Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Orlando Shakes Kicks Off Season with Gala

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with the University of Central Florida kicks off its 2012–13 season this Sunday with the Season Opening Gala, a glittering celebration featuring delectable food, first-class entertainment, and silent and live auction. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The evening begins with an elegant stationed dinner at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center accompanied by a silent auction of exclusive goods and services from Central Florida's leading businesses. Items up for auction include a nine-day vacation to Thailand at the Six Senses Resorts and Spas, a VIP tour for 10 of Universal Orlando including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Extraordinary Experience, and a walk-on role in Theatre UCF's upcoming production of Zombie Town. Jeff Rupert and the UCF Jazz Band will provide music throughout the evening.

“We are immensely grateful to each of these companies and our community for their support of Orlando Shakes and our Season Opening Gala,” Jamie Mykins, Orlando Shakespeare Theater's director of development, said in a press release. “Community partnerships are vital to our continued success and to our mission of producing bold professional theater and innovative educational experiences for all ages.”

The event continues with a sneak preview of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), an irreverent, fast-paced romp through The Bard's plays featuring an all-star cast of Orlando Shakes actors, including Philip Nolen, Brad DePlanche, and Christopher Patrick Mullen. The evening concludes with champagne, coffee, and dessert.

Tickets range from $150–$250 per person, with corporate sponsorship packages for 10 starting at $2,500. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jamie Mykins at 407-447-1700 x 206.

Tickets for the Season Opening Gala, as well as Flex Passes to Orlando Shakespeare Theater's 2012–13 Season, are available by calling 407-447-1700, online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park.

The Season Opening Gala is made possible through the generous support of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.

Now celebrating its 24th season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed Equity theaters in Central Florida under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Shannon Lacek. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving more than 25,000 young people, families, and students annually.

September 6, 2012

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