Join Director’s Circle and Help Us Meet Our $20,000 Matching Grant

 

Charleston Stage is delighted to announce our 35th Anniversary Season and our 2012-13 Director’s Circle Reception and Performances. We have a terrific line-up of Tony Award-winning musicals, plays, comedies and enchanting shows including Legally Blonde, the Musical; Nevermore; A Christmas Story; A Woman Called Truth; Boeing-Boeing and Anything Goes.

As a Director’s Circle member you will receive 6 exclusive evenings with pre- and post-show receptions, including dessert with the cast; a tax deduction; exclusive ticket exchanges and much more. And we have added some extra perks this season for our Director’s Circle members including: a full bar, food brought to you by Charleston’s best caterers (including Cru Catering and others), discounted $5 parking and a member’s reward card to be redeemed at Charleston’s finest restaurants.

And if that were not enough, longtime patron Dr. Fred Pittman has committed $20,000 to Charleston Stage if 20 new members join our elegant Director’s Circle by August 1. So join now and gain all the benefits, help underwrite our vast education programs that reach over 15,000 Lowcountry youth each season and help us reach this generous $20,000 match to support our many wonderful programs.

You can join today by contacting, Kristin Schert at (843) 647-7363 or join online by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

Moving Play “Helium” To Be Published, Productions To Take Flight Around the Country

Founder and Producing Director Julian Wiles’s original play Helium will be published next fall by Dramatic Publishing and made available for production by theatres around the country. Already, there has been a production in Greenville and a number of other theatres have been inquiring about the rights. “I’m excited that this play will have a life beyond Charleston,” Julian noted. “In many ways this is my most personal play and perhaps the best I have written. Nothing I have created has touched people more.” Helium becomes the sixth of Julian’s plays to be published.

This is a photo from the 2011 production at the Dock Street Theatre.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Sam Henderson, Charleston Stage’s New Resident Music Director

Q: Where did you grow up? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to you to be involved with the arts?

A: I grew up in Lewisville, TX where I joined band in 6th grade, and have been involved in the arts ever since.

 

Q: Where did you go to school? How did this prepare you for your work in the arts?

A: I have a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Baylor University, and a Master of Music in Musical Theatre from Arizona State University.

 

Q: Describe briefly what your position is with Charleston Stage and what your job will involve.

A: As the Resident Music Director at Charleston Stage, I will be responsible for all musical aspects of each production (cast music preparation, orchestra preparation, conducting, accompanying, etc.).  I will also serve as the Director of Music Education for all of our youth programs, classes, etc.

 

Q: What were some of your past jobs/experiences in the arts?

A: After college, I was a high school band director in the Fort Worth (TX) area.  For the past two and a half years, I have served as the Resident Music Director at the Copperstar Repertory Company in Gilbert, AZ, as well as being a staff music director and teacher in the Lyric Opera Theatre program at Arizona State University.

 

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I attend as many live performances as I can, and I spend time with my 14 year old Jack Russell Terrier (Sherman) and my cat (Adelaide).  I also love to travel!

 

 

 

 

Meet Kristin Claire Schert, Charleston Stage’s New Development Assistant

Q: Where did you grow up? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to you to be involved with the arts?

A: I was born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia- As south as you can get before you hit Florida.

I grew up in the arts. I have been dancing since I was three years old- everything from classical Ballet to Modern and Hip-hop. My mom was a ballet dancer and later taught high school drama. My brother John Michael went to North Carolina School of the Arts for High School and now is a professional dancer with the Trey McIntyre Project. My brother David is a musician and my stepmother Marti is an opera singer. In my family you are either an artist or a serious supporter. I was born into an artistic family and with their support I have been lucky to stay connected with the arts.

 

Q: Where did you go to school? How did this prepare you for your work in the arts?

A: I attended the University of Georgia. While in school I continued to dance by taking dance classes through the University’s amazing dance program and through performing with student dance organizations and Greek Life.

I graduated with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Child and Family Development. That may sound a little off for someone in my position, but I think the degree taught me a lot about people and how they think and live. I think this an essential skill to have in the non-profit world. It’s all about relationships when it comes to creating and sustaining a successful non-profit.

 

Q: Describe briefly your position at Charleston Stage and what your job involves?

A: At Charleston Stage I am the Development Assistant. I process contributions. I handle Business Memberships, Director’s Circle Memberships, Education Sponsorships, and Show Sponsorships. I also help plan the Director’s Circle Opening Night Galas, as well as, our Annual Gala in the Fall and the Spring fundraiser.

 

Q: What were some of your past jobs/experiences in the arts?

A: Since I was 16 I have taught dance to children ages 2 to 14. In 2009 I came to Charleston for my last semester of college and to partake in an internship with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. After my internship ended, I was lucky enough to stay on for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival where I became the Outreach Coordinator for the festival. Later I was hired as the Marketing/Development Assistant and Ticketing Coordinator for Piccolo 2010. I soon became the Assistant to the Director, Internship Coordinator, and Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grant Coordinator. I think the experience I received with the Office of Cultural Affairs more than prepared me for my future in the arts and especially in my role as Development Assistant with Charleston Stage.

 

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: As I mentioned earlier, I have been dancing since I was three. I currently dance with Dancefx, a local non-profit dance company that performs many times a year around Charleston and the Southeast. It’s a good way to stay active and have fun at the same time. When I am not dancing, I love to experience all Charleston has to offer, the food, the shopping, and the water. I am so lucky to live in such an amazing city.