P.O. Box 691 Sebring Florida USA 33871 Tel: 863-382-2525
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P.O. Box 691 Sebring Florida USA 33871 Tel: 863-382-2525 |
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Don Newby - Gracie Award Winner for May 2007 By: Vanessa Logsdon & Roy Riedy |
You've gotta love those new members who aren't too shy to just jump right in and help out, and this month's winner is another example of just that. Not only new to HLT, but new to Sebring, he didn't hesitate to introduce himself and get his feet wet before he was even settled into his new home, bringing his extensive theatre knowledge along for our benefit.
In June of 2005, Vanessa and Denise attended the AACT National Theatre conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They brought back a plethora of ideas, including a concept for a new program that was very successful in community theatres across the nation, but was completely unheard of at HLT. This idea had everything: it provides underutilized performers another opportunity to entertain; it is a community outreach program which would serve a large portion of the local population; it is a marketing tool that gives us another - and inexpensive - way to advertise directly to the public; and it even brings in a little bit of money. The problem was, no one else had seen this program. Although enthusiastic, the members of this new department didn't know what it was supposed to look like at the end. Needless to say, it was a struggle to organize it and get it out there. Until a few short months ago, when tonight's winner first offered his services. He asked, "What can I do?" Knowing that he had recently come from Theatre Winter Haven, where they have a similar program, he was asked to help with the Reader's Theatre program. We now know them as the Glad Hatters Entertainers, and all signs are that they are going to be a very fruitful branch of HLT. Thanks to his vision, his knowledge, his skills and his willingness to accept this responsibility, this month's Gracie goes to Don Newby.
Congratuations Don and welcome to Highlands Little Theatre, you've come to the right place for someone with your experience. This is truly one of those rare happenings where everyone wins!
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