An experience to remember

The 2014 Spotlight Awards supports our arts education programs at the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory, including our outreach program, which serves more than 30 community partners throughout the Tampa Bay community.

One of the things the Conservatory provides for our community partners is tickets to shows or dress rehearsals when they’re available. The goal is to give these opportunities to students who would otherwise be unable to attend shows at the Straz.

The following is a letter we received from one of our community partners,

“Jane attended The Nutcracker along with a group of 21 students that I hosted through the generosity of your educational program. I cannot put into words the effect the Nutcracker opportunity had on Jane. I watched her as I did the other youth and she did not take her eyes off the stage. She was AWE-STRUCK.

Jane is 16 and this is the first time she has been to a performance at the theatre. She lives in poverty at a trailer park... She lost her father six months ago to lung cancer. Jane also has been bullied and struggles with feeling like she doesn't belong.

The Straz Center opportunity was an eye opener for her. It was a magical afternoon for Jane and I can tell you, she was meant to join our group on Saturday...She took a lot of photos of the water fountain near the valet, pictures with Santa, etc.

...the opportunity the Straz provided, I felt you and your colleagues should know the impact it had on a child that lives in a depressed environment.

Continue your hard work and know that it is making a difference.”

- Nikki Inda, Program Coordinator, Moffitt Healthy Kidz

Making a Difference

You can help make a difference by reserving your seats now for the 2014 Spotlight Awards through sponsorship!

When you support this fundraising event, your contributions make a difference for students like Jane and thousands more!

Sponsorship starts at $1,000 and includes reserved seating for the show and dinner. Share a sponsorship with another family, or ask your company to get involved.

If you have questions about how you can help support the arts education programs at the Straz Center's Patel Conservatory, please contact Beth Miller at 813-222-1002 or elizabeth.miller@strazcenter.org.

October was full of exciting guest artist appearances

Owen Thorne, of the Scottish Ballet, works with
NGB students at the Patel Conservatory.

When visiting artists perform at the Straz Center, students at the Patel Conservatory and our partnership schools often reap the benefits.

Last month, guest artists offered some exciting master classes and performances.

Scottish Ballet

Artists from the Scottish Ballet recently offered master classes to our Next Generation Ballet (NGB) students at the Conservatory, as well as our partnerships schools.

The Scottish Ballet is Scotland's national dance company, presenting a wide range of high-quality dance to audiences across Scotland, the UK and abroad. They brought their production of A Street Car Named Desire to only three locations in the U.S., and the Straz Center was one of them.

During their time in Tampa, artists from the company spent time in the community by providing dance master classes for students at Blake High School, Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School and NGB.

Students at the Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School enjoyed a
master class with the Scottish Ballet.

Scottish Ballet master class at Blake High School

Improvised Shakespeare Company

Back by popular demand, The Improvised Shakespeare Company (ISC) returned to the Straz Center in October. Based on one audience suggestion, ISC creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style.

While in town for their two performances, ISC spent time in residence with some of our great partnership organizations. They had the opportunity to visit Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Tampa Preparatory School, Orange Grove Middle Magnet School, as well as our Conservatory students. Each workshop was different and unique. Why? Because it’s improv! Students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive performances created on the spot!

Students at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School enjoyed a workshop with
the Improvised Shakespeare company (back row).

More guest artist appearances and workshops are always on the horizon at the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center.

Join us this Sun., Nov. 10, 2013 for a free theater workshop with the theater troupe, TE’A (Theatre, Engagement & Action).

To keep up with master classes, workshops and events offered throughout the year at the Conservatory, make sure to like us on Facebook!