Dance--Performance

The Daily Advertiser has an article about Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, appearing tonight in Lafayette as a PASA presentation.

Dance--Performance

Don't miss the final performance of the

2011-2012 Main Stage Series featuring

Nrityagram Dance Ensemble

 

Enter a world of color and movement with India's Odissi-ancient, exotic and modern.

 

"One of the most luminous dance events of the year."

-The New York Times

 

Tuesday April 3

 Heymann Performing Arts Center

Click here for tickets starting at $28

UL Students and Faculty receive 50% OFF with a valid UL ID
40% OFF for groups of 10 or more

(Discounts available through the Heymann Box Office only) 

Performing Arts--Scholarship

 Guidelines for the L. Hill Bonin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Award, administered by Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), are available for high school and college students pursuing short-time educational and training opportunities in performing arts or arts administration as well as for non-profit organizations or groups that propose performing arts productions or activities which involve and benefit high school or college students.
Completed forms and all attachments must be submitted to the PASA office by 5 p.m. on March 15, 2012 to qualify for the 2012/13 scholarships. To request scholarship guidelines and an application please go online to www.pasa-online.org or call PASA at (337)237-2787 ex. 206.

The L. Hill Bonin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to award talented and deserving students of the performing arts with funds for enhancing their talents through participation in advanced study or classes beyond those available in their present study programs.  Now awards may benefit groups that provide opportunities to students for enhancing their performing arts talents.

 To be considered for an award, students must be enrolled in any high school or college in the parishes served by PASA, be planning to pursue a career or professional training in performing arts or arts administration, be a citizen of the United States and a Louisiana resident, and have an overall grade point average of ‘B’ or higher on their high school or college transcript. For a non-profit organization or group to be eligible it must propose a production, performance, or activity that involves high school or college students and ensure that the funds will be used for the enhancement of the talents of the students in the performance.

 Recipients are chosen by the PASA Bonin Scholarship committee, composed of PASA board members and a representative of the Bonin family. Recipients, after meeting eligibility criteria, are chosen on the basis of the artistic merit of the proposed training or project, planning and design of the proposal, and appropriate request and plans for the use of the funds.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the L. Hill Bonin Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, you may mail a check to P.O. Box 52979, Lafayette, LA  70505.

Performing Arts--Scholarship

Guidelines for the L. Hill Bonin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Award, administered by Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), are available for high school and college students pursuing short-time educational and training opportunities in performing arts or arts administration as well as for non-profit organizations or groups that propose performing arts productions or activities which involve and benefit high school or college students. 

Completed forms and all attachments must be submitted to the PASA office by 5 p.m. on March 15, 2012 to qualify for the 2012/13 scholarships. To request scholarship guidelines and an application please go online to www.pasa-online.org or call PASA at (337)237-2787 ex. 206.

The L. Hill Bonin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to award talented and deserving students of the performing arts with funds for enhancing their talents through participation in advanced study or classes beyond those available in their present study programs.  Now awards may benefit groups that provide opportunities to students for enhancing their performing arts talents.

To be considered for an award, students must be enrolled in any high school or college in the parishes served by PASA, be planning to pursue a career or professional training in performing arts or arts administration, be a citizen of the United States and a Louisiana resident, and have an overall grade point average of ‘B’ or higher on their high school or college transcript. For a non-profit organization or group to be eligible it must propose a production, performance, or activity that involves high school or college students and ensure that the funds will be used for the enhancement of the talents of the students in the performance.

Recipients are chosen by the PASA Bonin Scholarship committee, composed of PASA board members and a representative of the Bonin family. Recipients, after meeting eligibility criteria, are chosen on the basis of the artistic merit of the proposed training or project, planning and design of the proposal, and appropriate request and plans for the use of the funds.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the L. Hill Bonin Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, you may mail a check to P.O. Box 52979, Lafayette, LA  70505.

Theatre--Performance

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) welcomes to The Heymann Performing Arts Center, Aquila Theatre, performing William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 7:30 pm, sponsored by Preis & Roy.  Patrons are invited to attend a scholar-led, Creative Conversation with Aquila Cast Members at 6:30 pm, within the Heymann Center’s mezzanine. Tickets are available through The Heymann Center Box Office or www.ticketmaster.com.  UL students and faculty receive 50% off, with a valid UL ID, while additional discounts are available for those attending in groups of ten or more.  All promotional purchases are available through the Heymann Box Office only. 

In Aquila Theatre’s depiction of Macbeth, “Fair is foul and foul is fair,” where nothing is as it seems and men combat their own madness and fates.  The play follows principal character, Macbeth — the victorious Scottish general, as he chances upon three mysterious witches during his journey home from war. The witches offer an intriguing prophesy, tempting Macbeth with the promise that he will one day become King of Scotland. Upon hearing the news, Lady Macbeth urges her husband into murderous action, and what follows is a wild and maddening descent into war, insanity and demons. 

This work has enjoyed considerable success and notoriety as a cursed play, often superstitiously referred to as “the Scottish play” by those who fear to utter the name Macbeth within the confines of a theater.  Led by founder and Artistic Director, Peter Meineck, this stellar cast of British and Scottish actors has a wealth of expertise in Shakespearean language and provides an authenticity of performance style.  “Gleefully engaging … almost unbearably fun,” says The New York Times about this acclaimed British-American, touring theater company.   

A daytime performance for middle and high school students will be held at The Heymann Center on November 10, 2011 at 10:30 am.  Student tickets are $7.00 each and include ten free tickets for teachers or chaperones having registered their classes by October 20, 2011.  The final day to register classes is November 2, 2011.  Contact PASA at             337-237-2787       ext. 201 for more information. 

Included community outreach activities will be hosted by the UL School of Performing Arts and led by Aquila Company Members.  Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives: Poetry-Drama-Dialogue, an hour long master class, will focus on program themes connecting modern life with the ancient Greeks and will incorporate masks, movement and performance.  Participants should wear comfortable, loose clothing and be prepared for basic movement.  Immediately following will be a scholar-led repertoire of selections from Homer’s Odyssey, Sophocles’ Ajax, Euripides’ Herakles, and Trojan Women and Aeschylus’ Persians.  All activities will take place at UL’s Burke Theatre, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011and are open to the public.  US Veterans are encouraged to attend.  Registration is free, but limited. Contact PASA at             337-237-2787       ext. 201 to register.

Dance--Performance/Master Class

Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s main stage performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on  October 13, 2011 at The Heymann Performing Arts Center.  In an effort to support its commitment to education, PASA will also present interactive outreach programs.  Hosted by the U.L. Department of Performing Arts, a day-long residency will take place on October 12, 2011 and include:

·         A daytime performance for middle and high school students, held in U.L.’s Angelle Hall at 10 a.m.  Tickets for the student performance are $7.00 each and class reservations will be accepted until October 11, 2011.   Those wishing to register their classes are encouraged to visit pasa-online.org to download a registration form, or call PASA at 237-2787 ext. 201 for more information.

·         A master class led by Complexions’ company members, held within U.L.’s McLaurin Hall.  Open to the public, the class is intended for intermediate to advanced dancers seeking to sharpen their skills through direct instruction with touring members.  Registration is limited, but included with the purchase of a ticket to the main stage performance.  Otherwise, the cost of attendance is $10.00, and those wishing to register should contact PASA at             337-237-2787      ext. 201.

Creative conversation will also be held prior to Complexions’ main performance, at 6:30 p.m. within the Heymann Center’s mezzanine, October 13.  Patrons will have an opportunity to chat with Co-Artsitic Director, Dwight Rhoden, in a forum setting, led by local choreographer, Paige Krause.  This thirty minute discussion will primarily focus on Rhoden’s experiences and roles throughout his time with Complexions.

Tickets are available for purchase through The Heymann Center Box Office or ticketmaster.com.  This performance is part of PASA’s 2011/2012 Dance Series and available within the PICK 3 Promotion.  Additional discounts, available through direct purchase at The Heymann Box Office only, of 50% off are applicable for UL students and faculty presenting a UL ID and up to 40% savings for group purchases of ten or more.  Dance conservatories making group reservations of ten or more will also receive 2 complementary tickets with purchase.  Single ticket prices range from $28.00 - $48.00, relative to the patron’s choice of seating.

Dance--Performance

 The stage will sizzle when the national tour of Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca—a passionate combination of flamenco dance, music and beautiful costumes--hits the stage as part of the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) season at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 26 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette.

Hailed by critics everywhere for its exciting and transcendent performances, Noche Flamenca is recognized as the most authentic flamenco touring company in world. Under the direction of Martin Santangelo, the award-winning Noche Flamenca has become Spain’s most successful touring company. Formed in 1993 by Santangelo and his award-winning wife, Soledad Barrio, they have successfully brought to the stage the essence, purity, and integrity of one of the world’s most complex and mysterious art forms. Noche Flamenca highlights include regular seasons in New York City and Buenos Aires, performances in Greece and Egypt and annual tours to North America.

 "Flamenco dance can be considered a cousin to tap dance," says Jacqueline Lyle, PASA's executive director. "Unlike tap shoes, which have taps on the soles of the shoes, flamenco shoes have nail heads. Tap dancers tend to bounce up, while flamenco dancers work hard down into the floor. When flamenco dance combines its fiery character with the incredible work of this company's flamenco guitarists and singers, the entire show becomes spell-binding."

Tickets for the evening performance are available by calling TicketMaster at 1(800) 745-3000, by visiting any TicketMaster outlet or online at www.pasaonline.org.

Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca are supported by presenting sponsors Chevron and Preis and Roy. Additional support for this performance includes grants from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts; and the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and additional funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Community Connections Fund of the MetLife Foundation.

For more information about all upcoming Performing Arts Society of Acadiana presentations, visit www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787.

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) has announced the appointment of Shanna Higginbotham as its new executive director.

Higginbotham, a native of Lafayette, assumes the leadership role currently held by Jacqueline Lyle on January 3, 2011. Her professional experience includes over 18 years in various leadership roles with Cox Media, and most recently as the owner of Professional Consulting Partners.  As a consultant Shanna has focused on helping numerous companies in Louisiana and Texas markets identify problems, make recommendations and help with organizational development efforts. Her most recent appointment was as an internal consultant with Bizzuka, Inc.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead such a tremendous organization,” says Higginbotham.  “The tradition of PASA, and the many years of great performing arts in the community, is something I hold very dear.  My goal as executive director is to preserve what has been built by Jackie and her team, but to also begin to build a new and different organization that will continue to grow and solidify Lafayette’s reputation for its tremendous capacity for the arts.  I am so pleased and thankful that the board has allowed me this honor and look forward to serving the community for years to come.”

Higginbotham will be the second Executive Director in the organization’s history. Lyle, who is departing PASA to pursue personal interests, was a founding board member when the organization was founded in 1988.  In March 1989, she assumed the role of executive director and launched PASA’s first fundraising drive and its first season in July 1989.

 “Jackie has brought PASA from its earliest days as fledgling organization to the influential, respected organization that it is today.” says PASA Board President Don Johnson.  “Under her leadership, our community has enjoyed 22 years ofgreat performances.”

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana is a non-profit organization that presents live entertainment at the Heymann Performing Arts Center and other local venues, creates in-school arts activities, offers daytime performances for students and, initiates outreach programs such as the Hill Bonin Jr. Scholarship, PASA Stageside and Play It Again, Lafayette. PASA presents annual performances of opera, dance, drama and a variety of musical acts

 “Since my earliest memory, I have loved performing arts,” says Lyle. “I can’t imagine a better way that I could have spent the majority of my professional life.”

Dance--Performance

Mythical creatures gallop across the stage, larger-than-life roses bloom to music, and the birds of summer come out to play when dancers with Momix, the acclaimed company of dancer-illusionists led by famed choreographer Moses Pendleton, bring their newest work “Botanica” to the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana’s (PASA) mainstage series at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

For more than 25 years, Momix has been celebrated for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty. Known internationally for its ability to conjure a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body, Momix, is a Connecticut-based company of dancer-illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton. In addition to stage performances world-wide, Momix has worked on special projects in film and in television, including perfor mances on Antenne II in France and five Italian RAI television features broadcast to 55 coun tries.

Tickets for Momix are available through TicketMaster outlets by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at www.pasa-online.org. Student and group discounts are available.

This performance and all activities in association with Momix are sponsored by Cox Communications, Moss Motors and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Additionally supported is provided by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

Momix “Botanica” is an exploration of the delicate world of nature through a spectacular blend of theatre, athleticism and movement bringing show goers along on a fantastic visual journey.  The Times Union says, “Earthly and otherworldly at once— (Botanica) it is a magnificent vision of the everyday miracles around us.”

“Momix Botanica is inspired by everyday things found in the natural world,” says, Jackie Lyle, PASA Creative Director. “From plants, to animals, to the change of seasons, the beauty of nature is celebrated through this performance.” Lyle continues, “This show is great for all ages and is a great opportunity for parents and children to experience dance at its best.”

The company was featured in PBS’s Dance in America series and selected to represent the United States at the European Cultural Center at Delphi. Momix dancers Cynthia Quinn and Karl Baumann played the role of “Bluey” in the film FX II, under the direction of Moses Pendleton. The company is featured on a Decca Records laser disc, appearing with Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony in the Rhombus Media film of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, winner of an International Emmy for Best Performing Arts Special. Momix was also featured in one of the first IMAX films in 3-D, IMAGINE, which premiered at the Taejon Expo 93 and was subsequently released at IMAX theaters world-wide. In 2004, “White Widow”, co-choreographed by Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn, was featured in Robert Altman’s movie, The Company.

 “Momix is well-known for creating beautiful, thought-provoking, choreography that challenge audiences to open their minds and let their imaginations take over. This performance will take our audience on a journey into a magical world through dance,” says Lyle.

 In addition to the evening performance, Momix will perform in a daytime performance for middle and high school students at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 20 at the Heymann Center. Interested teachers and principals can register their students through the PASA office at (337) 237-2787. PASA will also host several free Momix inspired outreach activities including a native and edible plant lecture at the Iberia Parish Library Main Branch, a floral display by the Lafayette Garden Club at the Heymann Center, and a celebration of Pi Keohavong, a New Iberia native and former principal dancer with Momix. The complete schedule of activities is available at www.pasaonline.org or by calling 337-237-2787.

For more information about the 2010-2011 PASA series, visit www.pasaonline.org or call 337- 237-2787.

PASA seeking new Executive Director

The board of directors of the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) announced today that it has begun a search for a replacement for its executive director Jacqueline Lyle, who will move to the role of creative director.

"For the past 20 years under Jackie Lyle's direction, PASA has consistently brought a stellar line-up of performing arts entertainment to Lafayette.  We are looking to the next 20 years as we begin the search for a new executive director," says Donald Johnson, board president.

"Serving as PASA's executive director has been very exciting, fulfilling and gratifying.  I cannot imagine what else I could have done with my professional life that would have been this rewarding and satisfying," says Lyle. "We are fortunate that we live in a community whose generosity continues to support all of the work that PASA does."

The search is currently under way and PASA is seeking applicants. The full job description can be viewed online at www.pasa-online.org.  Interested individuals should submit their resumes to ed@pasa-online.org.

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), based in Lafayette, LA, began in 1989 and has presented performing artists of many genres - dance, opera, chamber music, comedy, theater, jazz, and popular music. Violinist Itzhak Perlman, comedians Lily Tomlin and Bill Cosby, pop singers Tony Bennett and Roberta Flack, and the annual tours of the New York City Opera National Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rank in PASA's history.  Additionally, PASA has commissioned new music and new dance, spawning projects that have enjoyed critical acclaim around the world.

PASA has consistently grown within its mission of providing local access to great performing arts, developing an annual series of daytime performances for students; a thriving musical instrument recycling program that benefitsmiddle school students; free programming for senior citizens; in-school residencies; and PASA in the Park, a free annual outdoor event. The latest PASA initiative is the Louisiana Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Ensemble Festival, a partnership with the school of music at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Festival International under the auspices of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington program.