SPARK
Winter/Spring 2016
BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS – IGNITING CULTURE
FEATURE:
THE POWER OF THE ARTS TO CHANGE LIVES | P.6
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Ignite a SPARK: Facebook.com/NCBPAC
CONTENTS
Northwest School of the Arts students participate in a master class with dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem.
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Winter/Spring 2016
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Students rehearse for Long Creek Elementary School’s 2015 production of Annie Kids.
4 CHOREOGRAPHED PARTNERSHIP Legendary Dance Company Inspires Collaboration FEATURE:
10 BLUMENTHAL IN PICTURES Snapshots of the Theater's Reach
6 THE POWER OF THE ARTS
12 FIND YOUR JAZZ
9 BROADWAY JUNIOR
12 THE BLUMEY AWARDS
Blumenthal a Catalyst for Life-changing Experiences
Theater Program Has Lasting Impact on All Involved
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Charlotte Jazz Festival Heats Up in April
High School Musical Theater Awards Program Grows
ON THE COVER: Jonzi D, left, director of Breakin' Convention, and Bluz, a local spoken word entertainer, address the crowd at Knight Theater during Breakin' Convention in fall 2015. PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Reginal Bean Riaz H. Bhamani Amy Rice Blumenthal Kristin Hills Bradberry, chair Marivi Bryant James Bullock Robert Chesney Joni Y. Davis James F. Downs J. Porter Durham Jr. David M. Goodman Molly B. Griffin Timothy L. Gunter Greg Haislip Jeffrey S. Hay, secretary
Renee Hobart Sarah Hutchins Lloyd E. Johnson, treasurer L. Erin Lavely Dr. Edith Valladares McElroy Barbara S. Meeks Edwin B. Peacock III Rick D. Puckett, immediate past chair George A. Raftelis Ed Rose Matthew Salisbury Bill Sullivan Amy Wooden
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SPARK SPARK is produced by the Blumenthal Performing Arts Marketing staff. Vice President of Marketing Wendy Oglesby Editor and Graphic Designer Mark Wallace, creative services manager Writers and Content Coordinators Elise Esasky, communications manager Liz Bertrand, communications specialist Contributing writer: Brandon Carter
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Editing support: John Luebke
DIFFERENCE MAKER
A FAMILY PASSION Jeffrey Hay Brings Opportunity to Others With the Help of the Arts By Liz Rothaus Bertrand
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Communications Specialist
n life, as in the theater world, certain key individuals work diligently behind-the-scenes to make dreams possible. Attorney Jeffrey Hay, a partner at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, and a member of Blumenthal Performing Arts’ board of trustees, is one of them. A family man (he’s dad to five kids ranging in age from 4 to 28) and a generous contributor of his time and financial support to multiple organizations, he’s more accustomed to putting others, rather than himself, in the spotlight. That made the Dec. 4 announcement of his induction into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine an even more remarkable moment. The induction is North Carolina’s highest honor – recognizing those who have “demonstrated exemplary service or made an exceptional contribution to the state or their communities.” Hay says he was floored when Gov. Pat McCrory surprised him at the annual holiday luncheon of the British American Business Hay Council of North Carolina, an organization that promotes bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and the United States. “It was one of the most overwhelming experiences I’ve ever had,” says Hay, who is finishing a three-year term as the BABCNC chapter’s president. Hay works with companies from all over the world in his law practice but says he has a special affinity for the British people and their culture. His appointment to Blumenthal Performing Arts’ board of trustees was a natural extension of his interest in promoting cross-cultural exchange with our friends across the pond, since the Blumenthal has a special relationship with Britain as well. “I think Blumenthal has invested in over 20 British theater productions,” says Hay. “It was a really interesting and neat tie in.” (Fun fact: Blumenthal’s first of six Tony Awards came out of one of these British endeavors, as a producer of the hit musical Spamalot.) For Hay, trying to create opportunities for others is a driving force for his professional and volunteer activities. “A lot of that is focused on young people and kids,” says Hay, “but in my business life, I spend a lot of time trying to create opportunities for clients. I think that really translates into my service for organizations.” Hay says Blumenthal Performing Arts serves as an economic engine for the region, attracting workers, companies and tourists seeking a vibrant city with a dynamic arts and cultural life. For him, Blumenthal’s efforts to engage our diverse community in the
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Gov. Pat McCrory, left, presents Jeffrey Hay with a certificate for his induction into the The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
arts and to enrich the lives of kids through multiple initiatives are especially important. Programs like the Broadway Junior Theater Celebration, through which a number of participant schools are awarded subsidies to help them produce their own musical, and The Blumey Awards, which recognizes high school students and teachers for excellence in the performing arts, are significant contributions to the life of our community, according to Hay. When schools put on a Broadway show, test scores and achievement go up, he says. Hay, who grew up in rural South Carolina and didn’t see a Broadway show until his college years, knows how important these opportunities can be for young people. Last year he also led the way to establish a scholarship, in memory of his brother, to enrich the lives of young people passionate about the performing arts. The Gordon Hay Scholarship Endowment is an annual $5,000 merit-based scholarship awarded to one outstanding senior pursuing a nonperforming career in the performing arts. It supports special learning opportunities, like conferences and unpaid workshops, in the recipient’s chosen field, whether that’s music composition, lighting design or arts management, among other eligible topics. “My brother was an amazing person,” says Hay. “Gordon never finished college but ended up as the head of organizational development in HR for one of the top aerospace tech companies in the country.” In that role, he had a special knack for identifying individuals who had management potential and mentoring them so they could develop the skills needed to succeed. Gordon Hay also loved music and theater. Establishing the scholarship was a way of “taking my brother’s energy and passion and propelling it forward,” says Jeffrey Hay. “I was struggling with his passing and needed to turn it into something I could do. Now, there’s so much energy and excitement around this scholarship. It’s turned into exactly what I’d hoped it would.” For Hay and his wife, Laura, who serves on the board for Charlotte Ballet, supporting and giving back to the community through the arts has become a family passion. “If you could take my love of British culture, and my love of kids and my love of theater and wrap it all together – you’ve got the Blumenthal.” T
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A FINELY CHOREOGRAPHED PARTNERSHIP Legendary Dance Theatre of Harlem Inspires Collaboration, Multiple Events
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his winter, Blumenthal Performing Arts participated in an unprecedented partnership with the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture and Wells Fargo to bring Dance Theatre of Harlem to Charlotte’s Levine Center for the Arts. The renowned dance company performed Jan. 22-24 at the Knight Theater and is the subject of a five-monthlong exhibition featuring photographs, costumes, show posters and other memorabilia at the Gantt Center. The exhibition, on display through June 2016, is titled “Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts” and recounts the company’s journey from its earliest, modest days in a garage on 152nd Street in Harlem – offering neighborhood children the opportunity to learn classic dance – to its contemporary role as an internationally acclaimed dance company and educational institution. Wells Fargo’s financial support provided more than 1,000 tickets to community members who may not otherwise have had the means to attend a performance. Blumenthal Performing Arts allocated these tickets to several local dance schools and community-enriching organizations. A variety of community events and educational opportunities, including master classes with company members from the Dance Theatre of Harlem and an Arts Day at the Gantt Center, have already taken place. Additional events tied to the exhibition will continue throughout the spring. You can get a taste of some of these events in the accompanying photos. T 4 SPARK | WINTER/SPRING 2016
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Pictured clockwise from top left: First two photos, Northwest School of the Arts students participate in a master class with dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem; Chyrstyn Fentroy and Jorge Villarini of Dance Theatre of Harlem in "Coming Together"; Dance Theatre of Harlem dancer Chyrstyn Fentroy chats with WBTV anchor Christine Sperow; and Heaven Davon Doane and Ashley Murphy of Dance Theatre of Harlem.
PHOTO BY BRANDON CARTER
“One of our Wells Fargo Foundation focus areas is to make arts, history and culture experiences accessible to those who may not have the means to participate. We are excited that our financial investment in this collaboration allows us to connect live performances of the storied Dance Theatre of Harlem with students and families in our community.” JAY EVERETTE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MANAGER WELLS FARGO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GROUP
PHOTO BY RACHEL NEVILLE
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THE POWER OF THE ARTS Blumenthal a Catalyst for Life-changing Experiences
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heater is rich in stories of famous playwrights, actors, directors, singers and performers discovering their art when seeing their first live performance or through the encouragement of a teacher, parent or mentor. But a community that fosters the arts, fosters its future. The arts have the ability to touch, communicate, evoke emotion, educate and expand ideas – and to change lives. Devante Lawrence spent his youth in New York, but it wasn’t until his mother relocated to Indian Trail when he was 12 that he began participating in school theater. He signed up for a drama elective in middle school to boost his self-esteem, and he performed in his first musical later that year. “When I was playing these other characters, I felt myself becoming more free and not thinking so much in my head,” Lawrence says. He spent the next few years studying drama in school, and when he attended Blumenthal's inaugural Broadway Experience trip to New York with 11 other high school students from Mecklenburg, Gaston and Union counties in 2010, he began to consider the possibilities. “We went to see In the Heights. It was our last night in New York. The musical was set in the most northern part of Manhattan, which is known for its Dominican population,” Lawrence says. “I’d only been there twice when I was younger, and I didn’t know anything about the show. I came in wide-eyed and naive.” Continued on Page 7
COVER STORY BY COURTNEY DEVORES SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
COVER AND LEAD-IN PHOTOS BY DANIEL COSTON
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By Courtney Devores Special Correspondent
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London's Jonzi D, left, and local Slam Master Boris "Bluz" Rogers emcee during Breakin' Convention in October.
"I remember thinking, this is a story I can relate to and seeing all these people of color on stage. Even though I don’t have a Broadway voice, there’s a way to be onstage.” DEVANTE LAWRENCE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE PARTICIPANT
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Lawrence recalls the moment the cast began rapping on stage. “They were rapping on Broadway – not singing Sondheim and stuff like that. I was on the edge of my seat,” he says. “I’ll never forget the Act 1 finale when the power goes out when they’re in the Spanish club. That was a flashback to 2003 when the power went out in the city. I remember thinking, this is a story I can relate to and seeing all these people of color on stage. Even though I don’t have a Broadway voice, there’s a way to be onstage.” Lawrence carried his ticket stub in his wallet the next year as a student at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts.
There on a scholarship from The Doctor Family Foundation, which he received through Blumenthal’s Broadway Experience program, Lawrence graduated in 2014 and is currently pursuing film and TV projects. He might not have gone if it weren’t for the Doctors' introduction of the Broadway Experience and scholarships he received while at NYU, one of which was from director Ron Howard. The city’s involvement in the arts extends beyond introducing young people to music, theater, comedy and dance. It’s also about fostering home grown arts in the community and bringing seemingly underground
Devante Lawrence, back row, fourth from left, poses in Times Square with the group from Blumenthal's inaugural Broadway Experience in 2010, an experience that changed his life.
arts to a wider audience. “People who wouldn’t normally come to a poetry slam at a bar or something show up at the theater,” says Slam Master Boris “Bluz” Rogers. “And vice versa. People ... who wouldn’t come up to visit Blumenthal aside from one major show a year maybe, are visiting the theater more often, seeking out poetry spots in the city. It’s a big bridge in connecting people to ideas and creativity – especially for what I do.” Rogers has worked with Blumenthal as Slam Master at monthly SlamCharlotte Poetry Slams for 12 years. Originally funded by a grant, SlamCharlotte found a permanent home at Blumenthal’s Booth Playhouse and McGlohon Theater when that outside funding ended. “They were really in love with what we were doing and continued to work with us,” says Rogers, whose group went on to win the National Championship in 2007 and 2008. The back-to-back awards – which had only been bestowed on a team from the South once before – attracted the attention of Creative Loafing. That news blurb caught the eye of a NASCAR producer, and Rogers spent the next two years filming poetic promo spots for NASCAR. The financial security allowed him to quit his day job and tour colleges. In 2015, Blumenthal asked him to help usher in the Charlotte premier of Breakin’ Convention – the British Continued on Page 8
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festival celebrating hip-hop culture and dance in a theater setting – with a series of “Fundamentals of Hip-hop” events. Rogers ended up co-hosting the shows with London’s Jonzi D and is now headed to the U.K. to observe Breaking Convention there and possibly take on some small roles in the production. “To even know hip-hop was going to come to the theater like that, especially a major theater – it’s refreshing that Blumenthal opens up its doors to something that is that close to hip-hop,” says Rogers. “Sometimes there’s an R&B group or something, but the B-Boys and graffiti artists on the same stage B.B. King played … and hip-hop gets to be a part of that tradition? That alone was enough to make me say yes (to the initial invitation). “Being with Blumenthal has been an amazing journey that gets better and better. It’s helped me get to London for Breakin’ Convention overseas,” Rogers says. “They (Blumenthal) never cease to amaze me with what they do with artists. They could just do Hollywood Broadway stuff. Instead they take time to nurture the community that’s here, and … we’ve gotten stronger and gotten recognition from other people across the country because of the help from Blumenthal.” Rogers isn’t the only Carolinian working in London this year. Before she starred in London’s West End revival of Miss Saigon, actress Eva Noblezada won a Blumey Award (Blumenthal’s High School Musical Theater Awards) in 2013. She was then discovered by casting director Tara Rubin during a subsequent trip to New York for The Jimmy Awards, aka the National High School Musical Theater Awards. Rubin got Noblezada an audition with Cameron Mackintosh, who was reviving Miss Saigon, and Noblezada was eventually cast as Kim. The 19-year-old Charlotte
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
Charles Randolph-Wright, center, at a birthday bash with other local celebrities, says directing Motown The Musical in London is the ultimate dream come true.
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Above, local Slam Master Boris "Bluz" Rogers, right, takes the stage with London's Jonzi D, left, at Breakin' Convention in Charlotte. Now, Rogers is heading to the U.K. to observe the program there.
native will reprise her role when the hit show moves to Broadway in 2017. Charles Randolph-Wright – an area native and director of Motown The Musical – is currently directing that production in London’s West End as well. Wright’s parents, teachers and donors nurtured him on his journey from York, S.C., to Broadway. “I went to (Duke) University to become a doctor, but discovering the arts altered all that,” RandolphWright says. “It began with my mother reading Macbeth to me as a baby. I know, Macbeth? But my mother was an extraordinary teacher and motivator, and Shakespeare was one of the many artistic works she used to inspire me and others. “My York High School band director, John Bostic, and my French teacher, Polly Adkins, opened the door for me to discover art in my small town,” he says. “They showed me that geography did not limit my dreams. My college English teacher, Diane Mowrey, furthered my love of literature and dared me to write a musical as my English final, opening yet another door. Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, the great heiress and philanthropist, became an amazing supporter and arranged for me to study in England, which truly changed my life and my world. “And as I write this, I am back in London directing Motown The Musical in the West End,” Randolph-Wright says. “Having a show in the West End was the ultimate impossible dream decades ago for this small town Carolina kid, but dreams come true.” He came full circle this past summer when Motown opened at Blumenthal on his birthday. “My friend (Blumenthal President) Tom Gabbard threw the greatest birthday party for me. I had relatives and friends from all parts of my life,” he says. “It was a stunning evening that reminded me of all the love and support I constantly receive from my home – the Carolinas. I am so grateful for the many people ... who gave me permission to follow the things that seemed impossible. I hope that what I do also inspires people ... to dare to pursue what moves them … inspires them … changes them. That is the true beauty of art.” T BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
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Eva Noblezada performs during the opening number at The Jimmy Awards in New York in 2013, where she was discovered for the role of Kim in Cameron Mackintosh's Miss Saigon.
BROADWAY JUNIOR IS TRANSFORMATIVE Theater Program Has a Lasting Impact on All Parties Involved
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
Students from Mountain Island Charter School perform at Blumenthal's 2015 Broadway Junior Celebration.
by The Doctor Family Foundation, Systems Maintenance Services, Publix Super Markets Charities and the Kearns Saldinger Charitable Foundation. This assistance helps cover the costs of purchasing ast spring, Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Broadway a fully licensed ShowKit from Music Theatre International. The Junior Theater Celebration broke attendance records age-appropriate adaptation includes scripts and musical scores, a with 1,900 students and teachers from 48 area elemenprofessionally produced full orchestral accompaniment, director’s tary and middle schools participating. This year’s ninth annual event takes place April 19-21. During the program, students guide and more. Approximately 100 students will perform this year in Long perform a selection from their school musical, receive feedback Creek Elementary’s production of Sleeping Beauty Kids. Behind-thefrom theater professionals affiliated with iTheatrics, and particiscenes, dozens of other students help research costs, paint sets, pate in workshops to develop their performance skills. It is the prepare costumes and provide additional support for three days of culminating event for students who have participated in their own performances, which ultimately take place at Hopewell High School. school’s musical production. Long Creek Elementary’s theater simply isn’t big enough to hold all “The workshop is like nothing else around,” says music teacher the performers or their enthusiastic audiences. Beth Gommel, who has brought students from Long Creek Rehearsals and preparations for the musical take place during Elementary School in Huntersville to the event for the last six years. class and after school on Mondays throughout most of the year. It’s a But the celebration is only part of the story. For many students, big commitment for kids and their parents, but Emily Riera – whose the yearlong experience of putting on a school musical is transfordaughter, Ella, is a fifth-grader – says it’s worth the effort. “Being a mative as they discover the joys and hard work involved in creating part of the musicals has strengthened our relationship with Long a live theatrical production. Students develop new skills, and the Creek because my daughter spends more time there, and I volunteer endeavor creates a lasting sense of community at their schools. to help with the show.” Take Long Creek Elementary, for instance. Part of the CharlotteThe annual musical truly is a schoolwide effort, according to Mecklenburg Schools, it serves a diverse student body of about 600 Gommel. “There is no way I could do this without all the teachers kids. Every year, Gommel guides a large group of third- through at the school,” she says. Some provide assistance throughout the fifth-graders on the journey of producing a show from the ground up. entire rehearsal process, and others pitch in anywhere from one to The school, like many others participating in the Broadway 10 hours during the final week leading up to performances. Junior Theater Celebration, receives financial assistance from What’s more, former students email her throughout the year to Blumenthal Performing Arts thanks to generous support provided see if they can also lend a hand. “So not only do we have teachers and parents, but we end up with middle and high school students who were on the stage once with us, coming back to help,” says Gommel. “It’s pretty amazing to see them helping the younger students.” Parents also appreciate the lasting impact of the school musical on their children. “Participating in these school musicals is important because it gives kids a chance to develop early talents and grow personally, not just academically,” says Riera. “I love that my daughter has a chance to be a part of the school’s music program and experience the same opportunities that I had.” Participation can build self-esteem, develop positive risk-taking and help kids work as a team toward a common long-term objective. It also serves as a powerful introduction to the world of the arts. “Mrs. Gommel’s program has given the gift of music to our children,” says parent Amy Cuttino, whose son and daughter have PHOTO BY AMY CUTTINO participated in the school musical program. “She has influenced our Students rehearse for Long Creek Elementary School’s 2015 production of Annie Kids. daughter to the point where she wants to be onstage on Broadway!” T By Liz Rothaus Bertrand
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Members of Business Leaders for the Arts listen to Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Anna Glass and Virginia Johnson discuss the company with Tom Gabbard.
BLUMENTHAL IN PICTURES
Participants in the 2016 Broadway Experience trip to NYC take a group photo in front of Lincoln Center.
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Andrew Gripper, a kindergartner at First Ward Creative Arts Academy who played Young Coalhouse in Ragtime, sits with his mom, Melanie.
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Students take a break in front of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture during the Dance Theatre of Harlem education day.
Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard, third from left, poses with staff to show support for the Carolina Panthers going to the Super Bowl.
Jamie Campbell from the Development department sorts toys from a toy drive – part of Blumenthal's holiday celebration.
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Members of the Dance Theatre of Harlem company lead one of several master classes in December, this one for students at Winthrop University.
Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard, left, poses with outgoing board of trustees chair Rick Puckett, right, and incoming chair Kristin Hills Bradberry at Blumenthal's Annual Meeting.
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FIND YOUR JAZZ
Charlotte Jazz Festival Heats Up in April
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Featuring
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis LEFT PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART RIGHT PHOTO BY JOE MARTINEZ
his April, local jazz fans have something to celebrate as a premier multiday jazz festival kicks up in Charlotte, featuring the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the leadership of Musical Director Wynton Marsalis. Presented by The Leon Levine Foundation, Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016 will take place April 21-23 at Levine Center for the Arts in uptown Charlotte. The two mainstage shows in Knight Theater will be part of a larger three-day event, including intimate club performances by musicians from Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as well as other hand-picked regional artists. Additional special events include a dinner, happy hours, a second line parade, a youth jazz competition and hands-on workshops for kids. “The idea of a jazz festival in Charlotte has been a longtime dream for us, and after partnering with Lonnie Davis and Jazz Arts Initiative to test the waters in 2014, we knew it was time to make this big,” says Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on board. We are confident this will be a weekend jazz fans won’t forget.” The Leon Levine Foundation Executive Director Tom Lawrence says: “We are delighted to partner with Blumenthal Performing Arts on this project. The multiday community event led by the vision of Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will have it all – concerts, classes, exhibits, panel discussions, free performances and more. It’s cultural programs like the Charlotte Jazz Festival that help brighten our city and make it such a special place.” Visit BlumenthalArts.org for ticket information, including full-festival passes and single-event tickets. T
THE BLUMEY AWARDS High School Musical Theater Program Continues to Grow
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lumenthal Performing Arts will host the fifth annual High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as The Blumey Awards, presented by Wells Fargo, on Sunday, May 22. Since its inaugural ceremony in 2012, the award program has grown exponentially. This year marks the first time the ceremony will be recorded for broadcast television. Forty-two schools are confirmed to participate, which is more than double the 20 schools that participated the first year. With a school from Catawba County participating for the first time, the number of counties represented has increased to nine. The Technical Achievement Award is 12 SPARK | WINTER/SPRING 2016
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Local high school students perform the closing number at the fourth annual Blumey Awards.
new to the program this year and celebrates the students behind the scenes. Each participating school is allowed to nominate two students who will submit a portfolio highlighting their work. The student could have worked in stage management, sound design, lighting design or technical direction. Judges will review each portfolio to select a winner. Maureen O’Boyle, WBTV evening news BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
anchor, will return to host the event along with Amy Burkett, general manager at WTVI PBS Charlotte. WTVI will record the ceremony and air a two-hour-long special about The Blumey Awards, including performances from the ceremony, interviews with participants, behind-the-scenes footage and a look at the rehearsal process. The air date will be announced by WTVI at a later time. T — Article by Brandon Carter, marketing and publicity specialist
INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY
Program Gives Business Leaders Insight Into the Arts Industry and the Impact of Their Support
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harlotte is unique in having a business community that takes ownership and invests in making the region a great place to live, work and play. Underpinning that support are individual business leaders with passions that drive investments. Blumenthal Performing Arts has unveiled a program, Blumenthal’s Business Leaders for the Arts, to provide a platform for insight and engagement among these professionals. Business Leaders for the Arts is a network of member businesses that believe the arts are vital to our community, economy, education and workforce of tomorrow. Members gather quarterly to gain insight into industry trends and to celebrate the impact of the business community’s investment in the arts. The first event on Jan. 20 featured a program about Dance Theatre of Harlem and the company’s recent rebirth. Members gathered in the Wells Fargo Auditorium lobby at Levine Center for the Arts for lunch and conversation. One attendee remarked, “I thought the speakers were wonderful and gave great input in the arts culture. They supplied great information, stories and advice about the topic at hand.” For information on how you can become a member of Business Leaders for the Arts, call 704-379-1359 or email development@ncbpac.org. T
NEXT UP: A conversation with London’s Jonzi D
APRIL
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FINANCE BY THE NUMBERS Operating Revenues Event Revenues
$23,863,616
City/County Maintenance Reimbursement $914,526 Endowment Distribution Contribution Income
$140,000 $2,296,449
Other Revenues Total Operating Revenues
$171,581 $27,386,172
Operating Expenses Events $16,810,131 Operations $8,856,465 Management and General
$1,213,548
Fundraising $491,932 Total Operating Expenses
$27,372,076
Net Results From Operations
NEW BOARD CHAIR
Fundraising Professional Takes the Helm
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ristin Hills Bradberry has been named the new chair of the board of trustees at Blumenthal Performing Arts. A seasoned fundraising professional, Hills Bradberry began her tenure as a board member back in 2012. She has more than 25 years of experience working in philanthropy and leading major fundraising campaigns for arts and educational organizations. Among her many notable accomplishments, she led a $250 million campaign for her alma mater, Davidson College, and spearheaded an $83 million private campaign for the Arts & Science Council to create endowments to support operating costs of five Charlotte cultural institutions. She is also a past recipient of the Association of Hills Bradberry Fundraising Professionals Charlotte Chapter award for outstanding professional fundraising executive. “I am struck by the powerful ability of Blumenthal Performing Arts to bring community together, in ways that surprise, delight, educate and empower,” says Hills Bradberry. “I think I can learn a great deal from Tom Gabbard (Blumenthal president) and his team, and my goal is to steer the board to be most helpful in making a difference for our community.” T
2014-15
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$14,096
Year ended Aug. 31, 2015. To see our full audited financial report and Form 990, visit BlumenthalArts.org.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS Number of Performances, Classes, Events and Activities 3,367 Attendance at All Events and Classes
664,700
Economic Impact $42,103,617 Broadway Junior Participants 2,415 The Blumey Awards Participants
2,112
Tickets Provided Via Arts for All Initiatives
3,448
People Impacted by Education Programs
23,625
Hours Donated by Volunteers
37,801
All Donations (Mission and Endowment) $2,411,907
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS Contributions received from Jan. 11, 2015-Jan. 11, 2016
PRODUCER’S CIRCLE CHAIRMAN
Peg and Jay Adamczyk Dr. Milton and Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Victoria and Porter Durham Vickie and Tom Gabbard Barbara and David Goodman Laura and Jeff Hay Renee and Chris Hobart Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr. Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday Jeanne and Rick Puckett
DIRECTOR
Mr. William K. Diehl, Jr. Belinda and Timothy Gunter David and Nancy Hauser Wendy and Michael Kahn Lynn and Bill Sullivan
PRESIDENT
Anonymous Cathy and Jim Baily Mr. William M. Barnhardt and Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas Christine and Arthur Becker The Blumenthal Foundation Amy and Philip Blumenthal Betsy and Alfred Brand Minna and Michael Elliott Elizabeth and James Faulkner Dorlisa and Peter Flur Beverly and Jim Hance Diane and Chuck Harrington Rebecca S. Henderson and J. Michael Booe Kearns Saldinger Charitable Foundation Julie and Howard Levine Jane and Hugh McColl Beth Monaghan Mr. and Mrs. George Raftelis Kelli and Mike Richardson Jean and Matthew Salisbury Ann and Michael Tarwater Karen and Edgar Whitener Joan and Robert Zimmerman
BENEFACTOR
Elizabeth Austin Julie and Riaz Bhamani Kristin and Buck Bradberry Robin and Lea Burt Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chesney Nan and Hal Clarke Amy and Alfred Dawson Ms. Jennie Derby Jim Donahue
Dr. Bryan Edmiston and Mr. Felipe Gonzalez Charlie Elberson Beth and Jonathan Feit Landrum and Kathie Fisher Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Douglas R. and Elizabeth G. Goldstein Mrs. Gail Grim Lisa and Greg Haislip Sally Hawk and Tommi Levi Patti and Mark Hawley Nora and Thomas Hughes Susan and David Jamison Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Dr. Shannon Moran and Mr. Joseph Lovallo Hedy and John Manry Barbara and Josh Meeks Anna and Tom Nelson Linda and Tony Pace Wendy and Frank Rosen Ken Rothmel Brenda and Bill Ryan Michael Serulneck Rose and Tom Sherard Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Norma and Rodney Short The Levine-Sklut Family Foundation – Lori and Eric Sklut Anne and Robert Stolz Jacqueline A. Tucker Sandy and Greg Vlahos Ed Weisiger, Jr. and Betsy Fleming Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Lisa and Kenny Wilson Amy Wooden and Joe Kolodziej
INVESTOR
Anonymous (2) Holly and Jeff Atkins Anne and John Barry Renee and Mike Baumbach Mrs. Kimberly Beason Joyce and Andrew Berger The Donald H. and Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation Catherine W. Bickley, DDS Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Peggy and Ray Bouley Ben Bourne Barbara and William A. Branch Jaye Salter and Daniel Brewster Pat and Tim Brier George Brooks Mary and Frank Brown Peter and Cynthia Buck James Bullock
Dr. Chris Burkett Jeff and Anne Brady Carlson Elaine and Steve Coats Karin and Sean Davies Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Dr. Zoe Forward and Dr. Luke Dollar Michele Durkin Jennifer and Scott Fuller Todd E. Gardner, MD In Memory of Judy Gerhart Todd Glenham Randy Griffin Robin and Blaine Hawkins Juliet and Brian Hirsch Carol and Chris Horn Mandy and Todd Houser Peggy and Jim Hynes Hope and Dhiaa Jamil Michelle Johnson Janet and Neil Kaplan Mr. Howard Kushner Patty and Chris Lambert Marc and Xhenis Levack The Leon Levine Foundation – Sandra and Leon Levine Ashley and Scott Mattei Jill Maxwell Kristy and Tadd Morganti William Newcomb Janet and Peter Nixon Emily and Jacob Norris Anne Patefield Dr. Helene Keyzer and Dr. Richard Pollard Gregory Price Jim Putnam Cindy and Randy Rice Mrs. Jon Richardson Lisa and Robert Rollins Dr. Rubin Salant and Family Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Vesime and Marty Schroering Roger Shaul, Jr. Deanna and Norman Shue Peggy and Pope Shuford June Silver Sherry and Tom Skains Dr. Ramada Smith and Mr. Kevin Smith Judith Smith Cindy and David Soliday Jeri Dianne Stancil Ingrid and Walter Steele Dia and Paul Steiger Patricia and John Stewart Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan Jennifer and David Teifer Carrie and Jeff Teixeira David Thomason
Lee and George Veltri Catherine and Scott Warfield Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Johnnie Willis and Michael Green In loving memory of my Rip – Cathey Winfield
GRAND PATRONS
Larry Adams Valerie and Bill Alexander Leslie Alston Bryan and Kristen Barboza Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Baum Diann and Doug Beckner Marinn and Scott Bengel Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bikhazi Crandall and Erskine Bowles Bill and Robin Branstrom Kathleen Britton Bret Burquest Karen and Kevin Chapman Brent Clevenger Mr. Edward Cook Harvey and Muri Corzin Lori and Roger Cuddy Rose and Bill Cummings Joni and Aaron Davis Donna and Al de Molina Gaither and Robert W. Deaton Lee Ann and Steve DeCarlo Pamela and Greg Dills April and Joe Dodge, Jr. Betty Doria Pepper and Roddey Dowd, Sr. Brigid and James Downs Marcia and Bob Dynko Rachel and Jonathan Ellis Steven Ellis Kelli Enos Elaine and Jeffrey Fagan Carolyn B. Faison Dr. and Mrs. Roger J. Fish Michele and Walter Fisher Joyce Stanley Ford John R. Georgius Robin Gershen Joe and Carol Gigler Anne and George Goodyear The Graf Family Mr. and Mrs. Mike Greene William Griesser Molly and Robert Griffin Pamela Hanna, M.D. Ellen and Ned Hardison Donna and Randy Helton Eric, Lori, Halle and Casey Hillman Sarah Holler and Peter Macon Brad Hrbacek
Membership gifts make inspiration possible in our community. JOIN TODAY! BlumenthalArts.org/givenow or call 704.379.1288 14 SPARK | WINTER/SPRING 2016
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Larissa and Ken Huber Kathy and Charlie Izard David S. Jacobson Lynn Jeffrey Linda and Kerry Kenner Virginia A. Kern Debra and Steve Kinney Janice S. Ladley Eleanor Ehrhart and Dominick Landi Beverly and John Lassiter James Ledbetter Cathy and Fred Littlejohn Catherine and Jeremiah Malone Julianne Marley Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Shelley and Andy Misiaveg Ms. Marie Mitchell Jared Mobley Charlotte and Arthur Mott Jill and Ed Newman Drs. Elaine and Thomas Pacicco Mr. and Mrs. Edwin B. Peacock III Donna and Steve Pernotto Joy Pinchback Susan and Dale Pond Fidel and Laura Prieto Mary and Dave Pylipow Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Roberts Sally and Russell Robinson William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Jane and Nelson Schwab Dr. Marvin Shapiro and Mrs. Anita Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Shelton, Sr. Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill The Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation Rosemary and Paul Smith Tom E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Wayne B. Smith, Jr. Claudia and David Strickert Suzanne and Michael Stritch Virginia and Lane Sutton Claire and Jim Talley Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Christina and John Trainor Ellen and Ron Vilas Diana and Matt Wakefield Jacqueline and Rusty Wasco Margo and Dave Wehrung Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler Teresa and Stick Williams Pat and Bill Williamson
LEADERSHIP GIFTS THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION
2015-16 Broadway Lights
SIGNATURE GIFTS
CEO PARTNER
MAJOR GIFTS Preferred Dining and Catering Partner
Preferred Caterer
PRESIDENTIAL PARTNERS
DIRECTING PARTNERS
Ernst & Young LLP Granite Sky Design Publix Super Markets Charities
EXECUTIVE PARTNERS Belk, Inc Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP British American Business Council C design Inc.
CliftonLarsonAllen Cousins Properties Deloitte Elliott Davis Decosimo InterCon Building Corporation King & Spalding LLP
Lincoln Harris Mayer Brown LLP Midrex Technologies, Inc. North Highland Company NUCOR Rodgers Builders Inc.
SPX Corporation SteelFab, Inc. Troutman Sanders LLP UTC Aerospace Systems Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC
MANAGING PARTNERS Baird Private Wealth Management BDO Bryan Cave Charlotte Paint Co. Inc.
Commercial Flooring Solutions Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP LEC Media Little
McGladrey McGuireWoods LLP Moore & Van Allen PLLC Neiman Marcus
PMMC Preferred Electric Co., Inc. Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. White Knight Engineered Products, Inc.
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Balfour Beatty Construction BB&T Cabarrus Glass Company Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Crosland Southeast Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
DTH IT Consulting Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring High Performance Technologies Hood Hargett & Associates
Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC Howard Brothers Electric Jenkins Peer Architects McGrann Paper Corporation McKenny’s Inc. McVeigh & Mangum
Messer Construction Company NC Interiors Contracting Odell Associates Parsec Financial Red Moon Marketing Robert Hopkins General Contractor LLC
Schindler Elevator Corp. Terri DeBoo Ideas@Work Tippens & Zurosky LLP Velligan Medical Services, PC Xentegra
RESTAURANT PARTNERS
LEADERSHIP GRANTS Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
Blumenthal Performing Arts is supported, in part, with funding from ASC in the amount of $312,092.
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BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Charlotte, NC Permit No. 3036
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EXPRESSION Your gifts make inspiration possible.
130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org
A girl performs during a cypher at Breakin' Convention in the fall of 2015. (A cypher is where a group of people circle around a performer to watch and participate.)
Photo by Daniel Coston
Blumenthal Performing Arts has been entertaining and inspiring our community since 1992.