DSM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020

Dear Friends,

In the age of Covid-19, we have become all-to-familiar with the acronym P.P.E. — for Personal Protective Equipment.  But during this extended period when our stages are empty, DSM is taking this acronym back and redefining what P.P.E. stands for:

Preparation. The DSM team is working tirelessly to get ready for live Broadway at the Music Hall.  We have been working with our partners at Broadway Across America, and numerous producers and booking agents, to determine when we can reschedule shows (announcement coming soon!).  Our operations team has been working with our newly hired Industrial Hygienist to ensure that a when the state, county and city authorities allow us to reactivate our theatres, we have all of the necessary safety measures in place.  Our #1 priority is to ensure that our audiences, our staff and our touring companies are as safe as possible.

Participation.  The DSM family has been very active in the community during the pandemic.  We are regularly volunteering at City Square (including our Board of Directors who volunteer en masse just last week), we are on the cusp of announcing a major new partnership with DISD, and we have been an active voice for social justice and equity through our Black Art Matters video series.  Even when are stages are dark, we take our responsibilities as a member of the Dallas community very seriously.

Entertainment. Last month, we presented a livestream concert by Christopher Jackson, Hamilton’s original George Washington. This program was such a huge success that we are launching today a 3 show livestream concert series called: Live From the West Side: Women of Broadway. Featuring one concert per month, this series will spotlight full live cabaret sets from Patti Lupone, Laura Benanti and Vanessa Williams—all emanating from the Shubert Virtual Studios on Manhattan’s West Side. More information is below, and we hope you will join us for this new live entertainment concept you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. We are grateful to PNC Bank for sponsoring this series.

While the “usual” PPE is still a major part of our lives (and likely will be for some time) – I hope you enjoy DSM’s unique version.

Ken Novice
DSM President

BLACK ART MATTERS

In our weekly virtual series Black Art Matters, local Black artists share a performance and discuss what it means to be a Black creative in the local, regional, and national performing arts sector and how the sector can improve in its support of Black artists. Click here to catch up on the full series.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

BURTON SAYLES
Building Security Supervisor

Years at Music Hall: 22 years

Hometown: Dallas (by way of Kansas City and San Francisco)

Favorite Shows at DSM: Aida, The Lion King, South Pacific

Notable Memory of a Show at DSM: I remember with South Pacific, the Music Hall was full of decorations. There were columns wrapped in palm leaves, hula dancers, sandbags, barrels, and a screen with a plane flying over it—it looked like a bunker out front.

What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy meeting and talking with people—the patrons, coworkers, and anyone who steps inside Music Hall. Over the years, I’ve met so many wonderful people and have very much enjoyed everyone I’ve worked with.

What are some words to live by? Always treat people like you want to be treated—no matter who it is. It goes a long way!

What do you like to do in your free time? Well, now with the current times it’s a little different, but I love spending time with my grandkids and great grandkids. I always like going to the park or playing games with them, and finding ways to get little teaching moments in there.

What are you looking forward to in the future? Well, I am so thankful to be with DSM. It’s not the same right now with the building so empty, but I keep thinking about the “tomorrow” when everyone can return to the Music Hall. I can’t wait to see everyone again!

Thank you to our supporters during North Texas Giving Day who helped us raise $36,664. Your gift will make an impact through our community outreach and education programs! 

SUBSCRIBER TESTIMONIALS

There’s still time to share your theatergoing experiences with us on camera! Nothing fancy needed—a smartphone and your living room will do just fine. We plan to compile your clips to share across our social media channels, in hopes of reliving the magic of live theatre virtually, while we wait to be together in person. Click here to participate!