VIRTUAL EVENT
TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS
Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway featuring
Laura Benanti NOV 14
The Show Must Go Online Thank you for supporting Texas Performing Arts as we navigate the challenge to safely connect our community to live performance. Your participation is an investment in the programming we look forward to bringing you in our theaters on the University of Texas at Austin campus in the future. Texas Performing Arts Executive Director and Tony Award® winning producer, Bob Bursey, is excited to bring Austin’s Broadway fans Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti live from New York.
Thank you for spending time with us.
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Photo by Trent Lesikar
We are dedicated to providing access to amplify, connect, and explore a safe and inclusive creative home for the broadest possible expression of artists and audiences.
In this issue
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“go, listen, and be changed” — the Boston Globe
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About Laura Benanti
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Building a Bridge with Robots
Laura Benanti Live from the West Side
Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway is a three show series that also includes critically acclaimed actress and singer Vanessa Williams on December 5. Learn More
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Nov 14, 2020 Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway
Laura Benanti
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PROGRAM Tonight’s Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway performance features Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti in the second of three shows streaming live from New York’s Shubert Virtual Studios on Manhattan’s West Side. The show will feature a mix of Broadway showtunes, pop songs, and personal stories from Benanti’s life. Your purchase supports Texas Performing Arts’ reopening and recovery efforts. Thank you.
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Work Smarter Ricoh’s innovative business services are empowering Texas Performing Arts, on and off the stage.
Spotlight on Ricoh's Interactive Whiteboard, which encourages innovative, engaging, hands-on collaboration.
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Our experience and cutting-edge technology allows the real-time exchange of information and the ability to collaborate whenever, wherever and however—helping Texas Performing Arts to work smarter.
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Photo by Stephanie Pfriender Stylander
ABOUT LAURA BENANTI In the midst of an illustrious career spanning Broadway, film, and television, Tony Award® winning actress, singer, author, and activist Laura Benanti now brings a longstanding dream to life as she gears up to release new solo music with Sony Music Masterworks. With Broadway credits ranging from the My Fair texasperformingarts.org
Lady revival and Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower to She Loves Me, Laura garnered a Tony Award® in the category of “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for the 2008 production of Gypsy — among five career nominations to date. Meanwhile, her performance in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown would be 7
honored with the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical.” Simultaneously, she enchanted audiences on the small screen, appearing on Younger, Supergirl, Nashville, The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie, and more in addition to films including WORTH and the upcoming Here Today. Laura recently released a book for moms entitled M is for MAMA (and also Merlot): A Modern Mom’s ABCs, available now on Amazon. Early this spring, she created an empowering campaign titled #SunshineSongs, which invited students whose school musical productions were canceled this year due to the pandemic to share videos of
the performances they were not able to give, on social platforms. As chronicled by Good Morning America, she generated 4 million impressions and received over 10,000 submissions, attracting celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jennifer Garner to join the campaign. Additionally, she invited students to contribute songs to her free “Sunshine Concerts” for senior living communities and children’s hospitals. The campaign’s success further grabbed the attention of HBO Max who recently partnered with Benanti to release a musical documentary special featuring students from across the country entitled Homeschool Musical: Class Of 2020, set to release this fall.
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Photo by Stephanie Pfriender Stylander
TEXAS MIXTAPE:
Photo by Bill McCullough
A Curated Series by Graham Reynolds
Nov 20 at 7 pm Dec 4 at 7 pm Dec 11 at 7 pm Live on the Plaza at Bass Concert Hall
You’re invited to the Texas Big Top — a new outdoor performance space on the Bass Concert Hall Plaza. To kick off public shows under the tent, we invited Austin composer and bandleader Graham Reynolds to put together a series of concerts with artists who are inspiring him right now. We’re calling it Texas Mixtape, and we hope to see you (from a social distance of course) for this wide-ranging artist’s perspective.
TICKETS AT texasperformingarts.org
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Building a Bridge with Robots University of Texas at Austin students enrolled in the Performance Robots course will collaborate with AISD Metz-SĂĄnchez Elementary School to design robots that can be controlled remotely via the internet. On top of an already busy virtualclass-filled schedule, Eva Rosenthal, 2nd grade teacher at Metz-SĂĄnchez, enthusiastically agreed to be the robot club sponsor, and developed a STEAM-centered lesson plan for the club.
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The elementary students will create initial drawings and stories, and the UT Austin students will bring these robot designs to life in consultation and collaboration with their young design partners. Controllability and expressiveness to tell these robots’ stories will guide all automation and fabrication decisions of our UT student team. The robots will make their debut performance in December, with their elementary school
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designers controlling them remotely via the web. This project unleashes creativity in the UT students as well as young learners. In this especially challenging time, we want to explore how simultaneously investing and elevating children and UT students’ creativity might support the mental well-being of all ages and inspire all those who watch the collaborative performance. Through this virtual collaboration, building hands-on, IoT (internet of
things) connected projects, our multi-generational community of students will practice artistic expression, design, and storytelling. In these uncharted times, these little robots remind us of the power of collaboration and play, raising the spirits of us all. Follow their work on the Texas Performing Arts Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
This program is part of the Texas Performing Arts mission to enlighten, educate, and inspire young artists. To support work like this, visit texasperformingarts.org/support
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2020–21 ART EXHIBITION
Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon
ollywood’s Sistine Chapel: H Sacred Sets for Stage & Scene
Sep 10–Apr 4
McNay Art Museum San Antonio, TX CO-ORGANIZED BY THE MCNAY ART MUSEUM AND TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS
Six hand-painted, sound-stage backdrops from MGM Studios will “guest star” alongside exquisite artworks from The Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. The backdrops, on loan from Texas Performing Arts, were created for MGM’s 1968 papal drama, The Shoes of the Fisherman. Nearly discarded, more than 200 backdrops were saved through the 2017 Art Directors Guild’s Backdrop Recovery Project. Texas Performing Arts owns 50 backdrops from Hollywood’s Golden Age of film for use in support of our educational mission.
Learn More MUSEUM TICKETS AT MCNAYART.ORG | FREE WITH UT STUDENT ID texasperformingarts.org
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Want to know what’s happening backstage at Texas Performing Arts? During this extended intermission on our stages, we invite you backstage for a look at what goes on behind the scenes and to meet the staff and students who bring you the performances you love. So, until we can be together in the theater again, put on your backstage pass and enjoy this behind-the-scenes journey. Visit texasperformingarts.org to subscribe today! Let’s Connect!
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Join us online every Wednesday @ 7 pm CT Win fun prizes like tickets to shows like these or autographed show posters! New theme every week! RSVP at texasperformingarts.org texasperformingarts.org
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Texas Inner Circle Texas Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial support of our donors. Each year, thousands of students throughout the region enjoy the performing arts thanks to your generosity.
Donations made as of Sep 29, 2020 Please note that the donor acknowledgment page is updated each semester. Texas Performing Arts values every gift received. However, we regret that limited space does not allow us to list every donor. For information on ways to give, please call the membership office at 512.232.8567 or email us at support@texasperformingarts.org
BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE $6,000+
Julie and Steve Avery Jannis and Robert B. Baldwin III Dianne and Robert Brode Marianne and Mario Davila Joanne Guariglia Julia Marsden Eric and Angie Mischke Stephanie Perkins PRODUCER’S CIRCLE $3,000–5,999
Drs. Lynn Azuma and Brian Hall Christie and Jason Barany Carolyn R. Bartlett Edwina P. Carrington Suzanne and Bill Childs Matthew B. Ely Jessica and Marc Evans Susan and Lee Gammill Susan and Barry Goodman Juan M. Guerrero, M.D. Gladys M. Heavilin Chuck Ross and Brian Hencey Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau Gary C. Johnson Chris and Melissa Knox Cathy and James Kratz Gretchen and Lance Kroesch Colin Lapin Sheryl and Daniel McNichol Janis and Joe Pinnelli Linda and Robert Rosenbusch Kenneth Sandoval Carolyn and Marc Seriff Syd Sharples Barry Smith Kathleen and Gilbert Soto Laura and David Starks Shari and Eric Stein Louann and Larry Temple Carole Tower and Matthew St. Louis Rebecca and Scott Van Den Berg Annie Zucker
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DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $1,500–2,999
Deepika and Somdipta Basu Roy Becky Beaver Robert Bloemhof Dave and Nancy Bourell Kara and Shelby Brown Kim and Thomas Reed Brown Shellie and Martin Campos Carol and Shannon Casey Sue and Kevin Cloud Anita and William Cochran John and Kim Coers Barbara Ellis and Alex McAlmon Kevin Espenlaub and John Hampton Laura L. Estes and Joyce A. Lauck Jim Ferguson and Art Sansone Pamela and David Frager Dr. Billy Franklin Sandra Freed Cheryl and R. James George, Jr. Sharon and Bruce Golden Melissa and Rick Gorskie Karen and Rowland Greenwade Sven and Robin Griffin Cheryl Gross Richard Hartgrove and Gary Cooper Mary Ann and Dr. Andrew Heller Anne and Thomas Hilbert Amy and Jeffrey Hubert Admiral and Mrs. B. R. Inman Margaret Denena and Cliff Knowles Kelley Knutson and Carol Walsh-Knutson Sheila Kothmann Calvin and Donna Lee Sue and Larry Lewellyn Ellen and Richard Leyh Suzanne Lima Alaire and Thomas Lowry Gayle and Scott Madole Leora Orent and Art Markman Charles and Leslie Martinez Delores Massad Molly McDonald and Chad Hartmann Tom and Alexandra McKeone Monica and Robert Meadows Jennifer and Jim Misko Mary and Lynn Moak Amy Wong Mok Miriam and Jim Mulva Jennifer Nall Carol Nelson Meri and Don Nelson Paul Nelson and Jessica Shadoian Jeffrey Neumann texasperformingarts.org
Cathy Oliver Wayne Orchid Connie and Samuel Pate Michele and Roy Peck Shari and John Pflueger Javier Prado Debbie and Jim Ramsey Alyssa Russell Nina and Frank Seely Tracey Sharples Trish and Brian Sierer Lorri Stevenson Austin Stitzer Bruce Stuckman Peter and Joan Swartz Nancy and Dr. Brent Talbott Erin Vander Leest and Tom Pyle Daniel and Sara-Jane Watson Chrissie Welty Susan and Chris Wilson with Bonita Grumme Dr. Lucas Wong and Dr. Lisa Go CENTER STAGE $600–1,499
Mark Aitala The Ballon Family Jana and Barry Bandera Travis and George Baxter-Holder Dr. Steven A. Beebe April Berman Carolyn and Jon Bible Carolyn and Andrew Birge Tim and Grizelda Black Denis Blake Stephanie and Michael Blanck Robert Bracewell Steve and Jen Braud Brook and Gerald Broesche Christopher and Tira Brom Janice and Charlie Brown Kimberly Brown Scott Brown and Cheri Lafrinea Kelli and John Carlton Sam and Alison Clare Sarah Compton Jeanette Cortinas Elaine Daigle Wilma Dankovich Lorraine and John Davis Lisa and Paul Delacruz Lucy Ditmore Susan and David Donaldson Sharon Duboise Maria Dwyer Susan and David Eckelkamp Sheila Ellwood
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Carol and Clint Fletcher Jane W. Fountain Katina and Matthew Gase Jon and Joanna Geld Sharon and Richard Gibbons Glenn and Nancy Gilkey Jana and John Grimes Maria Gutierrez and Peter Nutson Tizzle Bizzle Hallock Cindy and John Hanly Amy and Peter Hannan Darcy and Rick Hardy Family Jennifer and Randall Harris Michael Herman Robbi Hull Kathleen and Jim Jardine Susan and Richard Klusmann Jan and Orion Knox Amy and David Lambert Melanie C. Lewis Nancy and Dale Lowe
Peggy Manning Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Masullo Sherry McKinney, PhD. Ford McTee Frances Ellen and Paul Metzger Pauline and Alfred Meyerson Mark Miller Natalia Morgan James W. Moritz Philip Neff Brian Neidig Margaret and Brian Nilson Dan and Deborah O’Neil Augustine Park Robert Pender Cindy Perez Tami Pharr Kari and Brian Phenegar Suzanne Pickens and Douglas Hoitenga Wanda Potts Kate and Scott Powers
Eric Rabbanian Dawn and Thomas Rich Susan E. Salch Julie and Richard Schechter Drs. Stacey and Andy Silverman Raymond Smith Steven Smith Nancy Whitworth Spong Karin and Robert Stern Geeta and David Suggs Judy and Jay Tarwater Bri Thatcher and Andy Modrovich Stacy and Michael Toomey Keith Uhls Cody Ulmer Saradee and Melvin Waxler Marie and Phil Wendell Leslie and Bryan Weston Michael Wilen Michael Wynn Timothy Young Micka and Richard Ziehr
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Director’s Council Volunteer Leadership in Action
The Texas Performing Arts Director’s Council is a group of dedicated donors, sponsors, and volunteers committed to presenting world-class performances, providing students access to every performance we present, and building the next generation of audiences, artists, and presenters. We are grateful for their extraordinary support and dedication. 2020–21 COUNCIL MEMBERS Robert and Jannis Baldwin Becky Beaver Edwina Carrington Marianne and Mario Davila Laura Estes and Joyce Lauck Cynthia Glover and Dwight Williams Joanne Guariglia Stephanie Guariglia Rob Hagelberg Rhonda Hall Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau Julia Marsden Ashlee Olsem Stephanie L. Perkins Rachel Tocker Rebecca Van Den Berg Annie Solomon Zucker Brian Zucker
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The Team Bob Bursey
PRODUCTION
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Executive Director
Seb Boone
Amber Goodspeed
Tara Vela
Master Electrician
Events Manager
Scott Bussey
Tim Rogers
Technical Director
Assistant Director, Education & Engagement
Associate Director BUSINESS OFFICE
Kristi Lampi
Sarah Cantu
Business Operations Manager
Master Electrician
Lisa Carothers
Phoebe Greene
Administrative Associate, Business Affairs
Event Operations Manager
Leigh Remeny
Stage Supervisor
Conrad Haden
Administrative Associate, Business Operations
Carolyn Hardin
DEVELOPMENT
Jason Huerta
Sarah Weidler Young Associate Director of Development
Natalia Morgan Development Associate
Rachel Schoen
Assistant Prop Shop Supervisor Associate Scenic Studio Supervisor
J. E. Johnson Scenic Studio Supervisor
Yvonne Kimmons
Stewardship Manager
Assistant Director, Performance Logistics
GUEST SERVICES
Kenny Kuykendall
Sarah Andrews Guest Services Manager MARKETING
Lizzie Choffel Senior Graphic Designer
Will Shirey Talent Buyer
Brenda Simms Program Coordinator, Education & Curriculum Development TICKET OFFICE
Margaret Badasci Assistant Ticketing Services Manager
Susan Griffin Ticketing Services Manager
Dianne Whitehair Ticketing Systems Manager
Assistant Audio Supervisor
Michael Malak Audio Supervisor
Karen Maness Scenic Art Supervisor
Erica De Leon
Ashton Bennett Murphy
Marketing Specialist, Digital Media
Assistant Scenic Charge Artist
Hank Schwemmer
Romina Jara
Master Carpenter
Marketing Coordinator, Media Buying & Settlements
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Dinner, drinks and a show - Can tonight get any better? Located down the street from Bass Concert Hall, The University of Texas Club is the perfect spot for dinner or a drink before your show.
Contact us today to to see how we can enhance your show experience. 512.477.5800
*Some restrictions apply. See Club for details.ŠClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 46661 1119 AJ
Support The 2020–21 Texas Performing Arts Season is made possible by generous support from our corporate and foundation partners.
As an educational institution committed to the free exchange of ideas, Texas Performing Arts is proud to present a rich array of performing arts for the Austin and Central Texas community. Sponsorship of Texas Performing Arts does not imply endorsement of artists or their performance content by sponsors or their representatives.
For Information on Corporate Sponsorship Contact Sarah Weidler Young, Interim Director of Development 512.471.1195 | syoung@texasperformingarts.org 24 texasperformingarts.org
THE FUTURE IS HERE THE NEW
SOUTH END ZONE
OPENS FOR THE 2021 TEXAS FOOTBALL SEASON. Donors can secure new premium seating opportunities today!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON: Premium box seating Field club seats Contact the Longhorn Foundation at 512-471-4439
With all of the uncertainty in the world today, the arts are something you can depend on.
Photo by Vanessa Valle
Can we depend on you?
As you enjoy the performance tonight, we’d like to pause for a moment and thank you for helping make possible all of the wonderful things that happen on the stages and behind the scenes at Texas Performing Arts. Your support will help TPA to weather the extraordinary challenges the performing arts face right now. Please consider joining or renewing your Texas Inner Circle membership today! texasperformingarts.org/become-member
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2020–21 VIRTUAL EVENT
LIVE FROM THE WEST SIDE: WOMEN OF BROADWAY
Vanessa Williams
Dec 5 at 7 pm
Join us for the final performance in a threepart virtual concert series, Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway featuring critically acclaimed actress and singer Vanessa Williams on December 5, 2020. Streamed live from New York’s Shubert Virtual Studios, the show will feature a mix of Broadway showtunes, pop songs, and personal stories. You can also submit questions in advance for her to answer during the show.
TICKETS AT texasperformingarts.org
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Become a Corporate Circle Member Members of the Corporate Circle enjoy VIP benefits while providing jobs for up to 70 students at Texas Performing Arts each year. With your support, students gain real work experience in every field from accounting to stage management, as well as professional mentoring, rĂŠsumĂŠ and job search support, and a paycheck to help cover the cost of a world-class education at The University of Texas at Austin. The Corporate Circle is a great way to enjoy everything that Texas Performing Arts has to offer today, align your brand with the cultural leader in Central Texas, and help students build a strong foundation for the future!
OVATION
Frost Bank ChemCentric APPLAUSE
K Friese and Associates Richie & Gueringer, P.C.
For information on the Corporate Circle contact Development at 512.232.8567
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