HOUSTON, July 19, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Having reached yet another milestone of 30 years of service to the Houston theatre community, The Ensemble Theatre will help theatre lovers to "Ignite the Passion -- Experience the Ensemble Theatre" in commemoration of its 31 years of service to the Houston community as it launches its 2007-2008 season.
The annual Gala celebration will be held August 10, 2007 and promises to be more spectacular as the Ensemble honors members of the theatre and community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in enhancing the theatre and fine arts. The Ensemble is proud to announce renown television and film stars, James L. Avery (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) who will receive the "Actor of the Year" Award; Charles S. Dutton (Roc) will receive the "Director of the Year" Award; native Houstonians and former Ensemble young performers Tamar Davis, who will receive the "Rising Star" Award and Robyn Troup who will receive the President's Award; and HEB will receive the Corporate Partner Award for its financial support and dedicated community service.
The Ensemble is pleased to also announce this year's distinguished Co-Chairs for the Gala Weekend Celebration including: Honorary Gala Chairs, Kerri & Downey Bridgewater; and Gala Chair, Merele Yarborough. The Annual Gala serves as the theatre's major fundraiser which supports its annual $1.5 million operating budget.
The "2007 Annual Celebration" will begin with an "Underwriter's Reception" hosted by the Honorary and Gala Co-Chairs on Thursday, July 26th at 6:00 pm at BICE Ristorante. The Black Tie Gala will be held on Friday, August 10th @ 6:00 pm at the Hilton Americas Hotel; and the "Subscriber's Celebration Party" will be held on Saturday, August 11th at The Ensemble from 3-6 pm. The Ensemble will present a special glimpse of the new 2007-2008 season that will be performed by way of vignettes. This special event will allow guests to subscribe for the new season at special rates as well as be entertained.
NOTE: Press availability of Honorees will be announced later.
THE ENSEMBLE
Founded by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is celebrating 31 years of uninterrupted performances during its 2007-2008 season. Each year, The Ensemble presents an annual repertoire of six critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of professional local, regional and national artists and support staff. The Ensemble is one of the largest African American professional theatre companies in the U.S. that produces its plays in-house, has a comprehensive educational outreach initiative and owns its own facility. The theatre is a non-profit organization with an annual operating budget of 1.5 million. Located at 3535 Main St. in the heart of Midtown Houston, the theatre has three stages with a total seating capacity of 725. In keeping with the late founder's vision, The Ensemble also has an educational touring program and summer young performers training program. For more information or to subscribe to our season, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com or call (713) 520-0055.
2007-2008 SEASON LINE-UP
"Blue"
Charles Wright
9/22/07-10/21/07
"The Twelve Ways of Christmas"
Carlton Leake
11/17/07-12/30/07
"Gem of the Ocean"
August Wilson
1/26/08-2/24/08
"Sty of the Blind Pig"
Phillip Hayes Dean
3/15/08-4/13/08
"Ashes to Africa"
Mark Clayton Southers
4/26/08-5/25/08
"Ain't Misbehavin"
Richard Maltby, Jr.
6/21/08-7/20/08