30 Mayıs 2012 Çarşamba

NGB ready for Swan Lake

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This weekend, Next Generation Ballet’s award-winning dancers are joined by guest artists Eddy Tovar and Sara Sardelli, soloist for the Sarasota Ballet, for the classical ballet Swan Lake.
Don’t miss Hannah Bettes as she performs in her most challenging role yet with NGB before moving on to study at the Royal Ballet in the fall.“I’m so excited for Swan Lake,” said Bettes. “This is my first full-length ballet, so I’m on stage a lot more.”Bettes won the 2012 Prix de Lausanne "audience choice" award in February, and she won the Gold Medal in the senior women’s division at the YAGP final competition in New York in April.Despite her competition prowess, playing the lead in a full-length ballet is a very demanding role.In Swan Lake, Bettes dances the roles of both the white and black swan. She’s had to learn not only extensive and technically difficult choreography, but also the stylistic nuances of the characters.“It’s a very tough role even for professional dancers,” said Tovar before a recent rehearsal with Bettes. “She has to change her personality and be intense.”Tovar was a principal with Texas Ballet Theatre and Orlando Ballet. He was featured on So You Think You Can Dance with Los Angeles Ballet in George Balanchine’s Who Care’s?
Eddy Tovar with Sara Sardelli
In Swan Lake, Tovar dances the role of Prince Siegfried. Though he’s danced the role with Orlando Ballet, he’s had just two weeks to learn the choreography for NGB’s production.“Every production has slightly different choreography,” he said. Rehearsing with NGB dancers at the Patel Conservatory has been a gratifying experience for him.“I can see the talent of the students. They are ready...they look like professionals,” he said.Choreographed by Peter Stark and Ivonne Lemus after the original choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, this two-act world premier features marvelous sets and costumes.With a hauntingly beautiful score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this classic story of princesses turned into swans has moved audiences for more than 100 years.With just two shows on Saturday, the event is sure to sell out. Click here for tickets, before it's too late!

Spotlight on Giles Davies

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As a resident company member of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for nine years, Giles Davies knows his Shakespeare.

When he speaks of the master of poetry, his passion is clear.
Davies in Richard III at Cincinnati
Shakespeare Company
“With poetic language, Shakespeare elicits a mental image that stirs the soul. His pen is a paintbrush that paints images,” said Davies.
And when Davies says that in his fabulously Shakespearean English accent, it sounds quite lovely and would make anyone want to recite a sonnet.
As the guest director and instructor for our PCYT summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Davies brings his breadth of knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare to our Conservatory theater students.“I think it’s fantastic that the Patel Conservatory is doing classical text, and bringing it to younger audiences,” said Davies.Davies was raised in Hong Kong to British parents who had a love of community theater. He began performing when he was five years old. He received his M.F.A. from Ohio State University, and has traveled and performed around the world. He's studied with such icons as Marcel Marceau, and Anne Bogart who founded the SITI Company.A consummate artist constantly on the prowl for life experiences that will enrich him as both a person and an actor, Davies often finds himself performing wherever he goes, “that can range from performing in a bar or a campsite, to a hostel or a high school, or a theater company,” he says.Since moving to Tampa three years ago, he’s performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at freeFall Theatre, Quills at Jobsite Theater and Death and the Maiden with Simple Theatre, to name a few.
In Creative Loafing, Mark Lieb says, "he's established himself as a performer not to be missed...He's that good. He's that surprising."Davies feels Shakespeare is a dying art, and enjoys helping students find beauty in the often difficult text, even if that means comparing the Bard to hip hop to get their attention.“It’s the rhythm of the delivery of the text that’s part of the artistry of it. The rhythm, delivery and sound of the words themselves adds to the attraction of the language...and elicit a visceral response,” said Davies.While with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Davies helped start the Groundlings high school acting program at the theater. The program quickly flourished and the Groundlings Jr. for middle school students was soon added.This summer’s Patel Conservatory production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed as the culmination of a two-week theater intensive for grades seven through college. Davies will also teach a beginning adult acting class.“Shakespeare is practically a foreign language for most modern students,” said Davies.Through various techniques, he hopes “to translate Shakespeare in a way that will illuminate the plot, and...unlock the jewels within.”A Midsummer Night’s Dream theater intensive will be July 16 - 27, 2012. For more information, click here.For information about more summer theater intensives at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa, click here. 

Summer music auditions

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As parents and students look forward to the end of the school year, it’s time to start thinking about summer!There’s still time to sign up for camps and classes in music, theater and dance at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa!Placement auditions will be held soon for many music camps and classes.Auditions help instructors assess your skill level and place you in the appropriate classes.Auditions for summer music programs:Summer Pit OrchestraSat., May 19, 20122 to 4 p.m.Grade 7- CollegeLearn how a pit orchestra works with a live show and be a member of the pit orchestra for the PCYT summer production of NORMAL, the Musical. Advanced players are needed on woodwinds, cello, guitar (electric and acoustic), bass (electric and acoustic) and drum set.Rock Star RetreatJune 5, 6 and 7, 20125 to 8 p.m.Grades 5-12Learn new techniques on your instrument (guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals), write new songs and perform rock classics in a concert at the end of this week-long summer rock experience! Bring your own instrument to audition (keyboards and drums are provided).
Rock SchoolJune 5, 6 and 7, 20125 to 8 p.m.Grades 5 to adultWeekly band sessions culminate in our Rock School Blowout concert at the end of the summer. Bring your own instruments to audition (keyboards and drums provided).Orchestra and Chamber MusicTues., June 26, 20125 to 7 p.m.Grades 7 - collegeString, wind and percussion players will hone their performance skills with master teachers and conductors. Students will perform in a full orchestra and a variety of chamber music ensembles grouped by playing level and instrument.Classical Voice IntensiveAdvanced voice students train with renowned artists and performers, and perform in a gala at the Straz Center. Audition online or by appointment, please click here for more information.
For more information about our music programs, or to schedule an audition, please call 813.222.1002 or email music@strazcenter.org.

Thank you to our sponsors

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Next week is our second annual Spotlight Awards, and we couldn’t be more excited!
The event is sure to be a fun evening of dinner, awards and performances! Walk the red carpet and get your picture taken by the paparazzi...Enjoy performances from our Youth Orchestra, Next Generation Ballet dancers, musical theater students, Rock School and more! Come experience all that the Patel Conservatory offers our students and our community! Click here for tickets.
The Patel Conservatory and the Straz Center would like to express our gratitude to the following generous sponsors:


DINNER SPONSORAnthony’s Coal Fired Pizza


RED CARPET SPONSORSLeonard and Elena BensonoffT.J. Couch and Elizabeth SomersLonni and Greg KehoeThe Shimberg Family
PRINTING SPONSORAllegra Print and Imaging
We’d also like to thank the following businesses for their additional support:
SOHO PhotographyJimmy’s John’sQueen of SheebaEats American GrillSweet TomatoesEVO’S
You can make a donation towards the Spotlight Awards and show your support for our classes and programs at the Patel Conservatory. For sponsorship information, please contact Sharon McDonald at 813.222.1037 or Sharon.McDonald@strazcenter.org.

Wonderful turnout for Spotlight Awards

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Last week’s Spotlight Awards were an amazing success!
We had more than 500 parents, students and faculty enjoy the pre-show dinner in Morsani Lobby, which was transformed for the event into a stunning dining area.
A full house in Morsani Lobby, with more than 500 people in attendance.
All enjoyed delicious eggplant, wings and ribs from Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, and pasta from Maestro’s at the Straz Center.
Anthony's staff get ready for the crowd.
Three cake tiers represented dance,
music and theater. Baked by one of
our parent volunteers.
The Patel Conservatory Booster Club provided a host of other goodies, from homebaked desserts and a chocolate fountain to the beautiful cake display.
After dinner, awards were presented to students for outstanding achievements in theater, music and dance, as well as to our volunteers and community partners.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the Patel Conservatory reached its fundraising goal for the event. We know that next year will be even better!
As education vice-president Wendy Leigh pointed out at the Spotlight Awards, the Patel Conservatory is becoming a national model for bringing performing arts education to our community!
Thank you to all our sponsors, faculty, parents, students and volunteers for all that you do in helping our students to continue to dream, reach, discover and create in the performing arts!
A balloon drop to celebrate our graduating seniors.



23 Mayıs 2012 Çarşamba

Summer theater auditions

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There’s still time to sign up for camps and classes in music, theater and dance at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa!Placement auditions for theater intensives are coming up soon!Space is still available in numerous theater camps and classes for ages four through adult, from Intro to Performing Arts to our theater intensives.
Hone your acting and performance skills as you train with industry professionals. All summer theater programs culminate in a full-scale stage production! Some theater programs require a placement audition. Placement auditions are fun and welcoming, and help instructors assess skill levels and cast students in appropriate roles or classes. Summer Theater Placement AuditionsSaturday, June 2, 201212 to 4:30 p.m.
Students who wish to participate in the following shows should plan to attend:
Normal, the MusicalGrades 9 through adultChallenge yourself and receive training in music, theater and dance in this three-week intensive. Directed by award-winning actor and director, Ami Sallee.
Beauty and the Beast, Jr.Grades 3 - 8Explore the beautiful story as told by Disney®. Intense dance, theater and music rehearsals culminate in a full production of this classic tale. Directed by award-winning actor Emilia Sargent.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamGrades 7 - CollegeStudy the art of Shakespeare and develop an appreciation for classical theater with instructor and Shakespeare Giles Davies.
Aesop’s FablesGrades 5 - 8Study, adapt and perform selections from this classic collection.


To schedule your audition, please call 813-222-6413.For a full list of our summer theater camps and classes for all age levels, please click here.

Free dance classes

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The Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet (PCYB) in Tampa will host free dance classes on Sat., June 2, 2012.
These classes offer the opportunity for placement in our summer and fall dance classes. PCYB is the official school of the award-winning pre-professional Next Generation Ballet.Master classes are free, but pre-registration is required.Intro. to BalletPre-K3 - Kindergarten 9 - 9:45 a.m.

Beginning BalletGrades 1 - 8            
10 - 11 a.m.
Elementary/Intermediate BalletGrades 4 - 12
11:30 - 1 p.m.            

(Grades listed refer to students’ grades in Fall, 2012)Please RSVP by calling the dance office at 813-222-1263.

Summer production tackles teen angst

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This summer, the Patel Conservatory Youth Theater takes on teen angst and some tough topics with its production of NOR·MAL, the Musical.
NOR·MAL: the Musical is about a teenage girl struggling with an eating disorder and her family’s initial crumble and eventual quest to discover what it is to be “normal.”
“Everyone who has grown up in America will connect with the members of this family and their plight to attain the elusive ranks of normal,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater department chair and director of the show.
NOR·MAL, the Musical is based on the experiences of Yvonne Adrian, who wrote the book. The rock musical premiered in New York City in 2005 and is now performed in high schools throughout the country.
The Patel Conservatory will be the first to produce the show in Florida.
The characters in this play are three-dimensional feeling human beings who are vulnerable and who make mistakes,” said Sallee.The play touches on issues that everyone faces, she says. “Everyone goes a little crazy, everyone loses it a bit in this fantastically real family. And this script keeps enough humor and rock and roll to keep it moving and keep the audience invested.”
Each performance will be followed by an audience discussion with a panel of medical professionals.
NOR·MAL, the Musical will premier at the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center on June 29 and 30, 2012. 
The show is a production of the Patel Conservatory’s summer musical theater intensive for high school and college students. The intensive theater training program will be June 11 - 30, 2012.
Our Summer Pit Orchestra will provide live accompaniment for the show.
Matthew Belopavlovich will be the assistant director, Deborah Lynch, music director, and choreographer is Shana Perkins.
Auditions for the show will be Saturday, June 2 starting at 12 p.m. To schedule an audition, please call the theater department at 813-222-6413 or email pateltheater@strazcenter.org.
For information on auditions for the Summer Pit Orchestra, click here.

Blake video features partnership with Patel Conservatory

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Outreach is a large part of the Patel Conservatory’s mission. We partner with nearly 30 organizations throughout Hillsborough County to bring performing arts experiences to as many students as possible.
One of those partnerships is with Blake High School, which was recently chosen to create a video for the Arts Schools Network, a non-profit professional association for arts schools educators.Blake was one of only eight schools nationwide invited to submit a video for the website.Produced by Blake students Jimmy Wills and Deven Jarvis, the video features the partnership between Blake and the Patel Conservatory. With interviews with Wendy Leigh and Peter Stark, and NGB dancers Sasha Alvarez and Jackson Kettell, the project is completed and online at Art Schools Network.Thank you to Blake High School for including us in the project!


Volunteers still needed for Spotlight Awards

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Patel Conservatory Booster Club at the 2011 Spotlight Awards
Volunteers are still needed for tomorrow’s second annual Spotlight Awards.We’re so excited to see a larger audience than last year, which means that we need more helpers!Sponsored by Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, and Maestro’s, the pre-show dinner will be set up and served by the Patel Conservatory Booster Club. This year’s dinner will be served in the fabulous Morsani lobby.In addition to helping with the event, the Booster Club is also providing dessert. If you would like to help, or if you can provide 2 dozen cupcakes (with red or white icing), please email Kim Bolton at kbolton4211@yahoo.com.

17 Mayıs 2012 Perşembe

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Next week is our second annual Spotlight Awards, and we couldn’t be more excited!
The event is sure to be a fun evening of dinner, awards and performances! Walk the red carpet and get your picture taken by the paparazzi...Enjoy performances from our Youth Orchestra, Next Generation Ballet dancers, musical theater students, Rock School and more! Come experience all that the Patel Conservatory offers our students and our community! Click here for tickets.
The Patel Conservatory and the Straz Center would like to express our gratitude to the following generous sponsors:


DINNER SPONSORAnthony’s Coal Fired Pizza


RED CARPET SPONSORSLeonard and Elena BensonoffT.J. Couch and Elizabeth SomersLonni and Greg KehoeThe Shimberg Family
PRINTING SPONSORAllegra Print and Imaging
We’d also like to thank the following businesses for their additional support:
SOHO PhotographyJimmy’s John’sQueen of SheebaEats American GrillSweet TomatoesEVO’S
You can make a donation towards the Spotlight Awards and show your support for our classes and programs at the Patel Conservatory. For sponsorship information, please contact Sharon McDonald at 813.222.1037 or Sharon.McDonald@strazcenter.org.

Praise for Swan Lake and NGB

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Richard Sias brings 35 years of experience as a professional in the ballet world to his role as a Patel Conservatory dance instructor.
Richard Sias
“Since coming to the Patel Conservatory in the fall of 2010, the kids that I see now have totally changed their technique. Two years later, [Peter Stark] has brought these kids to a level of expertise on a professional standing,” said Sias.Sias taught dance for 25 years at Florida State University, and spent six years at Canada's National Ballet School before coming to the Patel Conservatory. He currently teaches Next Generation Ballet (NGB) trainees and partnering classes. Having seen how far the students and the ballet program have come in under two years, Sias sees NGB, and its artistic director Peter Stark, as a cultural asset to the Tampa Bay community.He said, “I like Peter’s vision of what he’s doing with Next Generation Ballet, training the students for a bigger arena, nationally and internationally...I think Tampa Bay is very fortunate to have him.”After Saturday's sold-out performance of Swan Lake, Sias’ opinions were confirmed. Here’s what he had to say after the show.From Richard Sias...
Saturday's Swan Lake performance spoke of how far Peter's vision for the Dance Program at Patel has progressed and developed...fine dancing and equally fine performances! I have always admired Ivonne's [Lemus, co-choreographer] integrity and love for her art and her gifts as a teacher- but for sure, Swan Lake speaks most highly of her sense as a professional, along with her deep commitment to the production's choreography...I believe this is only possible when an artist knows the ballet like her own skin, and in this instance it belongs to her because of her many years as a professional dancer...we are very fortunate to have her, I place her among the finest I know in the ballet art form. 
My admiration goes to all of you who were so committed to pulling this production off and obviously, what with the results from ticket sales - it worked!  
Congratulations to all.
Richard
Click here to read Carrie Seidman's review of Swan Lake in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Wonderland Meets SYTYCD! TONIGHT!

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Get your DVRs ready for tonight's SYTYCD on Fox! You may see someone you know - from down the rabbit hole...

Two of our talented Wonderland cast members will be on So You Think You Can Dance TONIGHT!
Ashley Galvan, one of the Fembot dancers and Melinda Sullivan who was a versatile and talented swing. Melinda went on for almost all the roles she covered and did a phenomenal job!
Please cheer them on and support them with your votes!
-Kari G.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/pxEL

Tony Wrap Up

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Well the spinning disks have been distributed, the jewels have been returned to Harry Winston and the marketing groups are furiously tagging ads with "Winner of ____ Tonys."

What did you think?

Or did you watch the Celtics romp the Lakers?

Or did you watch True Blood?

Be honest.

If you need a Tony wrap up, you can check out the run down from the NYT. Congrats to Red and Memphis for their big wins. Lots of Hollywood stars took home Tonys including Scarlett Johansson, Denzel Washington and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

We posted frequently on www.twitter.com/strazcenter and www.twitter.com/whobroadway so we hope you followed along.

What were your favorite (or least favorite moments)? How did Sean do as host? What shows do you want to see come to the Straz Center? Share your thoughts and let us know what you thought.

- Kari G.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/pxEL

Arts Council of Hillsborough County Grants Program

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Help us save the Arts Council of Hillsborough County Grants program!

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County’s grant program provides essential annual support to local cultural organizations that add $292 million to the local economy and employ more than 8,000 people.

The Hillsborough County Administration has proposed to eliminate funding for this critical grant program for the coming year.

You can help us save this valuable grant program by participating in this petition. It will be presented to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in July to urge their continued support for the Arts Council Grants Program.

If you’d like to help, simply click here http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveartscouncil2010funding/and add your signature to the petition. In the "comments" box, please type your zip code i.e. Hillsborough 33601.

Also, the site randomly asks for donations to "IPetitions." This is not necessary since it counts your signature if you simply "X" out of the site from the donation window. We need as many signatures as possible from Hillsborough County by JULY 14, 2010.

To learn more about the importance of supporting this petition, please read on…A strong cultural community is a vital economic engine in Hillsborough County.More than 4.2 million residents and visitors attend arts and cultural events year-round in Hillsborough County.

Thousands upon thousands of Hillsborough County school children benefit from arts education programs provided at little or no charge by local arts and cultural organizations.The arts are an important policy asset and prosperity generator for local government. In addition to their inherent value to society, our local cultural organizations are:

  • ECONOMIC DRIVERS: The arts create jobs and produce tax revenue. The arts sector stimulates business activity, attracts tourism revenue, retains a high quality work force and stabilizes property values. The arts have been shown to be a successful and sustainable strategy for revitalizing rural areas, inner cities and populations struggling with poverty.
  • EDUCATIONAL ASSETS: The arts foster young imaginations and facilitate children’s success in school. They provide the critical thinking, communications and innovation skills essential to a productive 21st‐century work force.
  • CIVIC CATALYSTS: The arts create a welcoming sense of place and a desirable quality of life. The arts also support a strong democracy, engaging citizens in civic discourse, dramatizing important issues and encouraging collective problem solving.
  • CULTURAL LEGACIES: The arts preserve unique culture and heritage, passing precious cultural character and traditions along to future generations.
Hard times require public officials to make the most of every asset and to adopt policies that maximize recovery potential. The arts are a proven part of that mix. The arts are a recovery asset that supports jobs, stimulates commerce, stabilizes property values and provides many other economic benefits.

In addition to their many economic advantages, the arts offer timely assistance with educational and civic challenges that tend to escalate during tough times. The arts are also central to community resiliency. Whether facing economic distress, natural disasters or other adversity, the arts are a powerful force for recovery and healing, a benefit that few other industries offer.

We hope you will join us by supporting the arts in Hillsborough County by participating in this petition.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/pxEL