DSM NEWS | September 2019

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the first edition of DSM NEWS! Because you are a fan of Dallas Summer Musicals, we thought you’d enjoy going behind the scenes to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

In each bi-monthly edition of DSM NEWS, we’ll profile a DSM team member, introduce you to fellow DSM patrons sharing their DSM memories, and highlight stories about our work in the community to provide arts-driven, equitable programs influenced by the spirit of Broadway. Plus, a whole lot more!

We hope you enjoy exploring DSM through this new lens and look forward to your feedback. If you have any thoughts or would like to pitch a story idea, please write to us at dsmnews@dallassummermusicals.org.

See you in the lobby!

Ken Novice
DSM President

CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

DSM was proud to partner with HopeKids by hosting 50 children and their family members for a performance of Fiddler on the Roof. HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition.

Not only were half of the families new to DSM, but this performance also marked their first time seeing a live musical. Many children commented on how amazing the production was and how they could not wait to come back and visit DSM again.

“I would like to be on this stage singing and dancing when I grow up.” -Delilah Tasha Judd, Age 6

DSM CARES

The Education and Community Partnerships department has launched an employee volunteer initiative, called DSM Cares, to broaden DSM’s community impact. To kick off the program, DSM staff members and ambassadors assisted KERA with their telethon. The team had the honor of answering phones and collecting generous donations to help support KERA’s diverse line of programming. With a brisket dinner welcome and the excitement of live television, KERA provided a night of fun and service that won’t be forgotten.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

O’SHUN JACKSON

Facilities Manager

HOMETOWN: Dallas, TX

COLLEGE: Eastfield College & University of North Texas

YEARS AT DSM: 20

FIRST POSITION AT DSM: Usher

FAVORITE BROADWAY SHOW:
Ragtime, Parade, Jersey Boys, Dreamgirls, The Lion King to name a few.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT DSM?
I enjoy interacting with patrons. I’ve known many of them since day one and have seen their kids grow up and go to college. Also, the building itself is nostalgic for me since I grew up in this area. It’s home to me.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Lots of tennis—playing, watching, coaching. Plus, I play video games and have a need for speed. (Motorcycle coming soon!) I also manage the weight room facility, pool area, and gym at Eastfield College.

IF YOU WERE A CELEBRITY, WHAT WOULD YOU BE FAMOUS FOR?
That’s easy—Formula 1/Moto GP racer or tennis player.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA?
I have two. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Lead by example.

THIS FALL AT DSM

AN EVENING WITH THE BEST OF BROADWAY

Celebrate the magic of musical theater on November 1 at the 2019 DSM Gala – An Evening with the Best of Broadway, presented by PNC and co-chaired by Helen & Brendan McGuire and Calvert Collins-Bratton & Vince Bratton. For one night only, experience the stunning talents of a trio of award-winning women. Tony Award® winner and recent star of Kiss Me, Kate! on Broadway, Kelli O’Hara will headline the evening’s performances. Olivier Award winner, Glee alumnae, and Dancing with the Stars Season 17 winner Amber Riley will also perform. Our very special host for the evening is one of the most decorated performers of all time—Tony Award® winner and Kennedy Center Honoree Chita Rivera. In continuation of DSM’s newest tradition, surprise special guests will also play a major role in this incredible evening.

All proceeds benefit DSM as a nonprofit with the mission to bring the very best of Broadway to North Texas, develop an appreciation of musical theater among diverse audiences, and foster meaningful arts experiences for children and families in our community.

AUDIENCE SPOTLIGHT

Elaine & Jeff Siegel, DSM subscribers for two years, share their favorite memory.

“Our favorite memory this season was seeing Hamilton! You could feel the excitement of the audience the second we walked into the theater. We heard so many patrons talking about their favorite songs and watching them take photos with their Playbills. We know all the songs by heart, so seeing it come to life on stage with such an incredible cast was something we won’t forget.”

LET’S PLAY!

Enter for a chance to win DSM swag:

1. Follow @dsmusicals on Instagram.

2. Comment on the Instagram post featuring this photo, tag two friends and include #sweepstakes.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 1.

Good luck!
Contest Rules & Regulations