Installation Gala for the 2013-2014 Chairman and Board Members of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce to be held at International Polo Club on Friday, April 26,2013
Wellington, FL – The Annual Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce Installation Gala, “A Diamond Affair, celebrating 100 years from Cane to Coral” will be held Friday, April 26th in Wellington at the International Polo Club of Palm Beach at 6pm. “We are very excited to be celebrating our first complete year as a newly formed chamber and 100 years of history with our businesses and our communities of Central Palm Beach County. We are so proud of all that has been accomplished since are merger last year and the chamber’s rich history” stated Jaene Miranda CEO of the Chamber. “Our members look forward each year to this event and it would not be possible without the support of partners like our presenting sponsor Mercantil Commercebank”. The merger last year, brought two chambers together as one, The Palms West Chamber established 30 years ago this year, and the Greater Lake Worth Chamber which is celebrating a 100 years and was instrumental in forming the City of Lake Worth. This event will not only be an anniversary celebration but will feature the installation of the 2013-2014 Chamber officers and directors. The ceremonial gavel will be passed from current chairman, Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, who has served this past year, to the new Chairman, Francisco J. Gonzalez of Gonzalez and Shenkmen P.L. “It has been an honor to serve as the Chairman for the CPBCCC” says Bishop. “We have accomplished many projects and have had many successful fund raising events. The joining of the Lake Worth Chamber and Palms West has proven to be very beneficial for all the communities involved. Certainly in the past year the Medical community has had significant exposure with the many mixers. I will be there to help Frank Gonzalez in his transition as the new Chairman”. Gonzalez, a resident of Wellington provides experienced legal representation in the areas of commercial and residential real estate and business law. “It is a privilege to be stepping into the role of Chairman of the Chamber organization. In these trying economic times, it’s vital to have an organization such as our Chamber as an advocate for our business community members. I am committed to making Central Palm Beach County not only a place where existing businesses can thrive and grow but one that attracts new complimentary industries and employment centers. I look forward to meeting the challenges ahead” says the soon to be appointed Gonzalez. He is a Trustee and Board Member of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. He is the Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Task Force charged with promoting and facilitating business expansion in the Central Palm Beach County area. Mr. Gonzalez is also a graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach, served on the Board of Junior Achievement of The Palm Beaches, Inc. for over 10 years and a coach of basketball for the Wellington Recreation program. He and his wife Christina have three sons, Nicholas, Nathan and Daniel. They are very active in the community of Wellington where they have lived since 1997.
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of recognition and festivities. The evening will start off with a cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner, silent auction, live auction, the installation of the board and dancing the night away. Tickets are $125 for members and $175 for non-members. To purchase tickets go to www.cpbchamber.com or call 561-790-6200.
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April, 2013 – Installation Gala for the 2013-2014 Chairman and Board Members
April, 2013 – Local Authors Raise Awareness
West Palm Beach Gets STEAM-y
Local authors raise awareness on integrating the arts into STEM learning
West Palm Beach, FL — Corwin Publishers and the South Florida Science Museum will be hosting a book launch party for local authors Dr. David A. Sousa and Tom Pilecki in celebration of the publication of From STEM to STEAM: Using Brain-Compatible Strategies to Integrate the Arts (Corwin, 2013). The event will take place Monday, April 22, from 7 PM to 9 PM at PB Blues and BBQ in West Palm Beach .
Sousa, a resident of Palm Beach and the author of many best-selling books on education, and Pilecki, the former executive director of the Center for Creative Education in West Palm Beach , will be signing copies of their book. West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, Corwin President Mike Soules, and South Florida Science
Museum President and CEO Lew Crampton will also speak. Entertainment will be provided by Voices of Pride.
From STEM to STEAM argues that the arts build the creative and real-world problem-solving skills so central to STEM education. Sousa and Pilecki back up their claims with research-based evidence along with immediately useable lessons.
“The main objective of both art and science is discovery,” says Pilecki. “Our current school culture places heavy emphasis on convergent thinking, whereby the student pieces together relevant facts, data, and procedures to arrive at the single correct answer. In divergent thinking, on the other hand, the student generates several ideas about possible ways to solve a problem. Divergent thinking works best with poorly defined problems that have multifaceted solutions, such as dealing with climate change and environmental pollution. This is the type of thinking that is typical of artistic activities.”
The authors hope that their book will encourage education policymakers to recognize that an excessive emphasis on high-stakes testing forces schools to emphasize convergent rather than divergent thinking, and extinguishes creativity and student interest in science and mathematics. They hope policymakers and school administrators will provide more support for realigning the arts with the STEM areas.
“Research findings show that artistic endeavors improve long-term memory, increase student motivation, promote creativity, advance social growth, introduce novelty into lessons, and reduce stress,” says Sousa. “In addition, STEM teachers who have developed STEAM lessons say it makes teaching more interesting and rewarding for them as well as for their students.”
PB Blues and BBQ (formerly the China Beach Restaurant) is located at 409 Northwood Rd , Northwood Village , West Palm Beach . Reporters can RSVP for the event by contacting Charline Maher at [email protected] or 805-410-7750.
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May, 2013 – Poet Richard Blanco comes to the Ritz-Carlton
RICHARD BLANCO, INAUGURAL POET, VISITS THE RITZ-CARLTON, PALM BEACH FOR A “PLUM BLUSH OF DUSK” POETRY READING BENEFITTING PALM BEACH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
PALM BEACH, Fla., (May 1, 2013)—In support of the 25th anniversary of Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco will delight guests with a poetry reading for the “Plum Blush of Dusk” soiree at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach on Wednesday, May 1st. The inaugural poem “One Today,” resonated with the country and was a poignant highlight of President Obama’s 2nd inauguration ceremony. “The poem he [Blanco] presented, was called “a humble, modest poem, one presented to a national audience as a gift of [camaraderie], and in the context of political, pop, and media culture, a quiet assertion that poetry deserves its place in our thoughts on this one day, and every day,” said Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly.
In rapt attention, audiences fell under the spell of Richard’s words–classic prose to poetic beauty. Expressions so moving and visual, that one could almost touch the words. In true poetry in motion, Richard Blanco embraced the rich kaleidoscope of the nation’s people. The fifth poet to read at an inauguration, he is the first immigrant, the first Latino, the first openly gay person and the youngest person to be the U.S. inaugural poet. On Mr. Blanco’s first visit to the Palm Beaches as the “pop star poet,” this reception is a perfect way to honor Richard as an artist and celebrate tolerance.
As the sun sets to the west, this grassroots occasion will be intimate gathering by the firepit on the oceanfront terrace. This event is limited capacity, however, a VIP meet and greet will be available. Following the VIP reception, guests will be treated to a 15 minute poetry reading and reception from 7:30PM – 9:00PM.
For more information on tickets, please call Palm Beach County Human Rights Council 561-586-0203 or visit www.pbchrc.org. For more information about “Plum Blush of Dusk” and/or The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, please call 1-561-533-6000 or visit, www.ritzcarlton.com/palmbeach
The following excerpt is from One Today…
“One sky, toward which we sometimes lift our eyes
tired from work: some days guessing at the weather
of our lives, some days giving thanks for a love
that loves you back, sometimes praising a mother
who knew how to give, or forgiving a father
who couldn’t give what you wanted.
We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight
of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always—home,
always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon
like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop
and every window, of one country—all of us—
facing the stars
hope—a new constellation
waiting for us to map it,
waiting for us to name it—together.” Richard Blanco
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About The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach is a Forbes Five Star and 2013 AAA Five Diamond Award property, which completed a more-than $130 million transformation in 2009. The beachfront resort welcomes guests with breath taking ocean views immediately upon entry and a gorgeous outdoor terrace with evening ambiance and a fire pit. There are 310 spacious guestrooms and luxurious suites – including the 2,755-square-foot Presidential Suite – and 23,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. Dining options include Angle, a contemporary American supper club; Temple Orange for traditional American/ Mediterranean comfort food; Breeze as a chic burger bistro set ocean side; Oceanfront Cabanas for intimate affairs; Eau Spa Café; and Stir Bar in the lobby lounge for light nibbles and refreshments. The Business Lounge and Resort Cabanas cater to travellers who wish to combine work and play. Eau Spa offers a contemporary take on spa-going and day-long unwinding with a multitude of fanciful treatments, a full-service salon and Eau- fitness Center. For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/palm_beach.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR).
About Richard Blanco
Richard Blanco is an American poet and teacher. Blanco, born in Madrid, immigrated as an infant with his Cuban exile family to Miami, and was raised and educated there. He earned a B.S. from Florida International University in Civil Engineering in 1991 and his Master in Fine Arts in Creative Writing in 1997. He taught at Georgetown University, American University, Central Connecticut State University, and Writer’s Center. His poems have appeared in top literary journals including, The Nation, the New Republic, Ploughshares, Michigan Quarterly Review, and TriQuarterly Review; and several anthologies including, The Best American Poetry, Great American Prose Poems, Breadloaf Anthology of New American Poets, and American Poetry: The Next Generation. He has been featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, and various conferences and venues including the Miami Book Fair, The Southern Writers Conference, The Sunken Garden Poetry Festival, the Dodge Poetry Festival, and The Poetry Center at Smith College. Blanco is recipient of two Florida Artist Fellowships, a Residency Fellowship from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and is a John Ciardi Fellow of the Bread Loaf Writers Conference.
About Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local non-profit organization, is dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The Council promotes equality, through education, advocacy, direct action, impact litigation, and community outreach.
July, 2013 – Summer Music Camp at Village Music
2013 Summer Music Camp:
Instrument Exploration
An Introduction to Various Instrument Groups
July 22nd – 26th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Participants will have the chance to learn about and experiment with all of the following instrument groups:
– Keyboard
– Guitar/Ukulele
– Woodwinds
– Drums/Percussion
– Brass
Our goal is to provide participants with experiences that are educational, creative, and interactive and to musically inspire kids of all ages in a fun group setting.
Daily Schedule
9:00 – 9:45: Introduction to Instrument Group 1A: history, family, theory, musical contributors, demonstrations
10:00 – 10:45: Hands-on Group 1A Instrument Lessons
11:00 – 11:45 Music Film
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
1:00 – 1:45 Introduction to Instrument Group 1B
2:00 – 2:45 Hands-on Group 1B Instrument Lessons
Tuition: $300, including lunch on last day. (Sibling Discount: $500 for 2 children)
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April, 2013 – Next Community Forum
Commissioner Santamaria to Hold
Next Community Forum April 17
District 6 County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will hold his next community forum on Wednesday, April 17th, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the center court of the original Wellington Mall.
The topic will be current events in Palm Beach County
The mall is located at the southeast corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Boulevard . Refreshments will be served.
Who: Commissioner Jess Santamaria
What: Community Forum
Where: original Wellington Mall southeast corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd.
When: Wednesday, April 17 from 7-9 p.m.
Contact: 561-355-6300
April, 2013 – Conservatory Names Recipients of Annual Awards
THE MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE’S CONSERVATORY
NAMES RECIPIENTS OF ANNUAL AWARDS
Many of the students honored will perform in the upcoming musical Oklahoma!, held at Jupiter Community High School ’s auditorium May 18 and 19
April 11, 2013 (Jupiter) – The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts has announced the recipients of its annual Conservatory Awards.
Named for donors who made the physical construction of the Conservatory possible, the eight awards are merit-based acknowledgements of hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to go the extra mile.
“We have many hardworking students at our Conservatory, but these students, in particular, have shown dedication and determination throughout the year,” said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Theatre. “We are so grateful to the donors and parents that help make the Conservatory such a wonderful place for our students to continue to thrive and cultivate their talents.”
The winners were honored at a fundraiser luncheon on April 6 at Frenchman’s Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens . The event included a student showcase of Conservatory productions, including the upcoming musical Oklahoma!, which will be performed May 18 and 19 at Jupiter Community High School and features many of the award recipients.
Listed below are the Conservatory’s 2013 recipients:
Conservatory voice and musical theater student Frances Weissler, 15, earned The Jim and Diana Perrella Unity Award, presented to the student who continually strives to promote unity in all aspects of the classroom and performance, demonstrates the notable moral qualities of selflessness and is respected by their peers. Frances has been a Conservatory student since 2009, has performed in 10 Conservatory shows and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is homeschooled and in 10th grade.
Conservatory tap, hip hop, ballet, jazz, modern and musical theater student Austin Carroll, 17, earned The Healey Award for Leadership, given to the student who demonstrates strong leadership qualities, inspires others, sets an example by always being prepared and goes beyond what is asked of them. Austin has been a Conservatory student since 2012, has performed in two Conservatory shows and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. He is a senior at Jupiter High School .
Conservatory tap, ballet and musical theater student Aszkara Gilchrist, 15, earned the Jodi Ann Saltzman Memorial Award for the “Most Spirited Student,” given to a student who has overcome enormous odds in their lifetime and continues to pursue their love of the performing arts with passion and enthusiasm. Aszkara has been a Conservatory student since 2012 and has performed in one Conservatory production. She is homeschooled and in 10th grade.
Conservatory ballet and musical theater student Roberto Marin, 18, earned the Eisenstein Award for Cultural Awareness In The Arts, presented to the student who shares their rich heritage with fellow students and acknowledges the impact their background has had in the arts. Robert o has been a Conservatory student since 2012, has performed in two Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. He is a senior at Jupiter High School .
Conservatory voice, ballet, piano and musical theater student Skyler Sajewski, 12, earned The O’Hagan Family Award, presented to the student who has shown marked progress in any one of the three disciplines – acting, dance, or voice. Skylar has been a student at the Conservatory since 2010, has performed in three Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is in 7th grade at Bak Middle School of the Arts.
Conservatory ballet and musical theater student Emily Winkler, 13, earned The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Guild Award, presented to the student who has shown marked progress in any one of the three disciplines – acting, dance, or voice. Emily has been a Conservatory student since 2010, has performed in eight Conservatory and Theatre shows and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is in 7th grade at Crestwood Middle School .
Conservatory voice, tap, ballet and musical theater student Charly Hamann, 16, earned The Peggy and Rick Katz Award for Outstanding Achievement, presented to the student who has shown marked progress in all three disciplines, shows excellence in attendance and preparation, and maintains a positive attitude towards the work and other students. Charly has been a student at the Conservatory since 2009, has performed in eight Conservatory and Theatre shows and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is in 10th grade at Jupiter High School .
Conservatory voice, ballet, tap and musical theater student Laura Guley, 14, earned The Paul and Sandra Goldner Award for Outstanding Commitment, presented to the student who has shown outstanding collaboration and dedication to the theatre, displays care, dedication, and a pay it forward attitude. Laura has been a student at the Conservatory since 2010, has performed in five Conservatory and Theatre shows and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is in 9th grade at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory’s hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors.
The Conservatory also offers camp programs throughout the summer. Budding young performers will participate in a broad range of theatre-related activities at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, including acting, dancing, singing, prop-making, improvisation, storytelling and more. Each camp concludes with a themed showcase performance, including the summer’s two largest shows: the Senior Conservatory’s Little Shop of Horrors (June 28 and 29) and the Junior Conservatory’s Aladdin, Jr. (July 26). Camp sessions run June 10 – August 9. For more information on all of the Conservatory’s programs, call 561-575-2672.
Showtime for the Conservatory’s upcoming production of Oklahoma! at Jupiter High School is 7:30 p.m. on May 18; 2 p.m. on May 19. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for children. Call the Theatre’s box office for tickets at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.
About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida ’s preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state’s largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws over 70,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,530 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida ’s highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence in 2012. For more information about the Theatre’s upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.
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April, 2013 – Installment Payment Plan
Budget-Friendly Installment Payment Plan Offer Ends April 30
West Palm Beach, FL – Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the deadline to enroll in the property tax installment payment plan is April 30, 2013. Under the plan, enrollees pay four smaller installments, instead of one lump sum.
“Quarterly payments can be easier for many,” Gannon said. “Over 21,000 property owners are now in the plan. Plus, enrollees receive a discount of slightly under 4 percent.”
Any property owner with estimated taxes over $100 qualifies. Enrollment requires completing a one page application. Applications are available online at taxcollectorpbc.com or at any Tax Collector service location. Re-enrollment is automatic.
The quarterly payments are due in June, September, December and March. If the June payment is missed, the property owner is automatically removed from the plan. There is no financial penalty for missing the June deadline.
The Installment Payment Plan is authorized in Florida Statutes, Chapter 197.222.
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April, 2013 – Annie Jr. Comes to the Wellington Children’s Theatre
Annie Jr. Comes to the Wellington Children’s Theatre
By Krista Martinelli
One of the most beloved musicals, among children and adults, is Annie. It has a little something for everyone – catchy songs, a fun cast of characters (including a dog), a protagonist, an antagonist, and – set among the backdrop of the Depression – a whole lot of hope for the future. When founder of the new Wellington Children’s Theatre, Karen Braunstein, chose Annie Jr. for their spring production, it made perfect sense. Annie Jr., by the way, is an abbreviated version of Annie. “We have a diverse and talented group of kids,” she says. “Some are very new, while others are like seasoned professionals. It’s a real joy to direct them and see them grow.”
To best showcase three of their talented young actors, they have three different Annies – playing the role at different performance times. The show takes place at the Wellington High School auditorium on April 21, 26, 27 and 28 (see end of story for show times and box office number). “This group of children is impressively talented, which made casting the show very challenging. I wanted to give every child a lead role!” says Braunstein. “Each Annie is bringing something different to the role.” It’s a great opportunity to shine, and rising stars Emily, Lily and Jade bring so much to the character.
About Emily Shecter
“Every time I rehearse in the role of Annie, it becomes more meaningful to me. I love the song ‘Tomorrow.’ To me, it means, ‘Don’t ever give up on today – because there’s always tomorrow.’ I like how I get to express myself when I’m acting. I feel so special when I’m on stage!” says Emily.
Emily is thrilled to be playing the role of Annie. Annie is such a great role and Emily is very passionate about this part. Emily is 12 years old and is in the 6th grade at EmeraldCoveMiddle School. She has been performing in community and professional theater since kindergarten. Emily’s credits include: Annie in Annie Jr., the Little Girl in Ragtime and Lil’ Rizzo in Grease. Emily was most recently a Finalist in the Wellington Idol competition and sang in Starz of the Future at the South Florida Fair for the past 2 years, Dream Night at the BorlandCenter and the Wellington Talent Search. This is Emily’s fourth year in the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches and she was chosen to sing in a talent showcase at the Harriet Himmel Theater last year. Emily will be attending Frenchwoods Festival of the Arts in New York for her second summer. She enjoys musical theater, singing, acting, dancing, competitive cheerleading and playing the piano.
About Jade Master
“It’s an honor to be chosen as Annie and it makes me feel like all my hard work has paid off. I love that Annie is spunky and she’s a really fun role to play because she’s tough, but also has a softer side. It’s really fun portraying the different emotions of the character,” says Jade Evori Master.
Jade is a Theater Major at BAKMiddle School of the Arts and has been performing publicly for about 4 years. She started in a musical theater class at age 7 and since then has been studying dance, acting and vocals. Tap is Jade’s favorite style of dance. She also started taking piano a few months ago. Jade sings in several different genres such as Broadway, Country, Pop, R& B, a little bit of opera and can also yodel. Jade has had the opportunity to perform throughout South Florida for many different events and venues such as BB Kings, The Borland Theater and the Maltz Theater. She has also performed in Nashville, Las Vegas and New York at venues like the Hard Rock Cafe. This fall Jade will be performing in Canada. She is a songwriter and has several original songs in production. Jade released her very first original last December called “Country Christmas.” You can see more of Jade online at these sites too.
http://www.facebook.com/JadeEvoriMaster
http://www.JadeEvoriMaster.com/
http://www.youtube.com/JadeEvoriMaster
http://instagram.com/jadeevorimaster/
http://www.reverbnation.com/jadeevorimaster
About Lily Marie
“Up until now, I’ve always been in the ensemble and now I get to be a lead
character and I really like it. Ever since I saw the movie a few years ago, I’ve wanted to play the role of Annie and now I have this chance and it’s lots of fun!” says Lily Marie.
Lily has been in CATS, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Aladdin Jr. and The Little Mermaid, Jr. She also placed in the top 12 at Wellington’s Talent Show last summer.
Why did Braunstein decide to start up the Wellington Children’s Theatre last fall? “I saw a niche here. There’s nothing really like this for children. I wanted to offer a comprehensive experience of taking a play to full production.” Braunstein has been working in the world of theatre since 1987, including musicals, operas and all kinds of theater productions. She’s also served as cantor at various temples.
“I love working with kids,” says Braunstein. “It’s a joy to see how much they can grow as actors!” She wanted to be located in the heart of Wellington, so she found the perfect spot – in the original Wellington Mall, located behind Checker’s on Forest Hill Boulevard in Wellington. She shares a space with a private school, called The Education Place. Their first production was Edwina, Jr. last fall.
As a young child, Braunstein studied ballet and piano. “At thirteen, I knew I wanted to be an opera singer,” she says. She went on to get her B.M. in vocal performance and her Master’s Degree in Sacred Music. She’s excited to be receiving an honorary doctorate degree next month for her 25 years of service as a cantor. Within the scope of her cantorial work, Braunstein had been directing and producing about two shows a year. She’s also done a lot with theater at summer camps and continues to teach voice and piano.
What benefits does theater bring to a child’s personal development? According to Braunstein, it stretches their imagination and allows them to be more confident overall. “Acting is all about focus. There’s the concept of the fourth wall. When an actor loses himself in a role and experiences ‘being in the moment’ onstage, it is a tremendously freeing experience. Acting is all about the relationships between the characters,” she says. She also points to the rich genre of musical theater, a positive influence in the lives of children. “Hopefully they’ll be bitten by the theater bug…and keep going!”
The biggest challenge when it comes to working with children’s theater, according to Braunstein, is simply good diction. “I’m always teaching them to speak clearly and to project their voices.”
There are several choices of classes at the Wellington Children’s Theatre available, depending on children’s ages. They have “Broadway Babies” for 3 to 4 year olds. They offer “Acting Out” for kids aged 5, 6 and 7, which involves putting on scenes and doing scripted reviews. They offer “Got Drama?” for ages 8 to 12, which is a focused acting class (without the musical theater). The Wellington Children’s Theatre is also proud to have Beverly Blanchette of the DreyfoosSchool for the Arts teaching acting for teens, audition workshops and monolog workshops. She offers private lessons. In the future, Braunstein would like to offer a cabaret ensemble type of class.
This summer the Wellington Children’s Theatre will have Summer Camp from June 10 to 28th for ages 6 to 16, a program that runs from 9am to 3pm each day, with aftercare available. This is an excellent outlet for your little drama queens and kings!
Karen Braunstein is happy that her children seemed to have kept theater in their lives too. Her daughter is a sophomore at WellingtonHigh School, involved in concert chorus, dance and theater. Her son is in his junior year at MaryMountCollege in Manhattan, getting his B.F.A. in Theater. He’s also a professional magician.
What’s next for the Wellington Children’s Theatre? “My dream is to have my own black box theater. Wellington needs to invest in a performance space. This would not just be an outlet for kids, but a place for the whole Wellington community to see great productions!”
Tickets for Annie Junior can be purchased on the Wellington Children’s Theatre website. Dates and times are:
Sunday, 4/21 at 4pm
Friday, 4/26 at 7pm
Saturday, 4/27 at 7pm
Sunday, 4/28 at 4pm
For more information about the Wellington Children’s Theatre, Annie Jr., taking classes or signing up for summer camp, call (561) 223-1928.
