John R. Clutts Chairs The 5th Annual
Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards

Mark your calendars for the Awards Show on Thursday, April 14, 2016

(Dallas, TX –August 28, 2015) Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), announced long-time supporter and DSM Board member John R. Clutts has been named chair of The 5^th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Tracy Jordan, DSM HSMTA Manager, with John Clutts, 2016 DSM HSMTA Chair. Photo by Chris Waits.

As president of The Clutts Agency, Inc., which is a Texas Talent Agency and a SAG/AFTRA franchised agency, John is a former Neiman Marcus executive with 25 years of experience in the photo industry, has performed on stage in many regional productions and taught musical theatre at Dallas Theatre Center. In addition to serving as a DSM board member, he also serves on the Advisory Board of The Dallas Children’s Theater and the Board of Dallas Contemporary. He has served as: VP, USA Film Festival; Chair, Dallas Fashion Incubator; and Chair of the Board of Trustees, DIFFA/Dallas. He has chaired many charitable events, including Cabaret Gala benefiting Dallas Children’s Theater 2011 and 2005; Fresh Faces of Fashion 2007 benefiting Suicide and Crisis Center and DIFFA|Dallas Collection 2001. In 2005, he was awarded DIFFA’s highest award, the Legend Award.

“John’s experience in the community as a dedicated leader and volunteer, along with his business acumen and insight, is the perfect combination for this role as chair of The 5^th Annual High School Musical Awards,” Jenkins said.

“I am honored to chair this program and be a part of its continued development and success,” John replied. “The reach of this program across North Texas is growing and we look forward to even more schools participating next year.”

Celebrating its 5^th year, DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) had 65 high schools participating in 2015 – which is more than double the first year’s total of 30 high schools participating, representing 33 school districts across North Texas. Among the 65 were also 7 private high schools. This represented a new all-time high of high schools, teachers and students taking part in the program.

DSM HSMTA remains the largest program of its kind in the state and the second largest program in the country. DSM HSMTA has been recognized by The National High School Musical Theatre Awards as their official affiliate program for North Texas.

Since DSM’s First Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2012, this has truly developed into a regional program, accepting high schools as far away as Denton and McKinney to the north, Waco to the south, Abilene to the west and Paris, Texas to the east.

Slated for Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, the awards show is a red carpet affair and the public is invited to join in the excitement. Red carpet arrival begins at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. with performances which include separate medleys of the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers from Best Musical nominees and an opening number featuring all nominated performers accompanied by a live orchestra. Winners and scholarship recipients are announced. The show is topped off with a finale of performers from each participating high school.

Based on Broadway’s Tony^® Awards, DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre. Several cash scholarships of at least $1,000 each are awarded. In 2015, DSM awarded seven cash scholarships of $5,000 each to outstanding participating students. To date, DSM has awarded over $100,000 in cash scholarships to outstanding students.

Jenkins said, “This program encourages participation in the musical arts throughout North Texas. It is important to encourage these talented students to follow their dreams and goals and to draw attention to the excellent work being done in education in musicals in our area high schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved and a great show! We are grateful to founding sponsors Leah and Jerry Fullinwider for their support and vision, which literally brought this awards program to life.”

Jenkins praised the community’s support saying, “For our preeminent educational outreach program to have grown so significantly in such a short time is a tribute to DSM as a resource to our community and a wonderful testament to the tremendous contribution of the teachers, judges, committee members and volunteers. We encourage everyone to visit the high schools and watch the shows first-hand.”

John added, “With the celebration of its 75^th Anniversary, DSM is putting the focus on the next 75 years as the High School Musical Theatre Awards program spotlights the Broadway stars of tomorrow.”

A three-judge panel of entertainment industry professionals and veteran educators will visit each high school and judge the performers in 16 categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Featured Male Performer and Best Featured Female Performer. Ballots will be submitted to the accounting firm of Grant Thornton.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their high school in The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.

Participating high schools and their shows will be listed on the website at http://dallassummermusicals.org/HSMA-Participants.shtm or for questions, contact Tracy Jordan, the program manager at 214-413-3951 or tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org

Facebook page is constantly updated at https://www.facebook.com/DSMHSMTA

National program website: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

Get updates and news through our social media web sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasSummerMusicals
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dsmusicals
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dsmusicals
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/v/dallas-summer-musicals/4f204f6b0cd6445b05407d98  Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dsmusicals
WordPress: http://dallassummermusicals.wordpress.com

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, The Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Hear Us Now!™ is DSM’s newest initiative. Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Coming this fall, Seats for Vets will serve war veterans and their families by providing them with a unique theatrical experience and thanking them for their service. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

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DSM HSMTA Media Contact, Sharon Adams
(972) 773-9289 | Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Publicist & Media Contact, Francisco Chairez
(214) 413-3909 | fchairez@DallasSummerMusicals.org

Dance Council Honors – 25 Years of Recognizing Outstanding Accomplishments in Dance

WHAT: A significant Dallas, TX awards program celebrating a life time of accomplishments of six outstanding Texas artists, educators, dance business and leaders. The event includes a gala showcase of 2012 DCNT Scholarship students, Guyer High School production of Chicago (Denton, TX) and the exciting Dallas Black Dance Theatre. The afternoon also includes a silent auction and reception.

WHEN: Sunday, September 30, at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Dallas Black Dance Theatre, 2700 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.

TICKETS: $35 adults, $25 DCNT members, and $20 students under the age of 16. Ticket includes reception. Prices rise on September 24: $40 adults; $30 DCNT members; $20 students under the age of 16. Proceeds benefit the Dance Council of North Texas and its Dance Scholarship Program.

HOW to PURCHASE TICKETS: By phone at 214-219-2290 or on line at www.thedancecouncil.org

Seating is limited; reservations are strongly urged. Free parking.

PHOTOS: jpg photographs of scholarship dancers available upon request. 214-219-2290

Along with applauding six outstanding individuals for their contributions to dance the 25^th Dance Council of North Texas Honors will also include performances by Dance Council scholarship recipients, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Guyer High School.

This year also marks the first time a local high school will be participating in the Dance Council Honors showcase. Guyer High School Theatre students will be performing a number from the Broadway blockbuster, Chicago.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre will close the program with the earthy and lyrical pas de deux from famed choreographer Alvin Ailey’s Escapades.

The event also includes a Silent Auction that benefits the Dance Council’s scholarship program. The auction includes dinner and theater packages, paintings, jewelry and other objects donated by area arts institutions and individuals. While bidding, guests can also enjoy a reception and beverages.

The 2012 Dance Council Honorees include:

Laura Price – Texas Tap Legend

Laura Price is a creative, rhythmical, challenging tap dancer and teacher. She has danced in such productions as Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Whoopee, Peter and the Wolf, A Chorus Line, The Nutcracker, and Morton Gould’s “Tap Dance Concerto”. Price’s career spans more than 30 years of performing and teaching.

Kay Dalziel – Mary Warner Award for Service to Dance

In the retail dance wear business since 1984, Kay Dalziel (dee-el) opened Artful Dancewear LLC in north Dallas in 2003. She is well-known and respected throughout north Dallas as dancer friendly business. Dalziel has assisted the DCNT in many projects one of which is to underwrite the DCNT/Artful Dancewear Dance Educator Professional Development scholarship.

Teresa Espinosa – Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence

Teresa Espinosa is an alumna of Booker T. Washington HSPVA and California Institute for the Arts (Valencia) before developing into an acclaimed hip-hop choreographer, dancer and teacher. A member of the dance crew “Beat Freaks,” she appeared on Season 3 of America’s Best Dance Crew. Most recently Espinosa worked as an assistant choreographer for the film, Magic Mike (2012) and choreographer for Carly Rae Jepson’s appearance at the Billboard Awards show.

Tracy Jordan – Mary McLarry Bywaters Award for Lifetime Contribution to Dance

DCNT is thrilled to award its highest honor to Tracy Jordan, executive director of the Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards. Jordan has appeared in a number of Las Vegas shows including the Folies Bergere. He was featured in Broadway productions such as 42^nd Street, Sugar Babies, Jesus Christ Super Star and Fiddler On The Roof.

Gladys Keeton and Yvonne Lovell – Larry White Dance Educator Award

Gladys Keeton is associate professor of dance at Texas Woman’s University. She is the coordinator of the undergraduate program and Master of Arts in Teaching Dance Internship, director of the Community Dance Center and founder of the TWU International Dance Company. Keeton also presents professional development workshops on creative dance, world dance styles and arts integration across Texas.

Another inspiring dance educator is Yvonne Lovell. Lovell is the owner and director of Stage Door in Mesquite, TX which opened in 1980. Lovellr, born and raised in London, began performing on stage at the age of six and won All England gold medal for tap dancing by the age of nine. Lovell is certified with the prestigious British Association of Teachers of Dancing as well as Dance Educators of America.

For interviews and more information about the 2012 Dance Council Honors and tickets, contact Pam Deslorieux, 214-219-2290.