VSC Presents Its Spring Gala, 4/28

Guests will embark on a first-class virtual excursion to the four corners of the globe at Virginia Stage Company's 2012 Spring Gala "All The World's A Stage," on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Benefits from the evening will proceed VSC's CULTIVATE programs, which bring arts experiences to over 40,000 school children throughout Southeastern Virginia and into North Carolina each year.

The evening's activities will include a tour through countries of the world via The Wells Theatre's lobbies and backstage areas as well as live and silent auctions of treasures from around the world and from VSC's talented artisans. A lively, entertaining Travelogue featuring VSC resident artists will be the evening's finale.

Tickets to the Gala are $75 each including all beverages and cuisine from Omar Boukhriss of Omar's Carriage House and Voila Cuisine Internationale, and can be purchased online at www.vastage.com. For more information on sponsoring or donating to the event, contact Katie Goan, VSC's Assistant Development Director, at kgoan@vastage.com or 627-6988, ext. 342.

Proceeds from "All The World's A Stage" help support VSC's CULTIVATE activities, allowing students of all ages to interact with professional actors, playwrights, directors, designers, producers and production crews. These enriching arts experiences include In-School Tour Performances, Student Matinees, In-School workshops and Artist-in-Residence programs at Title I elementary schools and various middle and high schools.

In addition to offering student matinees of VSC's mainstage shows, CULTIVATE sends live, professional theater to schools through our In-School Touring Program. Presented with full sets, costumes and sound, students K-12 experience first-hand classics, including Shakespeare, as well as works written for children by today's playwrights.

CULTIVATE's touring program also includes In-School Workshops that engage students in the arts while connecting them to their core curriculum. Workshops range in subject matter from bullying prevention to history and civics topics to acting and playwriting. These concentrated experiences are tailored for all grade levels. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of arts experiences on children, including enhanced cognitive abilities, increased text scores and better social relationships. By attending VSC's Gala, the public can help keep the arts alive in classrooms throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. For more information on CULTIVATE, visit www.vastage.com/educationoutreach/cultivate

Now in its 33rd season, Virginia Stage Company is the region's only fully professional resident theater company, serving an annual audience close to 80,000. Since its founding, Virginia Stage Company has made significant contributions to the quality of life in Hampton Roads: presenting more than 190 plays through more than 4,200 performances; revitalizing and renovating the historic Wells Theatre; providing educational programs for students of all ages; and preserving the legacy of live theatre for future generations.

Seasonal support for VSC's 33rd Season is provided by Norfolk Southern Corporation.