Managing Director Linda Brown gives us an update from a recent student scholarship fundraising event held in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Held at Argento Theatre in Little Rock, the space looked lovely with posters throughout the space showing the Accademia campus, students performing in mask, and scenes from around Arezzo. The Italian-themed food and open bar were a big hit, with pre-performance cocktails including bellinis, and a post-performance dessert reception.

There were 95 guests in attendance including Board Chairman Jim McGehee and Board Members Bobby Brown, Stacey Atchison, and Donna Cone were in attendance as well as three of our founding donors — Lewis and Debbie May, and Lisa McNeir (also on the Amici Advisory Committee). Members of the Amici dell’Arte Advisory Committee, who help to raise funds for scholarships throughout the year.

Founding Director Scott McGehee welcomed the crowd, introduced our staff, Board members and Amici committee, and thanked Bob Hupp of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre for providing housing for the actors. Scott and his nephew then auctioned off Italian wine donated by Enoteca Charleston in Arezzo, Maghi olive oil donated by Jim McGehee, and an Italian dinner auctioned by Zaza pizza, owned by nephew Scott McGehee.

Members of Tut’zanni Theater Company perform Art For Sale in Arkansas

Tut’zanni then took the stage to offer up a lively and funny performance of Art For Sale, which was well-received by the audience. Tut’Zanni has to-date performed Art for Sale in L.A, Arezzo, New York, and Myrtle Beach, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Arkansas and Columbus, Mississippi for workshops and performances on this tour. While in Little Rock, the group gave two performances and a workshop at Parkview High School for the Performing Arts—the students were thrilled with their experience watching and learning from the Tut’Zanni actors.

After the performance, the actors attended the post-performance reception and mingled with audience members who enjoyed talking with them about the performance, their experiences at the Accademia and what they have been doing since leaving their programs at the ADA. Tut’zanni is an ebullient group — and their enthusiasm for Commedia dell’Arte is infectious!

We are still working to raise funds for additional student scholarships. If you would like to make a donation, in any amount, you may do so by completing the donation form found on our Facebook Page here.

If you have questions about how you can become more involved in scholarship programs at the Accademia please contact Linda Brown directly at linda.brown@dellarte.it for more information.