Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2012 > February > 11
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Actors Equity salutes Connie McMillan
There is no art without audience. And yet, how often do artists honor their outstanding audience members? I’ll give you a few minutes to consider that one.
Connie McMillan and Bill McMillan (unrelated)
Actors Equity, the union for theater actors and stage managers, makes an exception through the Lucy Jordan Humanitarian Award. Named for a longtime member of the Los Angeles theater family, it has gone to 19 honorees — some actors, but also producers, dressers, patrons and others. Before this week, two awards had gone to Austinites: Austin Playhouse artistic director Don Toner and performer/patron Dirk Van Allen.
Angela Bennett and Michele Collins
The latest winner from Austin is Connie McMillan. I venture to say that nobody has seen more Austin theater from the house than McMillan. Since the early 1970s, while serving as box office manager and other theatrical roles, she has attended almost every local production of any merit. She doesn’t volunteer her opinion often, but if asked, she’ll be frank, if kind.
Ann Ciccolella, Babs George and Alex Alford
Those who wrote nominating letters read the recommendations of other nominators, an effective way to thoroughly document McMillan’s many contributions, including financial gifts to countless theater groups. She was gracious and eloquent in acceptance.
Graham Schmidt and Carla Nickerson
Personally, I’ve always treasured her and will continue to do so.
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Symphony of Soul at the Austonian
Austinites depend on music for many things. Comfort. Entertainment. Inspiration. Livelihood.
Dr. George Rodgers and Leslie Hyland-Rodgers
How about music suited to extreme circumstances in life? Illness? Recovery? Death? That’s the domain of Symphony of Soul, a charity devoted to the healing — or at least soothing — power of the arts. The group sends jazz, rock, classical and other musicians to hospitals, hospices and other places where people need the uplift.
Sam and Jacqueline Hammett
Symphony of Soul held a small fundraiser on the 55th floor of the Austonian this week. Among the guests hovering high above the skyline, listening to jazz and barbershop, were members of the medical community as well as guests either invested in the nonprofit’s mission or, like me, just curious.
Russell K. Shores and Julia Cruz
Businesswoman, arts backer and Austonian resident Emily Moreland arranged the for the classy room. Kind-hearted singer and actress Leslie Hyland-Rodgers served as emcee and later serenaded the crisply attired assembly. Keep the music coming!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Charity, Music
