Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley
A Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience
What’s inside…
Long time supporter, Geri Trautlein with Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, gave $1 million to help restore the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater – the largest single gift so far. See page four to learn why this gift was a very personal one for Geri.
Meet Our New Chief Development Officer................................................................................................................... 2 Ruth Eckerd Hall Celebrates 30th Anniversary Season with Two 30th Anniversary Tours................................................. 3 Introducing the Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience......................................................................................................... 3 The GRAMMY® Museum Music Revolution Project Aims to Create Next Generation of Musicians and Songwriters...................................................................................................................................... 5 Friends of Music Hosts a Concert Across the Bay.......................................................................................................... 6 Tribute to William Nodine............................................................................................................................................7 Supporting Ruth Eckerd Hall – Abelson Group and Morgan Stanley.............................................................................. 8 Fisk Jubilee Singers Coming to Town.......................................................................................................................... 10 SHREK THE MUSICAL™ Wows Audiences.................................................................................................................... 11
A newsletter for the friends of Ruth Eckerd Hall at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts.
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Meet Our New Chief Development Officer In late September, Kathy Rabon, CFRE, CFRM, re-joined the organization as Chief Development Officer of Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. In announcing the appointment of Kathy, Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, commented, “We are so pleased to welcome Kathy back to Ruth Eckerd Hall. Her knowledge of Ruth Eckerd Hall as well as fundraising in our market along with her passion for the arts and education are a great asset to our strong team and will serve our community well.” In response, Kathy said, “I’m excited to return to Ruth Eckerd Hall and join a team at such a respected venue in the Tampa Bay area and around the world. I look forward to working with the entire Development staff and Ruth Eckerd Hall team as we continue building on 30 years of presenting the highest level of entertainment and performing arts to the community and continue our successful relationships with our members, Board of Directors, corporate sponsors, donors and the Tampa Bay community as we identify new opportunities as well as enhance our current philanthropic support.” A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Kathy was the Executive Director at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Performing Arts Center Foundation from 1999 to 2006. During that time, she was instrumental in raising $24 million under the campaign chairmanship of Jim Cantonis. Those funds were used for the extensive renovation of the Hall and the construction of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts. Previously, Kathy was the Deputy Director at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg and the Senior Vice President of Development and Communications at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. Most recently, Kathy was the Chief Development Officer at the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. In addition to planning, directing and organizing the development functions of the organization to achieve fundraising goals for Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre, Kathy will also provide leadership, support, training and direction for the Development staff. Working closely with Zev, Kathy will continue the implementation of the major funding campaign programs and solicitations of major gifts and sponsorships. Prior to Kathy’s appointment, Stephanie Smith held the position of Chief Development Officer since re-joining the organization in January 2012. Kathy and Stephanie worked together during both of their previous tenures with the Hall. Stephanie shared with us, “As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, I have been watching the high school grow exponentially over the past three years. Leaving Ruth Eckerd Hall to become the Director of Development at Calvary Christian High School (CCHS) came after prayerful consideration. I am enthusiastic to help support the growth and future potential of CCHS in our community. I will miss seeing the Ruth Eckerd Hall family on a regular basis but am looking forward to visiting many friends and familiar faces at a variety of shows in the upcoming season.”
Please join us in welcoming Kathy and wishing Stephanie the best of luck.
www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400
Ruth Eckerd Hall Celebrates 30th Anniversary Season with Two 30th Anniversary Tours Photo credit: Gavin Bond
The same year Ruth Eckerd Hall opened its doors, two up and coming artists topped the charts with albums that have become anthems for a generation. This year Ruth Eckerd Hall celebrates its 30th Anniversary and is proud to present GRAMMY® winner and Tony Award® winner Cyndi Lauper on Friday, November 8 at 7:30 pm and GRAMMY® winners Huey Lewis and the News on Friday, December 6 at 8 pm, each performing their groundbreaking albums that they released 30 years ago. GRAMMY® and this year’s Tony Award® winner, Cyndi Lauper returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall on her She’s So Unusual Tour to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of her debut album. She will perform the album in its entirety as part of the show each night as well as all her hits to honor and thank her legion of fans that have stood by her since the beginning. GRAMMY® winners Huey Lewis and the News will perform their multi-platinum selling album Sports, celebrating the 30th Anniversary release of one of the most influential and celebrated albums in pop/rock history. Fans will hear the band perform the songs from the album plus many other hits and surprises. “What a way to kick-off our 30th Anniversary,” commented Zev Buffman Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO. “To present these two iconic artists who have given fans so many special memories, as they perform their incredible collections of songs, is an honor for us.”
Introducing
the Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience for the The Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience
2013–14 Season
This season Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. introduces the Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience in order to better communicate the nonprofit organization’s involvement in the community, supporting its mission—to engage the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts. The Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience encompasses all shows, events and classes at Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Murray Studio Theater, the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, the Margarete Heye Great Room, the Capitol Theatre and Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road off-site events such as: Friends of Music, Blast Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays Summer Concert Series and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Our unique relationships with local partner venues including the Tampa Bay Times Forum, the Tampa Theatre and The Palladium, allows Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. to present various events throughout Tampa Bay. “For more than 30 years, the Ruth Eckerd Hall brand has grown to be synonymous with a high level of customer service including the very best in entertainment and amenities,” said Zev Buffman, President and CEO for Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. “With that, a standard has been established that extends into every event we do in and around the community.” Eric Blankenship, Chief Marketing Officer for Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. adds, “In an effort to better communicate the scope of our organization’s programs and initiatives, logos have been redesigned to be consistent with our overall brand.” Those new logos are featured to the left. 3
Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley
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Ray Trautlein (1925 – 2009) will be honored with his name on the Capitol Theatre’s Grande Lobby and VIP Lounge.
Left to right: Jeff Hartzog, General Manager of the Capitol Theatre gives Geri Trautlein a preview of the theater during construction.
Long Emotional History Leads to $1 Million Gift to Capitol Theatre – Largest Single Gift to Date Geri Trautlein met her future husband Ray in 1941. He took her to experience her first live stage show – a production of Tobacco Road in Buffalo, NY. For seven decades, they had a wonderful life together – dancing, going to shows and traveling. But there was one thing that Ray wanted and never got before he passed away in 2009. In mid-July, Geri gave it to him. She donated $1 million to the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign to restore the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. The project involves the building on the corner of Cleveland and Osceola. This gift in honor of her husband, Ray Trautlein, is the largest single gift to date. The Capitol Theatre is owned by the City of Clearwater, which is managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall.
This area will be the Grande Lobby on the first floor and the VIP Lounge on the second floor of the all-new Capitol Theatre.
According to Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall CEO and President, “Geri’s commitment to Ruth Eckerd Hall and especially the Capitol Theatre cannot be measured and her love for Ray to honor him this way is very special. We cannot thank her enough for her commitment to the Capitol and Clearwater.”
The Capitol Theatre is scheduled to re-open in December. An Opening Night Gala is scheduled for early February. Look for more information to be announced soon or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com.
In recognition of their generosity, two main areas of the all-new theatre will be named in their honor: The Ray and Geri Trautlein Grande Lobby and the Ray and Geri Trautlein VIP Lounge.
I still make Clearwater my home. We always felt a
A long time resident of Clearwater, Ray often thought of purchasing what was previously commonly known as The Lokey Building (owned by Pat Lokey), which was located at the corner of Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue. After passing through a few owners, the building was purchased in 2009 by the City of Clearwater as part of the Capitol Theatre renovation.
But the story doesn’t end there. At one time Geri worked at the Pat Lokey store. Known for showcasing the latest fashions, Geri often modeled the new arrivals during lunch at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant on Clearwater Beach and the Peppermill in Largo. Geri also sat on the Board for the Royalty Theatre (as the Capitol Theatre was called for a time) and was a member of their women’s auxiliary called Ladies of Royalty, donating her time. In 1983, she also performed in a local production of Sweet Charity at the Capitol Theatre.
“Ray and I have lived here more than 40 years and connection with the theater and that corner building. Now, Ray’s legacy will continue on that corner we love so much,” Geri shared. “I like giving while I’m living so I’m knowing where it’s going – it’s give-back time.”
www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400
The GRAMMY® Museum Music Revolution Project Aims to Create Next Generation of Musicians and Songwriters From mid-July to mid-August, 28 talented Tampa Bay area students selected from a pool of nearly 400, went to daily classes, joined with different groups of fellow students weekly and learned to work together to create a variety of lyrics and music. These students were selected to participate in the GRAMMY Museum’s Music Revolution Project. They participated in workshops that started at USF and ended at St. Petersburg College and Ruth Eckerd Hall. The workshops concluded with a live “Closing Night” performance on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Main Stage, where 1,000 audience members viewed their performances. The GRAMMY Museum’s Music Revolution Project offers talented youth in the area the opportunity to engage in musical workshops, songwriting courses, mentoring sessions and the opportunity to record the material they have written in order to be analyzed by music industry leaders. With generous support from the Yob Family Foundation and a variety of local Tampa businesses and corporations, The GRAMMY Museum’s Music Revolution Project stimulates creative young musicians by connecting them with GRAMMY®-level artists. “I am ecstatic that Ruth Eckerd Hall is a part of this incredible opportunity for these students,” commented Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO. “We were proud to welcome them, the GRAMMY Museum teachers and our new partners from The GRAMMY® Museum, with open arms!” Created to broaden musical and creative skills while helping establish relationships, the program is also designed to increase self-esteem, help students develop entrepreneurial skills and grow their passion for music. The program was entirely free to the students who were selected to participate. According to Bob Santelli, GRAMMY Museum Executive Director, “These kids demonstrated the ability to think outside the box. They had that something to set them apart: music, vision and creative possibilities.” “Arts education has been shown to improve scores on standardized tests, make them more likely to go to college, increase their marketability in the workforce as well as bring joy into their lives,” said Lisa Yob, Director of Philanthropy for the Yob Family Foundation. “We could not be more proud to help bring this landmark program to Tampa Bay.”
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Pictured above, Kyle Knudsen, (in red shirt) Music Revolution Project student shared, “My goal is to be a performing and recording artist in popular music. Music touches everyone in a way that nothing else can – it brings on incredible feelings. My greatest desire is when people hear my music they become more alive. I want to create a soundtrack of life. Thank you to Ruth Eckerd Hall and the GRAMMY® Museum for the opportunity to participate in this outstanding program.” In Partnership with:
Technical Theater Career Training Completes First Year
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“This internship has offered me lifechanging experiences, ”shared Kelsey Timpone, stage management student in the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall Technical Theater Career Training (TTCT) program. “It has been eye-opening and enabled me to see future possibilities. I have learned technical expertise, leadership and people skills. “According to Kelsey, being a part of the TTCT program has, “Helped me realize my passion.”One of the projects that Kelsey worked on over the summer was the production of SHREK THE MUSICAL™.
FF CIA P. HO THE MAR L OF THE ARTS O SCHO
Last year, this unique educational experience enabled 50 local students from nine colleges and high schools the opportunity to participate in free hands-on workshops that focused on what it takes to make shows happen from behind-the-scenes. The workshops focused on lighting and production, scenic design, audio sound and theatrical production. Additionally, four Master Classes, 20 observation/shadowing opportunities and five summer internships were offered.
Kelsey Timpone, Stage Management Student, Technical Theater Career Training Program.
“An absolutely beautiful thing happened” during the production of a recent project, shared Joy Roche, Clearwater High School Theater Director and participant in the TTCT program. “My students became a tech team! They understood their roles, took ownership, committed to the work and offered extraordinary vision!” TTCT is just one more way Ruth Eckerd Hall programs benefit our youth and the community.
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Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley
Ruth Eckerd Hall thanks members for 30 years of support!
Sarah and Forrest Bennett, Ruth Eckerd Hall member since 2002.
Founding Friends of Music member Kimberly Hoffman, (third from left) on the field enjoying the concert with her children Cole and Olivia and their friend Ashley Dutton.
Grace Potter rocks out for the crowd at a Friends of Music concert.
Member Spotlight
First Friends of Music Founders Day Held at the Trop
Friends of Music Hosts a Concert Across the Bay
Forrest Bennett (pictured above with his daughter Sarah) says he’s Ruth Eckerd Hall’s “biggest fan north of Pasco County.” A member since moving to Hernando Beach 11 years ago, he attends several dozen performances each year. “It’s 130 miles round trip for me but well worth the drive. Ruth Eckerd Hall has world class acoustics, an intimate setting and a friendly, proactive staff that makes each show a pleasure. It is the very best venue in the Tampa Bay area.”
Since Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces the Tampa Bay Rays Summer Concert Series, we were able to host a special “thank you” night for our Founding Friends of Music members at the mid-August Rays game against the Toronto Blue Jays with a VIP experience on the field for the One Republic concert.
In late September, Friends of Music members traveled to the historic Tampa Theatre for an animal print-themed event complete with a selection of exotic animals from the Lowry Park Zoo for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals! Listening to Grace Potter sing her song Stars beneath the stars of the theatre made for a magical night for the standing room only audience! Tampa Theatre was recently named one of the Top 10 Movie Theaters in the World by the Motion Picture Association of America and graciously agreed to sponsor this event and introduce our members to their cultural gem of Tampa Bay!
www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400
From left to right: David and Debbie Stone, members of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Legacy Society.
You Are Invited to Join Us for Two Very Special Holiday Fundraising Events
Debbie and David Stone Share Their Thoughts on Being Members of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Legacy Society Debbie and David Stone have been involved with Ruth Eckerd Hall since before it opened. David is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors and Debbie is a current volunteer on the Special Events Committee. Each have been active in the arts since they were young children and recognize the value that Ruth Eckerd Hall has on the quality of life and economic impact in our community. It is important to them that the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts provides arts experiences for people of all ages who would not otherwise have access. That’s why it was an easy decision for David and Debbie to leave a meaningful gift to Ruth Eckerd Hall in their estate plans. David said, “It made a statement that Ruth Eckerd Hall is worthy to support in the future. It was easy to bequest a percent of our estate.”
Tribute to William Nodine
William Nodine, Ruth Eckerd Hall Founding Member and Past Board Chair.
William Nodine, a founding member and past Board Chairman of Ruth Eckerd Hall, passed away in early July. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania and moved to Clearwater when he was five years old. Bill received a Bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. He married Christine and together they raised three sons. During the Korean War, Bill served as First Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. of the U.S. Army. He joined the law practice of Clearwater attorney Ralph Richards and became a senior partner. Bill later became President and Chairman of Clearwater Federal Savings and Loan, which became Pioneer Savings Bank. He returned to practice law as counsel to MacFarlane, Ferguson and McMullen until he retired. Bill loved his family and was active in his church and community. He served on the board of many nonprofit organizations including Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, USF Foundation and the Presbyterian Foundation. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Chris, two sons, four grandchildren and Stuart Faison, who is like a son to him. According to Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, “Bill leaves a deep rooted legacy at Ruth Eckerd Hall – he impacted individuals and our community for the better!” We extend our deepest sympathy to Chris and the entire Nodine family.
Get out your jingle bells and kick off your holidays with two very special holiday fundraising events to benefit the arts education programs of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall! 11th Annual Breakfast with Santa Saturday, November 30, 2013, 9 am Margarete Heye Great Room This annual holiday tradition is presented by the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. The cost is $20 per person. Parents and children are invited to share a fun morning of holiday activities, a breakfast buffet and a visit from Santa Claus himself! Each child will receive a personalized age appropriate gift as well as a chance to win a new bicycle! Donations are needed to underwrite toys, bicycles and holiday activities. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, which allow us to invite children from local nonprofit agencies, such as the Homeless Emergency Project, to attend the event. Reservations are required and will be accepted until November 8. Space is limited. Please call 727.712.2795 or e-mail LeadingLadies@RuthEckerdHall.net for more information. Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Inaugural Holiday Hustle 5k Jingle Jog and Reindeer Tot Trots Saturday, December 7, 2013, 8 am There will be plenty of holiday cheer, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf hats, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and more. Runners will enjoy a picturesque 5k course starting at Ruth Eckerd Hall, out to the East West trail and back. There will also be Reindeer Tot Trots for kids to enjoy. Walkers and strollers welcome. Another special treat will be the live caroling by some of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s finest young students. Entry fees range from $12 for the tot trot, $30 online for the run by November 30, $35 online for the run by December 5 and $40 the day of the event. On December 7, packet pick-up and registration will start at 6:30 am; the run will start at 8:00 am. The tot trots will start at 9:15 am and 9:30 am. Runners that pre-registered are guaranteed a holiday tee shirts. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners. First, second and third place awards will be given in the age groups of 14 and under, 15 – 19 years old and 20 – 24 years old. Door prizes will include holiday show tickets. To register, please go to https://HolidayHustle5k.racehawk.com/.
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Continues to Nurture Vibrant Quality of Life with $100,000 Grant
Since the inception of Ruth Eckerd Hall 30 years ago, we have been honored to receive the support of Duke Energy (previously Progress Energy) in the amount of nearly $2 million. Ruth Eckerd Hall was pleased to continue receiving that support when a $100,000 grant was presented in mid-July. The grant will be used to underwrite performances on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Main Stage for the upcoming 2013-14 season.
From left to right: Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Community Relations Manager, Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO and Katie Abbitt-Hartnett, Ruth Eckerd Hall Corporate Relations Manager.
“Ruth Eckerd Hall is overwhelmed with gratitude for the continued support from Duke Energy,” said Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO. “We are able to present the very best in live entertainment to the entire Tampa Bay community because of the generosity and support of our good friends at Duke Energy.” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Community Relations Manager shared, “Ruth Eckerd Hall is an important cultural venue serving Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region. We are proud of our partnership and excited about the Main Stage performances already scheduled this season.”
Supporting Ruth Eckerd Hall
Photo credit: Tracy May
From left to right: Jill Matthews, Senior Registered Client Service Associate; Kristy Philippe, Registered Client Service Associate; David Abelson, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director; Terry McCoy Senior Vice President, Branch Manager and Debra Beavers, Branch Manager’s Assistant.
The Abelson Group and Morgan Stanley support Ruth Eckerd Hall. David Abelson currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ruth Eckerd Hall and is the Co-Chairman of our Planned Giving Committee. David, and his wife Jeanie, are Friends of Music and Funded Life members at Ruth Eckerd Hall. David appreciates the importance of Ruth Eckerd Hall in our community. He says, “I am proud of the education and arts that we bring to enhance the lives of so many children and adults!” The Abelson Group at Morgan Stanley can be reached at 727.773.4626 and is located at 4114 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 200, Palm Harbor, FL 34685. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC.
From left to right: Alexis Scarlett, Jack Scarlett, Danielle Scarlett, Bern Rehberg, Vice President, Operations, Chuck Mcaulay, Director, Local Marketing, Julie Mcaulay, Crafton Bryant, Manager, Local Marketing and Gregg Scarlett, Senior Vice President, Operations.
Recognized with Plaque on Prestigious Wall of Stars Bonefish Grill recently joined other generous donors on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s prestigious Wall of Stars in recognition of their support of the arts. They have been a contributor since 2002. “As an organization it’s Bonefish Grill’s commitment to support our local communities. We donate to Ruth Eckerd Hall because of their dedication to the arts,” said Crafton Bryant, BoneFish Manager, Local Marketing.
The Abelson Group at Morgan Stanley
www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400
A BIG THANK YOU to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Preferred Partners! Shine the Spotlight on Your Company – Become a Preferred Partner! Becoming a Preferred Partner is easy!Please contact Katie Abbitt-Hartnett at 727.712.2716 or kabbitt-hartnett@RuthEckerdHall.net.
Edward White Hospital Largo Medical Center Medical Center of Trinity Northside Hospital St. Petersburg General Hospital
Thank you to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Grantor Partners Support for Ruth Eckerd Hall is provided in part through the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Clearwater and the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts is supported in part by The Tampa Bay Times Fund, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., the Pinellas Community Foundation, Friends of Music, Target, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Pinellas Cultural Foundation, Macy’s, Florida Blue, the Nichols Foundation and the Volunteer Usher Fund.
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LEFT: Fisk Jubilee Singers, an American A Cappella Ensemble from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Partnership Makes High Caliber Performance Available to the Community
Fisk Jubilee Singers Coming to Town Sun, Oct 27 • 7 pm • Traditional Southern Feast The Palladium • Downtown St. Petersburg • Free Event Ruth Eckerd Hall is one of five organizations in the country to receive a grant from South Arts to bring the Fisk Jubilee Singers, an American a cappella ensemble, to the Tampa Bay area. This well-respected, professional musical group comes from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and specializes in spirituals. Their director, Dr. Paul Kwami, will conduct a multi-day residency at Boca Ciega High School and will work with Ruth Eckerd Hall’s choirs and the Alumni Singers (a community group in St. Petersburg) while the group is in town. Bringing the Fisk Jubilee Singers to the Tampa Bay area helps Ruth Eckerd Hall continue to achieve its mission to engage the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts. The anticipated impact on the Boca Ciega High School student participants is that this experience will strengthen the choir program overall by exposing students to the superior quality of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Students will learn to appreciate gospel singing as an art form nd recognize its ties to the African American culture. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would not otherwise be available for the local choirs to work with Dr. Kwami. The Fisk Jubilee Singers can trace its roots back to 1871. In 2000, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2008, they were selected as a recipient of the 2008 National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artists and patrons of the arts. Today, the Fisk Jubilee Singers continue the tradition of singing spirituals around the world, sharing the rich culture of this special type of music globally while preserving its uniqueness. To learn more about the Fisk Jubilee Singers, please visit www.fiskjubileesingers.org. This activity is funded, in part, by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
RIGHT: Glenis Redmond (center in black and white dress) at a poetry workshop conducted with the high school students performing in Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Project: Shattered Silence.
Literary Arts Touring Grant Brings Glenis Redmond Residency to Our Community Earlier this year in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts awarded Ruth Eckerd Hall a Literary Arts Touring Grant to bring Glenis Redmond to the Tampa Bay area for a literary arts residency. Glenis is a poet, author, educator, performer and counselor who is a two-time winner of the Southeast Regional Individual Poetry Slam championship and a two-time top ten finalist in the National Individual Slam competition. While in our community, she kept busy with a series of performances and workshops at Lealman, Eisenhower and Skycrest Elementary Schools. Glenis also visited with members of the Florida African American Heritage Celebration, Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Project: Shattered Silence and The Haven of RCS, a nonprofit organization that feeds the hungry, helps the homeless and empowers victims of domestic violence. “It has been a few years since I witnessed Glenis in action,” said Nicole Evans Haumesser, Ruth Eckerd Hall Education Associate. “But I was once again amazed at her passion and ability to connect to people where they live in their hearts. Once Glenis shared her first poem, the energy of the room changed and the audience members became engaged in the art of poetry.” In response Glenis shared, “I have been working with Ruth Eckerd Hall for a decade and I am always glad to return. Some communities just feel like home and St. Petersburg and Clearwater feels that way to me.” The partnership between Ruth Eckerd Hall and the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts aids us in presenting the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Glenis Redmond. These two programs are examples of how we continue to achieve our mission-based activities of making the arts accessible throughout our community. Thank you to our granting partner for their continued support!
To reserve your tickets for this event, please call 727.791.7400
Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Student Wins First Place Prize in Local Scholarship Competition This past May, the 10th Annual Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition was held at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Approximately 1,100 audience members attended the event, which awarded $66,000 in scholarship funds. Local neurosurgeon and education foundation member, Dr. Jeffrey Walker, provided initial funding for the program in 2003 and since has been joined by other corporate and community sponsors. Kaitlyn Resler, a current Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts student, member of the Pinellas Youth Symphony and senior at Gibbs High School won first place in the Instrumental Music category. Additionally, current Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts student, Lamont Kaiser placed fourth in the Instrumental Music category and former Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts students Dacey McNally and Samantha Irvine took second place prizes in the Drama and Video Arts categories respectively. Another former Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts student, Amanda Springer, who competed in the Vocal Music category, won Fan Favorite.
www.RuthEckerdHall.com | 727.791.7400
Kaitlyn Resler, Current Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts student, member of the Pinellas Youth Symphony and First Place Winner in the Instrumental Music Category of the 19th Annual Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition.
Josh Whedon as Shrek and Haley Abbott as Fiona.
Wows Audiences
Photo credit: Nancy Hatfield
Life-changing! Exciting! Great! Excellent! These are just a few of the words used by students as well as audience members to describe the summer production of SHREK THE MUSICAL™. Ruth Eckerd Hall had the exclusive rights to produce this show. The 70+ students and Technical Theater Career Training (TTCT) interns of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts that participated in this performance class had an experience that they could not have had anywhere else! For four weeks, the students and TTCT interns involved performed, built and produced all the elements of the show. They rehearsed, learned about stage presence, choreography, sound, lighting, set design and had costume fittings. According to Gerald Durst, Director, “The road to getting this production on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Main Stage was full of character-building moments. Our kids learned confidence in dancing and singing, they grew to connect with one another onstage and off. It brings them out and teaches them many useful skills such as self-discovery.” According to Anne Marie Gaige, Choreographer, “This show has been a great lesson about being who you are and loving yourself inside and out. My hope is that these cast members take that lesson with them.” This production was a perfect example of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s mission to engage the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts in action.
SHREK THE MUSICAL™ audience members, student performers and TTCT interns shared their thoughts: “We have gained experiences and knowledge that we can apply to ‘the real world’ and our future careers. Once you get involved at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, you’ll forever be changed.” –A.B. and D.B., TTCT Costume Design
Project: Shattered Silence Continues to Impact Teens and Audiences with Powerful Plays and an Upcoming Documentary Project: Shattered Silence is an annual performance that aims to expose the truths that are within all of us by giving voice to one of the most muted groups in America – teenagers. The project pulls together true stories from teens on subjects as taboo as suicide, sexuality and eating disorders and brings them to life on the Murray Studio Theater stage. Over the summer, the project completed a very emotionally powerful year that included two original productions – In The Blue Hour and The Next Chapter (the five-year anniversary show). Additionally for the past six months, Project: Shattered Silence welcomed cameras into its very own backyard as part of the local PBS station WEDU’s documentary that will premiere at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater on January 10. An eight-minute segment of this documentary was recently nominated for an EMMY® Award. Project: Shattered Silence: In The Blue Hour played to six sold out audiences and had tremendous feedback on Facebook as well as e-mails from audience members of all ages stating how much of an impact the show had on them. Project: Shattered Silence: The Next Chapter welcomed back 21 participants from previous Project: Shattered Silence shows to update and talk about their lives since they left high school. It stressed the idea of “choosing joy,”which came from Katie Matuska, a Project: Shattered Silence member who was diagnosed with Lyme Disease last year. Once again, the show played to very enthusiastic audience members, who loved the message that life goes on and it does get better.
“I had a life changing experience this summer. Thank you so much for being awesome! I have learned so much.” –M.D., Student Performer
Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley
“I took a four-year-old to the production of Shrek and I want to say I was never so impressed with all of the details, props, costumes and the performance. The kids did an absolutely amazing job and the show was fantastic!” –J. B., Audience Member
Teen participants in Project: Shattered Silence on the Murray Studio Theater stage prepare to perform In The Blue Hour.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #746 TAMPA FL
For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com. New shows are being added all the time! For a complete calendar, up-to-date information or to purchase tickets to any of our great shows, please contact the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office at 727.791.7400 or visit our website at www.RuthEckerdHall.com. All dates and times are subject to change. Circle of Stars members, please contact us on the VIP Line.
Shows & Events
John Legend
with Tamar Braxton
Nov 4 • 7:30 pm
October 26 David Sedaris; 8 pm 27 Blast Friday, downtown Clearwater, Poco, Free Concert; 5:30 pm 28 Barenaked Ladies; 7:30 pm 30 So You Think You Can Dance; 7:30 pm November 1 Mamma Mia!; 5 & 9 pm Cocktails with the Cast;10:00 pm l (Circle of Stars card must be shown for entry.) 2 Mamma Mia!; 2 & 8 pm 4 John Legend; 7:30 pm 5 Harry Connick, Jr.; 8 pm 7 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; 7:30 pm o 8 Cyndi Lauper; 7:30 pm 9 Celtic Thunder; 7:30 pm 12 ELF The Musical; 7 pm Cocktails with the Cast; 10:00 pm (Circle of Stars card must be shown for entry.) 13 ELF The Musical; 2 & 7:30 pm 15 & 16 Joe Bonamassa; 8 pm 15 Bret Michaels; 8 pm o
15 The New York Tenors Christmas; 2 pm 18 Craig Ferguson; 7:30 pm o 16 19 Buddy Guy & Jonny Lang; 7:30 pm A Peter White Christmas with Rick Braun & Mindi Abair; 8 pm 20 John Denver: Rocky Mountain Tribute; 7:30 pm o 18 Michael McDonald This Christmas: 23 Kenny Vance & The Planotones; 7:30 pm o An Evening of Holiday & Hits; 7:30 pm n 23 Straight No Chaser; 8 pm 18 Trace Adkins The Christmas Show; 8 pm 30 11th Annual Breakfast with Santa; 9 am m 20 Rockapella Holiday; 8 pm n 30 Dave Koz & Friends Christmas; 8 pm 21 Sinbad; 7:30 pm n December 23 A Christmas Carol; 2 & 7 pm 3 Bonnie Raitt; 8 pm, Circle of Stars Party I; 6:30 pm v 27 Blast Friday, downtown Clearwater, (Circle of Stars card must be shown for entry.) Little River Band, Free Concert; 5:30 pm 4-5 Yanni; 7:30 pm 27 ZZ Top; 8 pm 6 Huey Lewis & the News; 8 pm 29 Gilbert Gottfried; 7:30 pm n 7 5K Holiday Hustle, 8 am start w 31 Salute to Vienna; 8 pm 7 Miracle on Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater, 31 B.B. King; 9 pm n Late Night Brass Band, Free Concert; 5:30 pm 7 Bowzer’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Holiday Party; 7:30 pm 8 Hungarian State Folk Ensemble; 2 pm l The Hoffman Dress Circle Lounge, Ruth Eckerd Hall; call 727.712.2720 for details. 12 The Fresh Beat Band; 5 pm n The Capitol Theatre, downtown Clearwater. 14 John Ringling’s Circus o The Palladium, downtown St. Petersburg. Nutcracker; 7 pm m Margarete Heye Great Room, Ruth Eckerd Hall; call 727.712.2795 for details. v Margarete Heye Great Room, Ruth Eckerd Hall; call 727.712.2720 for details. w West Lobby, Ruth Eckerd Hall; call 727.712.2760 for details.
Here’s how you can contact us to get involved: To become involved in the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign, please contact Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer at 727.712.2718 or krabon@RuthEckerdHall.net.
Interested in becoming an usher, please contact Sandy Villasuso, Event Services Manager at 727.712.2707 or svillasuso@ RuthEckerdHall.net.
Please consider making a gift of a lifetime by putting Ruth Eckerd Hall in your estate plans and becoming a member of our Legacy Society. Please contact Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer at 727.712.2718 or krabon@RuthEckerdHall.net.
Interested in becoming an administrative volunteer, please contact Cheryl Calderone, Human Resources Generalist at 727.712.2767 or ccalderone@RuthEckerdHall.net.
For membership information including Friends of Music, please contact Maggie Ciadella, Annual Giving Manager at 727.712.2712 or mciadella@RuthEckerdHall.net.
Connect with us any way you want and get the latest news, discounts, special offers and more!
To support the Hall’s fundraising events or to host a Charity of Choice event to benefit the Hall’s arts education programs, please contact Nancy Dietrich, Director of Special Events at 727.712.2760 or ndietrich@RuthEckerdHall.net. To support a Leading Ladies event, please contact Heather Wilson, Development Specialist at 727.712.2795 or hwilson@ RuthEckerdHall.net. To become a preferred partner of the Hall, please contact Katie Abbitt-Hartnett, Corporate Relations Manager at 727.712.2716 or kabbitt-hartnett@RuthEckerdHall.net.
Editorial Credits Fall Applause is published three times per year for the members of Ruth Eckerd Hall located at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts. Every effort has been made to include all of those that should be included in each article and in each issue. If you have any inquiries, comments or suggestions, please contact Applause, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, 727.791.7060, www.RuthEckerdHall.com. All rights reserved. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Joshua Magidson, Chairman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Zev Buffman, President & CEO, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc Writer / Editor Tami Alderman, Development Associate
Ruth Eckerd Hall has instituted a nationwide response plan called Code Adam, which is one of the country’s largest child-safety programs for lost and possibly abducted children. Ruth Eckerd Hall offers the following accessibility services:
Staff Contributors Katie Abbitt-Hartnett, Corporate Relations Manager Eric Blankenship, Chief Marketing Officer Megan Brennan, Director of Marketing Maggie Ciadella, Annual Giving Manager Nancy Dietrich, Director of Special Events Anna Hertrich, Campaign Development Associate Graphic Design Think Tank Studio
A COPY OF THE REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH-1562. 100% of each contribution goes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.
Katie Pedretty, Public Relations Manager Kathy Rabon, Chief Development Officer Sharon Reid-Kane, Senior Director of Education Suzanne Ruley, Grants Manager Heather Wilson, Development Specialist
Mission Statement Ruth Eckerd Hall engages the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts.