join SUPPORT enjoy BECOME PART OF THE LEGACY.
More than 20 years ago, members of our community made the commitment to build our fantastic center and theatre. Originally, these members created a membership package that aligned with the annual Broadway Entertainment Series. Over the years, other supporters wanted to be a part of The Classic Center and the Foundation but found they had other interests rather than the Broadway series. From this, the 501 Club was created. The 501 Club is the Foundation s newest membership package and provides other benefits outside of the Broadway series. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation now offers two benefit packages to meet the needs of our community and its supporters. The Center Stage Society package offers benefits closely aligned with the Broadway Entertainment Series; the 501 Club package provides benefits aligned with the music, comedians and other entertainment The Classic Center offers. When the founders of The Classic Center and the Foundation first created this center of cultural, civic and social duty they didn t know that their vision would lead to $44.4 million in annual economic impact to the Athens community and secure the arts home in Athens. THE FOUNDATION at work $27,500 in annual performing and culinary arts scholarships 50 locally-purchased pieces of art 35 rotating pieces of art, twice each year 6 capital campaigns to support $12 million in facility enhancements Annual support of local workforce development programs Become part of the legacy. 2 ONE MISSION, TWO COMMUNITIES The Classic Center Cultural Foundation s mission is to provide resources to entertain and educate the local community by providing and supporting diverse performing, visual and culinary arts programs, while working to maintain The Classic Center in a state-ofthe-art condition. FOUNDATION STAFF Elizabeth Austin, Director Elizabeth@ClassicCenter.com 706.357.4435 Beth Bryant, Membership & Ticketing Services Manager Beth@ClassicCenter.com 706.357.4521 Stephanie VanDyck, Foundation Manager Stephanie@ClassicCenter.com 706.357.4417 Visit ClassicCenter.com for a current list of board members. 3
The Classic Center Cultural Foundation s mission is rooted in supporting local art in our community. The Foundation is honored to host two rotating art galleries as a way of bringing this mission to life and to the public. We invite you to tour these galleries, which are a reflection of the immense talent of local artists in Athens. You can support our local art community by adding a unique piece from these collections to your home. ART WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT For more information, or to purchase a piece from the Classic Galleries, please contact Co-Curators Didi Dunphy and Jaime Bull at ClassicCenterArt@gmail.com Crossing Broad by Bob Brussack Each year the After Romeo visiting schools to teach music Foundation offers local community groups the opportunity to apply for a grant to aid them in accessing The Classic Center. Previous grants have been used to fund complimentary performances for 4 THE FOUNDATION at work patrons and students. GRANTS HOSPITALITY CAREERS ACADEMY The Hospitality Careers Academy is a summer opportunity for high school students interested in a career in hospitality and tourism. The Classic Center partners with The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee and Levy to host this program. During the week long Academy, students will listen to guest speakers in the industry, participate in job shadowing and industry tours, take part in team-building and leadership activities, all while working toward the culminating project that integrates the skills and information they have gained throughout the week. The event the students create is always inspiring and would not be possible without the Foundation s support. The Academy s graduates have gone on to institutions such as Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY. BREAD FOR LIFE The Classic Center Cultural Foundation is proud to partner with Bread for Life, a non-profit organization that provides leaders in the local hospitality industry as instructors to at risk adults. Bread for Life hires a talented and experienced baker to oversee production and brings in experienced teachers to direct the educational program, as well as a dedicated crew of volunteers. The students that participate in this program are truly remarkable, as they have the desire to embark on a career path that will lift them and their families out of poverty, through a career path in the hospitality industry. This recipe for success combines a classroom curriculum plus hands-on paid training to prepare the student graduates for a viable, sustainable career. A total of 78% of graduates from Bread for Life receive and retain employment in the industry. THE FOUNDATION at work 5
CHOLARSHIPS One of the goals of The Classic Center Cultural Foundation is to support the youth in our community by awarding scholarships to local students in the performing and culinary arts. When the Foundation was founded, one scholarship was available. That grew into adding a donation back to the recipient s school performing arts program. Now the Foundation awards $2,000 in the areas of vocal performance, music, dance and culinary arts, as well as $500 to each recipients school. Currently, the Foundation awards 11 students totaling $27,500 in annual scholarships, throughout Northeast Georgia. Ester Muñiz VOCAL, RABUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL An accomplished singer, Ester has participated in chorus and musical theatre throughout her high school career. With future hopes of becoming a music teacher, she is very involved with her community s youth with roles as a Sunday School teacher, choir leader and elementary school volunteer. Jessie Kuehne VOCAL, RABUN GAP-NACOOCHEE SCHOOL An all-around accomplished performer, Jessie has excelled in dance, voice, and musical theatre as a Rabun Gap- Nacoochee School student. She plans to continue her study of theatre in college. Kiana Washington DRAMA/DANCE, OCONEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL A decorated thespian from Oconee County High School, Kiana has excelled in all aspects of the performing arts. Kiana has also held several leadership roles in both school and her community, which led to her being named to the 2017 Class of Distinguished Young Women of Georgia. Kelsey Becker INSTRUMENTAL, RABUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Actively participating in the county s middle school and high school bands, Kelsey has been a member of both the Rabun County High School marching band and Jazz Band. She plans to use her music background as she pursues her other love of science while studying at Georgia Tech. Anna Yin INSTRUMENTAL, RABUN GAP-NACOOCHEE SCHOOL A member of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School orchestra, Anna is proficient in many percussion instruments, but found a passion in playing timpani. Anna plans to minor in orchestra in college and be a part of a collegiate ensemble. Lauren Chen INSTRUMENTAL, CEDAR SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL An accomplished pianist from Cedar Shoals High School, Lauren has received numerous awards for her talent. In May 2017, Lauren will perform at Carnegie Hall for her first place win in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition. CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS JULY 14, 2017 Each year the Foundation hosts a Celebration of the Arts. It is an enchanting time of fine dining and entertainment as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, introduce the scholarship recipients, thank our valued members for their support and introduce the upcoming theatre season. ATHENS ON ICE NOVEMBER 2017 - FEBRUARY 2018 Athens on Ice is fun for the entire family! For each skate rental, the Foundation receives a $1 donation, so bring your family and friends to experience the best ice skating in Athens! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 9, 2017 Kick-off your holiday season with a delicious breakfast buffet, photos with Santa and fun at Santa s workshop craft station. Gather the whole family for this holiday fun! ATHENS WINE WEEKEND FEBRUARY 2-4, 2018 Athens Wine Weekend features more than 100 wines from around the world, seminars by wine experts and an amazing Gourmet Dinner with wine pairings for each course. BUNNY BRUNCH MARCH 24, 2018 Hop into Spring with the Easter Bunny and delicious brunch buffet! Children will enjoy a photo with the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt (with wonderful prizes), crafts and more! Gather the whole family for some springtime fun! Grace Strickland VOCAL, NORTH OCONEE HIGH SCHOOL An avid vocalist and musical theatre performer from North Oconee High School, Grace has built an accomplished performing arts resume. Bound for New York City in the fall, Grace is ready to take her vocal talents to new heights as she trains for a career in the arts! THE FOUNDATION at work Matthew Ingram VOCAL, GREENE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL A talented vocalist, Matthew is the lead singer for the local band 306 South Main. He is the recipient of the Greene County High School Vocalist Award, and is very involved with his community through active roles with Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. He hopes his love for the performing arts will one day lead him to a career in the entertainment industry. EVENTS BENEFITTING THE CLASSIC CENTER CULTURAL FOUNDATION 7
Private bars Designated member concierge Want to support The Classic Center Cultural Foundation? Presales Join one of two benefit packages crafted to meet your needs! VIP meet and greets Annual trips 8 9
JOIN THE CIRCLE Presales, private bars, meet and greets and more! OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW NOVEMBER 2014 501 EXCURSION 501 ON THE GO VIP EXPERIENCES Our members are always on HAPPY The fun starts after 5 the move and with the 501 Club! experiencing 501 Club members are VIPs at HOURS Join us for complimentary Get out of town with the new things! The Classic Center! Don't miss happy hours throughout 501 Club! Join us as we Take us with you out on presales, private bars, the year. travel to venues outside on your travels meet and greets and more! of Athens for exciting with #501onthego shows and events. 10 11
12 JOIN All membership levels receive preferential treatment and presales when purchasing tickets to The Classic Center produced shows, notification of all Classic Center Cultural Foundation events, listing on member plaque, access to the 501 lounge, including a private bar throughout select shows, a 10% discount on purchases at the 501 Café, invitation to club happy hours and a designated member concierge. Partner ($150+) Listed on member plaque Two access passes to the 501 lounge, including a private bar throughout select shows and complimentary drink tickets Invitation to club happy hours Promoter ($300+) Listed on member plaque Two access passes to the 501 lounge, including a private bar throughout select shows and complimentary drink tickets Invitation to club happy hours Preferential treatment for artist meet and greets for Classic Center select shows Two complimentary tickets to Athens on Ice public ice skating Two complimentary tickets to the Grand Tasting event at Athens Wine Weekend Invitation to purchase tickets to the annual 501 Club excursion Creative ($500+) Preferential treatment and presales to The Classic Center produced shows Notification of all Classic Center Cultural Foundation events Listed on member plaque Four access passes to the 501 lounge, including a private bar throughout the show and complimentary drink tickets Invitation to club happy hours Preferential treatment for artists meet and greets for Classic Center shows Four complimentary tickets to Athens on Ice public ice skating Four complimentary tickets to the Grand Tasting event at Athens Wine Weekend Invitation to purchase tickets to the annual 501 Club excursion One parking pass, valid during Foundation events Artist ($1,000+) Preferential treatment and presales to The Classic Center produced shows Notification of all Classic Center Cultural Foundation events Listed on member plaque Four access passes to the 501 lounge, including a private bar throughout select shows and complimentary drink tickets Invitation to club happy hours Preferential treatment for artists meet and greets for Classic Center select shows Four complimentary tickets to Athens on Ice public ice skating Four complimentary tickets to the Grand Tasting event at Athens Wine Weekend Invitation to purchase tickets to the annual 501 Club excursion One parking pass, valid during Foundation events Two complimentary tickets to three shows of your choice at The Classic Center 13
STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT MEMBER RECEPTIONS AND CAST MEET & GREETS Following Classic Conversations, there are exclusive member receptions for Center Stage Society members. These members enjoy a meal and private room throughout each of the Broadway Entertainment Series shows, ensuring our Center Stage Society members have a truly unforgettable experience. Traveling provides the opportunity to explore and embark on incredible journeys all while creating memories to last a lifetime. We invite you to join our Center Stage Society members on some of these grand adventures! 14 Conversations lassic Join us for an educational talk before each Broadway Entertainment Series show to enhance your experience throughout the season! Musical Theatre Historian, Kristin Pressley, will lead a discussion before each show to help you view the performance from a unique perspective. TRAVEL Ever wondered how the Broadway series is selected? The annual New York City trip is the opportunity to take part in the discussion while dining at some of the city s best restaurants, visiting museums and enjoying several Broadway shows. In addition to traveling to New York every January, Center Stage Society members experience another journey in the summer. These trips have included cruises to Alaska and Canada, excursions to England, Italy and wine country in California and much more! 15
Kinky Boots Thursday, November 9, 2017 7:30 P.M. Based on true events, Kinky Boots tells the heartwarming and humorous story of two people with nothing in common - or so they think! Kinky Boots is the winner of every major Best Musical award, including the Tony, the Grammy and London s Olivier Award. Featuring 16 original songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this dazzling sensation is inspiring audiences around the world to LET LOVE SHINE! Riverdance 20 Years Wednesday, January 17, 2018 7:30 P.M. The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand! Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences of all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Cabaret Monday, February 19, 2018 7:30 P.M. Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd! Enjoy John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff s Tony Award-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way. Motown The Musical Friday, March 9, 2018 8:00 P.M. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. The Sound of Music Thursday, April 19, 2018 7:30 P.M. THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! This brand new production of The Sound of Music, the musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family, will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winning Best Score, including My Favorite Things, Edelweiss and the title song. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Sunday, November 19, 2017 7:30 P.M. America s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. State Ballet Theatre Of Russia's The Nutcracker (2 performances) Friday, December 22, 2017 7:30 P.M. & Saturday, December 23 2:00 P.M. Generations of children and children at heart have treasured this perennial favorite, the charming tale of holiday adventure that follows a little girl s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. The entire family will love this magical experience. broadway ENTERTAINMENT SERIES As a Center Stage Society member, don t miss out on this year s exciting Broadway Entertainment Series! Become a season ticket holder to fully enjoy the benefits of your package with our Member Receptions and cast meet and greets! Don t miss this year s lineup! The Nutcracker The Nutcracker 17
18 JOIN All membership levels receive preferential treatment and presales when purchasing tickets to The Classic Center produced shows, notification of all Classic Center Cultural Foundation events, listing on member plaque and in all Broadway Entertainment Series playbills, priority seating for Broadway Entertainment Series, opportunity to purchase additional tickets at $25 each to all Broadway Entertainment Series Member receptions, a 10% discount on purchases at the 501 Café and a designated member concierge. Friends ($150+) Priority seating for Broadway Entertainment Series Opportunity to purchase $25 tickets to all Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions Artistic Director ($350+) Two complimentary tickets to each Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions, Invitation to purchase two tickets to Celebration of the Arts Director ($600+) Two complimentary tickets to each Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions, Two complimentary tickets to Celebration of the Arts Membership into the Travel Club One parking pass, valid during Foundation events Producer ($1,000+) Four complimentary tickets to each Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions, Two complimentary tickets to Celebration of the Arts Membership into the Travel Club, with advanced notification of trips Two parking passes, valid during Foundation events Reserved seats at Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions with RSVP Conductor ($2,500+) Four complimentary tickets to each Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions, Four complimentary tickets to Celebration of the Arts Membership into the Travel Club, with advanced notification of trips Two parking passes, valid during Foundation events Reserved seats at Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions with RSVP Sponsorship host of a Broadway Entertainment Series Member Reception Two tickets to Amuse-Bouche and Grand Tasting events during Athens Wine Weekend Executive Producer ($5,000+) Six complimentary tickets to each Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions, Six complimentary tickets to Celebration of the Arts Membership into the Travel Club, with advanced notification of trips Three parking passes, valid during Foundation events Reserved seats at Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions with RSVP Sponsorship host of a Broadway Entertainment Series Member Reception Four tickets to Amuse-Bouche and Grand Tasting events during Athens Wine Weekend Benefactor ($10,000+) Six seats to the core 2017-18 Classic Center Theatre Broadway Entertainment Series Six complimentary tickets to each Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions, Eight complimentary tickets to Celebration of the Arts Membership into the Travel Club, with advanced notification of trips Three parking passes, valid during Foundation events Reserved seats at Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions with RSVP Sponsorship host of a Broadway Entertainment Series Member Reception Six tickets to Amuse-Bouche and Grand Tasting events during Athens Wine Weekend *Disclaimer: If you bring a guest to one of the Broadway Entertainment Series Member Receptions and that guest becomes a Classic Center Cultural Foundation member, your charge for the guest will be reimbursed. 19
Mail contribution and form to: The Classic Center Cultural Foundation Attn: Beth Bryant, Membership & Ticketing Services Manager 300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601 NAME First Last PHONE Home Office Cell ADDRESS City State Zip E-MAIL ADDRESS BIRTH DATE I would like the following benefit package: CENTER STAGE SOCIETY Friend $150+ Conductor $2,500+ 501 CLUB Partner $150+ Artistic Director $350+ Director $600+ Producer $1,000+ Executive Producer $5,000+ Benefactor $10,000 + Promoter $300+ Creative $500+ Artist $1,000+ Custom corporate packages available for either benefit package METHOD OF PAYMENT Check (Made payable to The Classic Center Cultural Foundation) Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Name as it appears on credit card Card Number Expiration Date Security code Authorized Signature With each level of membership the real value of benefits varies. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation strongly recommends that you seek advice from your tax consultant to ensure compliance with current state and federal tax codes.