Imagination Stage Gala to Honor THE GLEE PROJECT's Mario Bonds, 10/20
By: Kelsey Denette
Imagination Stage's 2012 Gala, chaired by Hillary Baltimore, Siobhan Davenport, and Tammy McKnight, spotlights creativity and provides an occasion to celebrate and honor those who ignite young imaginations. This year's event honoree is Mario Bonds.
"We are pleased to recognize Mario with the Imagination Award this year," says Executive Director Bonnie Fogel. "His story speaks to our mission of including children of all abilities; he is an inspiration."
The Just Think! Creativity is Possibility Gala will be held on Saturday, October 20 at Imagination Stage (4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda). The event features a pre-show reception, silent auction, original performance by Imagination Stage students and professional actors, and a buffet reception generously provided by Ridgewells Catering. Individual tickets are $250, and sponsorship packages begin at $1,000.
The theme of this year's Gala, which benefits Imagination Stage, is part of the larger "Creativity Initiative" currently in the planning stages at the organization. The program is intended to bring attention to the importance of nurturing creativity in children.
"When you help children develop their innate creativity, you give them a lifelong advantage. In every human endeavor, creative thinkers can change the world for the better. No matter who you are, no matter what your age, no matter what your circumstances, creativity is possibility," explains Janet Stanford, Artistic Director.
The Gala performance, directed by Imagination Stage's Associate Artistic Director Kathryn Chase Bryer, follows the character James, from James and the Giant Peach, as he learns of the power of creativity from the many characters in the Imagination Stage 2012-2013 professional theatre season. The show features Imagination Stage professionals ERIKA ROSE, Kevin McAllister, Matt Anderson, and Gillian Shelley, alongside 30 Imagination Stage students.
"I am very excited to be directing this year," remarks Bryer. "The Gala offers the perfect opportunity for Imagination Stage to express to our community who we are and the importance of what we do. It demonstrates the synergy between the shows we produce on our professional stage and our excellent theatre education program."
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