Up next is an innovative interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, starring Grand Rapids Ballet, Nov 4 and 5.

Visit dancestlouis.org for more informa-

tion.

HETTENHAUSEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS McKendree University’s Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (the Hett) offers its McKendree Presents series starting with Anda Union, Sept 23, performing tribal and musical traditions from Mongolia as part of Arts Midwest World Fest. The Four Freshmen, a harmonic quartet, will perform Oct 14, and actor Stephen Lang (Avatar) will tell the true stories of Medal of Honor recipients in his one man show, Beyond Glory, Nov 11.

The Hett also offers a free Film Art series and the McKendree University series showcasing student talent.

Visit mckendree.edu/the_hett for more

information.

JAZZ ST. LOUIS Another all-star lineup makes its way to Jazz St. Louis this year. Coleman Hughes Project featuring Adrianne kicks off Jazz St. Louis’ fall productions Sept 9. Other fall highlights include Koplant No (Sept 17), Bill Charlap Trio (Sept 28), Jamison Ross (Oct 10), Donny McCaslin Group (Oct 19-22), Dawn Weber (Nov 11-12), and Jeremy Davenport (Nov 25-26).

Visit jazzstl.org for more information.

St. Louis Symphony’s free concert on Art Hill, September 14.

LAUMEIER SCULPTURE PARK In addition to its ongoing New Territories: Brics exhibition, exploring the world’s cultures and their impact on life in St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park will open its Mohau Modisakeng exhibition Nov 5. Modisakeng explores the influence of South Africa’s violent history on the understanding of cultural, political and social roles in post-colonial Africa. Also opening Nov 5 is an exhibition by Alison Oulette-Kirby + Noah Kirby that plays with the noise and notions of communication, part of the 2016 Kranzberg Exhibition Series.

Special events at Laumeier this fall include: free Food Truck Friday Sept 2; a free St. Louis Arts Experience Performance Oct 15; Sauce Magazine’s Harvest Festival Oct 16; and various free Walking Tours for the general public, children in strollers, and adults with early memory loss, Visit laumeiersculpturepark.org for more

LOOKING GLASS PLAYHOUSE Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat kicks off the 2016-17 season Sept 22 - Oct 2. Next in line is Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, a silly murder mystery in a house complete with sliding panels and secret passageways, showing Nov 3-13.

information.

tion.

Visit lookingglassplayhouse.com for more

information.

MADCO MADCO’s 40th anniversary season is full of public and community performances. Liquid Roads, created and choreographed by Gina Patterson, will be performed at Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff Sept 22 and at the St. Louis Arch Sept 28. Invitation to Dance is a new work in a ballroom setting performed to live music by the Arianna String Quartet, Oct 14-15 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Visit madcodance.com for more informa-

13

Photo Credit: Ray Marklin

Grantee Fall Arts Guide (cont.)

Sixth Annual Interfaith Commemoration in Music at the Sheldon, September 11.

METRO THEATER COMPANY Dennis Foon’s New Kid puts us in the somewhat uncomfortable, but all too relatable position of the new kid in town. Nick and his family have just moved to the United States, and the audience follows Nick’s journey to acceptance and understanding, while opening discussions around bullying, the newcomer experience and importance of diversity and inclusion. Shows run Sept 19 - Nov 23.

Visit metroplays.org for more informa-

tion.

MUSTARD SEED THEATRE Mustard Seed Theatre’s season opener, Kindertransport, running through Sept 4, explores the lives of mothers and daughters torn apart during Nazi occupied Germany, and those safely reunited in Britain.

Opening on Veterans Day, All is Calm explores a moment of peace during WWI, running Nov 11 - Dec 4.

Visit mustardseedtheatre.com for more

information.

THE REPERTORY THEATRE ST. LOUIS The Rep opens its 2016-17 season with a salute to show business in its production of Follies. Past and present collide when the former stars of the Weismann Follies reunite one last time to relive their faded glories, running Sept 7-Oct 2. Next up is Until the Flood, a stunning piece commissioned by the Rep and inspired by the recent unrest in the St. Louis area, Oct 12 - Nov 6. The Rep’s fall season wraps up with is A Christmas Carol, opening Nov 30.

14

Charles Dickens’ classic tale comes to life as Ebenezer Scrooge journeys through past, present, and future for one last shot at redemption.

Visit repstl.org for more information.

THE SHELDON The Sheldon’s 2016-17 season is full of variety. On Sept 11, The Sheldon will host its sixth annual Interfaith Commemoration in Music, honoring our city’s religious diversity through the arts. St. Louis Folk and Roots Festival will take place Sept 22-24, celebrating folk and roots music throughout Grand Center. Later in the season notable guests include critically acclaimed jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, top saxophonist James Carter, singer-songwriter Darrell Scott and the chamber orchestra Alarm Will Sound.

Visit thesheldon.org for more informa-

tion.

STAGES ST. LOUIS STAGES St. Louis closes its 2016 season with Sister Act, Sept 9 - Oct 9, a musical based on the motion picture that follows a sassy, low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place anyone would ever look for her - a convent. The Broadway smash-hit features a score by Alan Menken, the composer who brought us Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Newsies and Aladdin.

Visit stagesstlouis.org for more informa-

tion.

ST. LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY St. Louis Classical Guitar Society’s 2016-17 Season is packed with the best in the business. This fall, see performances from Thibaut Garcia (Oct 1), Pavel Steidl (Oct 29) and Grisha Goryachev (Nov 19). Later in the season, don’t miss Duo Noire, The Romero Family, and David Russel.

Visit guitarstlouis.net for more informa-

tion.

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY

Sept 9-11, the Symphony plays each

and every note from John Williams’ unforgettable score of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone while the movie plays on the Big Screen. On Sept 14 the Symphony will relocate to Forest Park for a free performance accompanied by a spectacular fireworks show on Art Hill.

The Symphony will celebrate the

90th anniversary of Lindbergh’s historic flight across the Atlantic, Sept 16 and 17, and premier its Tribute to Prince on Oct 9. In memory of the all-time great pop star, audiences will hear their favorite Prince hits like “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry.” This fall will also feature many classics from Mozart, Beethoven, Pachelbel and other highlights like Brahms Reimagined, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Disney in Concert – Tale as Old as Time.

Visit stlsymphony.org for more informa-

tion.

YOUNG FRIENDS OF THE ARTS:

Meet Kelly Hummert, YFA Board Member

K

elly Hummert has big plans, and In New York, Hummert performed on she’s inviting all of St. Louis to stage and managed the production of join her. Not only is she a vital exclusive luxury events. During a trip board member of A&E’s Young Friends back to St. Louis to see family and of the Arts (YFA), but she’s also CEO friends she met with Amit Dhawan, and Producer of Rebel and Misfits owner of Synergy Productions, to comProductions, LLC. Hummert recently pare notes on their shared industry. launched the Immersive Theatre After Hummert returned to New Project, its first piece opening in York, the two kept in touch and a relaNovember. tionship formed. The pair married, Hummert grew up an hour outside of drawing Hummert back to St. Louis St. Louis and began her acting career permanently. Now that she’s here, she’s as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady at the planning on giving St. Louis a taste of Looking Glass Playhouse in Lebanon, IL. something new: immersive theater.

Her true love was Shakespeare, and “It’s a lifelong dream. I had immersive after a year at University of Illinois, she theater in my brain even when I was in left for Webster University’s college,” she explains. “Only being in St. Conservatory of Theatre Arts for a Louis has provided me the opportunity more focused curriculum under St. to do it myself, on my own terms. That’s Louis legends like such a blessing Bruce Longworth, and I feel so “[My production company is] inspired Peter Sargent and lucky.” by my favorite quote from Steve Steven Woolf.

Immersive theJobs: ‘Here’s to the crazy ones. The “[Woolf] is one ater involves the rebels. The misfits. Because the people who are crazy enough to think of my idols,” audience interactthey can change the world, are the Hummert says. “I ing with actors ones who do.’ So, yes, that’s my goal. don’t think I would and in some proTo change the world.” have [had] the ductions even -Kelly Hummert guts to move to impacting the plot Rebel and Misfits Productions, LLC New York if I itself.

The Immersive Theatre Project hadn’t had his sup “Every person port. He had this in the room is crething about him, ating the story where he said, ‘Kid, what are you afraid together,” Hummert explains. “It’s also of? Nothing is going to happen to you, about allowing your audience to experiyou’re fearless. Just go, do it.’ And I did. ence the world they are in in that And it worked out for me, I got lucky.” moment ... and actually ‘play’ with the

Kelly Hummert.

actors, and become one with them.”

Hummert’s Immersive Theatre Project is diving right in with Hamlet: See What I See, a retelling of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

“Though we are following the linear storyline and text in this production, the audience can still choose their own adventure,” Hummert says.

See What I See will be directed by Melanie S. Armer, co-founder and artistic director of New York City’s Nerve Tank theater company. Armer and Hummert have recruited an outstanding crew from all over the country, and a cast of local St. Louisans mixed with nationally-performing actors.

For more information about A&E’s Young

Friends of the Arts, visit KeepArtHappening. org/YFA. Hamlet: See What I See runs November 12-18. For more information, visit theimmersivetheatreproject.com.

Below: Publication still for Hamlet: See What I See.

15

A&E NEWS:

stARTup-StL Crowdfunding Launches

T

he Arts and Education Council funds raised.

(A&E), with generous support As a chief advocate and funder for from the Arthur and Helen Baer the arts in the bi-state St. Louis area, Charitable Foundation, announces the Arts and Education Council is stARTup-StL, an online crowdfunding responsible for managing the stARTplatform to support arts and cultural up-StL platform and guiding project projects in the St. posters in promoting “We are confident this Louis area. their campaigns. enhanced crowdfunding service Evolving from Donors can easily will ignite local arts startups A&E’s previous support and share and encourage our community crowdfunding site, projects they are pasto support them. We know that power2give.org, sionate about, our burgeoning art startup stARTup-StL provides becoming advocates community contributes to our teachers, artists, and for positive growth in vibrant art scene in so many cultural organizations their communities. ways. stARTup-StL provides a platform to post The first campaign artists and arts organizations and promote projects to launch on stARTan exciting new way to connect in need of funding; up-StL was The with their supporters and raise connecting directly Phaedra Phestival, a funds for innovative projects. It with donors and supcollaborative project also gives donors the opportuporters interested in between theatre nity to see where their gifts will supporting compelcompanies ERA, Poor make an impact.”

- Cynthia Prost ling and impactful Monsters, SATE and arts projects. stARTYoungLiars. The up-StL makes posting, donating and three-day “Phestival” was an experipromoting projects convenient and mental and collaborative performance engaging. There are no fees to use the and fundraiser that took place in site and project posters receive all August in support of the theatre com-

The Phaedra Phestival.

panies’ 2016-17 seasons, funding artists, designers, space rentals and other expense. Contributors to the campaign received benefits ranging from Phestival admission to “Phaedra’s Pholio,” a prop used in the three nights of performances.

MindsEye also ran a campaign on the site to support its new program offering audio descriptions for local theatre productions (see p9 for more information).

Funds were matched by Lighthouse for the Blind - St. Louis.

To donate to live campaigns, visit KeepArtHappening.org/stARTup-StL. On the home page, visitors can view the campaigns and sort by the dollar amount raised, the percent of their goal funded and time left in the campaign.

Clicking on a campaign brings the user to a more detailed description of the project and benefits of donating. Here the user can donate to the campaign, a fully secure process managed by A&E. As a project of A&E, a 501c(3) organization, donations to campaigns are tax-deductible. If projects are not fully funded when it expires, the posting organization will still receive the funds for the project.

Campaigns can be created for projects in the greater St. Louis bi-state area. Campaign posters must be nonprofits, school art programs, individuals with a business license as artists or startups with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor.

To learn more about stARTup-StL, visit

keeparthappening.org/stARTup-StL. For social media updates on current and new stARTup-StL campaigns, follow the Arts and Education Council on Facebook and Twitter.

A stARTup-StL campaign page.

16

CENTENE CENTER FOR THE ARTS:

Boeing Volunteers Donate Time and Energy

V

olunteers from Boeing donated valuable time and talent to the Centene Center for the Arts July 20 to give the building some extra love. Despite the heat, Hillary Loveland, Nitin Bhagat, Jennifer Schultz, Ryan Briggs and Stephanie Saunders pulled weeds, repainted railings and beautified the Cenete Center’s exterior. The Arts and Education Council is deeply grateful for the generosity of Boeing and its employees!

For more information about Boeing, visit

boeing.com.

Above: Boeing volunteers, from left to right: Stephanie Saunders, Ryan Briggs, Nitin Bhagat and Hillary Loveland.

To the right: Boeing volunteers working outside the Centene Center for the Arts.

YOUNG FRIENDS OF THE ARTS:

Yoga Buzz on the Centene Center Terrace

Y

oga Buzz, a local non-profit creating wellness and community through yoga events at cultural centers and businesses throughout the city, partnered with A&E’s Young Friends of the Arts to host a class on the terrace of the Centene Center for the Arts on July 26. Attendees enjoyed an hour-long yoga class followed by a small mindfulness-themed art show, Pi Pizza and drinks.

The event raised money for A&E’s Young Friends of the Arts, a group of young professionals who believe in the importance of the arts in our community and work to create awareness and raise funds for the arts and arts education throughout the bi-state region.

To learn more about Young Friends of the

Arts, visit KeepArtHappening.org/YFA or Facebook.com/yfaSTL. For more information about Yoga Buzz, visit yogabuzz.org.

Yoga Buzz attendees relaxing on the terrace with Pi Pizza and drinks.

Yoga Buzz class on the Centene Center terrace, led by Yoga Buzz Founder Elle Porter. Photo courtesy of Yoga Buzz.

Attendees enjoying the midfulness-themed art show.

17

ARTS LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ACADEMY:

A&E NEWS:

New Overtime Regulations for Nonprofits

arlier this year, Parkway School District hosted its 26th annual Workplace Giving Campaign to benefit the Arts and Education Council.

In a quarter century, the District has raised nearly a quarter million dollars ($250,000) to benefit the arts and arts education across the metropolitan region. For the 2016 campaign, over 500 administrators, teachers and staff contributed more than $15,000 to A&E

Parkway School District Support

E

– a 30% increase over 2015 contributions. The 2015 and 2016 campaigns were led by Jeff Lackey, Fine Arts Coordinator for the District. The campaign also received exceptional support from Dr. Keith Marty, superintendent of the Parkway School District.

For information about establishing a

Workplace Giving Campaign, visit KeepArtHappening.com/workplace-giving.

For information about Parkway School District, visit pkwy.k12.mo.us.

John P. Hasman, partner at Armstrong Teasdale and seminar presenter.

D

ecember 1 marks the start of new overtime pay regulations recently announced by the U.S. Labor Department. The Arts Leadership and Management Academy (ALMA), a collaborative program between A&E and Network for Strong Communities and funded by Wells Fargo Advisors, will be hosting a seminar detailing the significance of the new regulations for nonprofits September 21, 9am to noon at A&E’s Centene Center for the Arts.

John P. Hasman, a partner at Armstrong Teasdale specializing in labor practices, will be leading the seminar. Hasman will walk ALMA attendees through an overview of the new Labor Department regulations, the elements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, how nonprofits can identify “exempt” and “nonexempt” employees and how the regulations are monitored and managed by the U.S. Department of Regulations.

Organizations and individuals interested in learning about the new regulations can find details and register at KeepArtHappening.org/ALMAovertime.

A&E NEWS:

HOK Intern Project at A&E

A

rchitectural firm HOK recently provided summer interns to complete a special concept-to-design project for the Arts and Education Council. Under the direction of A&E Board Member and HOK Vice President Nora Akerberg, the summer intern team produced outstanding concept drawings for a new project at the Centene Center for the Arts.

Check out upcoming issues of Happenings for sneak peaks of their plan!

The Centene Center for the Arts is owned

and operated by the Arts and Education Council. For more information, visit KeepArtHappening.org/Centene-Center. For more information about HOK, visit hok.com.

To learn more about ALMA and other

professional development opportunities, visit KeepArtHappening.org/ALMA. For more information about the Network for Strong Communities, visit nscnow.org.

18

Parkway School District presented A&E with a check for $15,00.17 raised by employees through its Workplace Giving Campaign. From left to right: Parkway Superintendent Dr. Keith A. Marty, A&E Vice President of Development, Kate Francis, A&E Development Manager Dorothy Powell, and Parkway Fine Arts Coordinator Jeff Lackey.

Photo, facing page: HOK interns pictured with A&E staff. From left to right: Laura Davey; Whitney Lawson; Brent Vansoest; Susan Rowe, A&E Vice President of Administration and Grants; Cynthia A. Prost, A&E President and CEO; Hagan Doyle; Priscilla Zhang; and Ryan Wilson.

Circle of Giving June 1, 2016 – July 31, 2016 The following donors have made gifts that enable the Arts and Education Council to help preserve St. Louis’ legacy of artistic excellence and enrich its cultural community.

A&E appreciates the continued support from these individuals, businesses and organizations. Thank you! $200,000 and above Edward Jones $50,000 - $99,999.99 World Wide Technology, Inc. Steward Family Foundation $25,000 - $49,999.99 Maritz $5,000 - $9,999.99 Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Niemann $2,500 -$4,999.99 Eric P. & Evelyn E. Newman Foundation Ms. Ruth M. Saphian Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Voss

$1,000 - $2,499.99 Anonymous Mrs. Pamela K. Cavness Mr. Stephen E. Cupples John & Dora R. Gianoulakis Ms. Patricia Hannum Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Kelly Mr. and Mrs. William C. Rusnack Mr. and Mrs. Edwin G. Shifrin Mr. Rex A. Sinquefield and Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield $500 - $999.99 Anonymous Mr. John F. Arnold and Ms. Ann R. Ruwitch Byerly Trailer Mfg. Co. Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Eberlin Mr. Charles H. Eggleston

Mr. Jason R. Hall Mr. and Mrs. David M. Hohman Mr. and Mrs. John E. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. King Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Lause Mr. Kirk M. Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Macon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Minogue Mr. Thomas Polcyn Mr. Steven J. Poplawski and Ms. Caroline Costantin Mr. and Mrs. Kurt E. Reitz Mr. and Mrs. Bruce D. Ryder Mr. Mark Sableman Mr. Jason P. Thein Mr. Dudley Von Holt

Peter H. Bunce • Ann M. Corrigan Joseph E. Corrigan • Karen J. Isbell James A. Krekeler • Glenn Sheffield Judith Cozad Smith • Michael W. Weisbrod

To make your gift to the A&E, visit KeepArtHappening.org or contact Kate Francis, Vice President of Development, at (314) 289-4003 or Kate-F@KeepArtHappening.org.

FPO printer to insert SGB logo stlouis.bbb.org

Correction: Page 8 of the July-August issue of Happenings contained a photo caption mistakenly identifying a performance as Circus Flora. The performer is actually Circus Harmony’s Chauncey Kroner. We regret our error.

Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-1014 p 314.289.4000 f 314.289.4019

2016 Board of Directors CHAIR Leonard T. Eschbach SECRETARY Peter Sargent TREASURER Ruth Saphian MEMBERS Nora Akerberg Susan Block Sheila Burkett Chris Cedergreen Diane Drollinger John Gianoulakis Barbara B. Goodman Kristin J. Guehlstorf Jason Hall Cary D. Hobbs Nicole Hudson

C. Brendan Johnson Eric Koestner Kenneth Kranzberg Linda Lee Dorte Probstein Rachelle Rowe Shawn Schukar Donald M. Senti Mary Ann Srenco Susan A. Stith Andrew Trivers Carol J. Voss Caren Vredenburgh IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Terrance J. Good EX-OFFICIO Cynthia A. Prost Noah Vasquez

2016 Young Friends of the Arts Board of Directors PRESIDENT Noah Vasquez MEMBERS Teresa Braeckel Morgan Clark Tom Epstein Kelly Hummert

Jorie Jacobi Kate Maxson Thomas SanFilippo Erin Schreiber Adam Stanley Noah Vasquez Vanessa Vasquez

Staff PRESIDENT & CEO Cynthia A. Prost VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION & GRANTS Susan Rowe Jennings VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Kate Francis CONTROLLER Joseph Soer DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Dorothy Powell WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGN MANAGER Heather Edwards

DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION Tonya Hahne Patricia Tichacek DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS MANAGER Melissa Howe ONLINE GIVING & GRANTS COORDINATOR Mandi Hanway MARKETING COORDINATOR Krista B. Grant MARKETING CONSULTANT Ellen Futterman

Tenants of the Centene Center for the Arts Arts and Education Council African Heritage Association of St. Louis, Inc. African Musical Arts AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) Bach Society of St. Louis Cinema St. Louis Circus Flora

Creative Reaction Lab Gateway Center for Performing Arts Gateway Men's Chorus Peter Martin Music Prison Performing Arts St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association Tennessee Williams Festival Upstream Theater YoungLiars

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Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103-1014

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ArtsAndEducSTL 2013 Missouri Arts Award-Philanthropy

2012 Spirit of Philanthropy Award