Boca Raton, Florida–The Boca Raton South Florida Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters held its signature event, the elegant Red Rose Dinner Gala on April 12th at Brooks Restaurant in Deerfield Beach. The annual fundraising event benefits students in the arts through scholarships, workshops and competitions.
Nearly 200 fans and patrons of the arts adorned Brooks Restaurant in beautiful formal attire to celebrate the achievements of the top three career award winners of the 2012 NSAL Musical Theatre competition and honor with a lifetime achievement award Ms. Jan McArt, Lynn University’s Director of Theatre Arts Program Development. Known as the First Lady of the Theatre, McArt was lauded for her leadership, artistic excellence, and dedication to youth. Through her Royal Palm Center Production Company, she established the Jan McArt’s Royal Palm Dinner Theatre, Jan’s Rooftop Cabaret Theatre, and the Little Palm Children’s Theatre in Boca Raton, among many others.
During the gala the National Society of Arts & Letters also named Boca Raton Theatre Director Shari Upbin as new President of the South Florida Chapter. Upbin, is the Co-Producer/Director of Broadway Live! Hollywood Live!, the Former President of the League of Professional Theatre Women in New York, and a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. She has produced and directed over 50 productions in New York and around the country, including the critically acclaimed Women’s Minyan in Boca Raton, Florida.
Among the highlights of the evening were award presentations to Chloe Dolandis, Jose Luaces and Melanie Sierra, winners of the NSAL South Florida Musical Theatre competition held in March, musical performances by Lynn University Theatre Arts Performing Artists and Lynn University Conservatory of Music Performing Artists.
Several local performing arts patrons and celebrities in attendance included: Christine Lynn, Chairman of the Board, Lynn University, Dr. Jon Robertson, Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Lynn University, Dame Alyce Erickson, Patron of the Arts & NSAL Regional Producer, Iris Acker, Beacon TV Personality, John Gallo, Lynn University Foundation Dept. Gift Officer, Marilynn Wick, Owner/Manager Costume World, Patricia Burdett, Manager Caldwell Theatre Company, and Broadway Actress Avery Sommers.
The National Society of Arts and Letters is a non-profit arts advocacy organization that seeks to identify, encourage and assist young talent in the various categories of art, dance, drama, literature, musical theatre and voice, through competitions and scholarships.