BOARD eNEWS

MARCH 2015

KIM’S CORNER

The winter storm played havoc with all of our lives here in Louisville. Work and schools were cancelled, ice was everywhere, and cars were anywhere BUT on the roads. But here at the Kentucky Center the show must go on and it was all hands on deck.

Our snow policy was communicated each night and departments began building their plans of attack 24 hours in advance of the next day. Starting at 3 a.m. in the morning, our snow removal team was at it ensuring safe entry into our garage and building. While the ballet was loading out, Lion King and Bourbon Classic were loading in. The orchestra performance went on as scheduled but we had to cancel and reschedule a film screening at The Brown. Sadly, StageOne also had to cancel performances of the much anticipated closing week of Cassius Clay and the successful run came to an abrupt stop. And just when we thought we had gotten through the worst of it, the roof on the Belvedere offices leaked so badly from drainage pipes backing up, that they are now uninhabitable. The good news is that the team pulled together and kept a cool head through it all, and our care and attention to our patrons, renters, staff and community didn’t miss a beat. I’m very proud of the proactivity, teamwork and hustle that were demonstrated by staff. At the Center, the snow, I mean show, must and did go on.

WHO

’S WHOQ: In two words: How would you describe yourself?

A: Multi-Tasker (I have twins you know!) and energetic (twin thing again).

Q: As a community leader, why do you want to volunteer at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts?

A: I grew up in a family where the arts were very much part of my daily life - attending the theater, going to museums, listening to live music. I feel incredibly lucky to have parents that provided me with those opportunities and showed me why it is so important to keep the arts alive in our community. My parents have been generous supporters of the arts community and now as an adult I hope to carry on their legacy.

Q: What have you learned from or about board service? A: We really can make a difference with our service on this board! It is wonderful to be part of

something where it is not just talk. Our time and efforts have results we can see put into action. I have also enjoyed getting to know my fellow board members. We have so many unique and accomplished individuals - I am honored and humbled to serve on this board.

Q: What other community causes and organizations do you support?A: My husband recently joined the James Graham Brown Cancer Center board. And my 2015 goal

is to become more involved with Gilda’s Club.

Q: Best performance you have seen at the Kentucky Center? A: That’s a tough one. Not sure I can pick just one so I will choose my most unique performance

experience. My husband and I recently saw the Ben Sollee “Postcards from America” show in the Bombard Theater. I adore Ben’s music and he collaborated with the choreographer David Ingram and the Louisville Orchestra. Awesome show!

Q: What is your life motto? A: Keep your heels, head and standards high.

PROFILEBOARD MEMBER

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Maggie is an Account Executive for Google, who has served on The Kentucky Center Foundation Board since 2013.

KENTUCKY CENTER BOARD MEMBER

Maggie Faurest

WHO

’S WHO

For 17 years, DeeDee has played an integral part in keeping The Kentucky Center looking top notch. As Custodial Manager, DeeDee is at the ready to tackle any problem with extraordinary skill and positive attitude.

EMPLOYEEPROFILE

Q: What do you like best about working at The Kentucky Center?A: The staff, the friendly atmosphere, and the benefits are good too.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?A: A lawyer.

Q: When did you discover your love for the arts?A: I always loved art since I was a child. I love plays I was in a couple during school. I grew up

dancing, I love art work. I always had a love for arts.

Q: When someone is asked, “What’s DeeDee like?” you hope they answer…A: A happy person - always smiling, always is taking the good from the bad. Just an all-around

good person.

Q: Best performance you have seen at the Kentucky Center? A: Oh I’ve seen a lot of great performances there are so many. But, if I have to put my finger on

one I would have to say (Broadway’s) Little Shop of Horrors.

DIRECTOR/SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Clydia (DeeDee) Clark

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SCOMMUNITY NEWS

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On February 28, The Kentucky Center’s Governor’s School for the Arts hosted the annual GSA Breakfast in the State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. GSA alumni, along with members of the GSA staff and Board Members Tim Galbraith and Lindy Casebier, had the opportunity to thank legislators for their support and showcase the great work GSA does to promote arts education throughout the Commonwealth.

ANNUAL GSA BREAKFAST IN THE STATE CAPITOL

VOTE FOR MADELINE

On Friday, February 20, Kentucky Center Creative Lead and Graphics Brand Manager Robbyn McClain won an American Advertising Federation Louie Award for her redesign of The Kentucky Center logo. The ceremony was held at the Seelbach Hotel where Robbyn and Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Communications Rob Thomas stood alongside the area’s top Advertising Agencies. Congratulations Robbyn!

Disney’s The Lion King is roaring through the Center. Every show is either sold out or close to it, providing a great opportunity for the community to experience our facilities and hospitality. We want to extend special thanks to Broadway for making 100 tickets available for our board members to invite guests. More great news, just in time for Lion King, The Kentucky Center viewing room is looking better than ever. Thank you to our Development, Facilities, Communications, Maintenance, Production, and Executive teams for making the upgrade happen. Carol Farmer and Dan Woodside have both booked the space during Disney’s The Lion King’s run.

LOUIE AWARD WINNERTHE LION KING

Today’s Woman magazine has nominated Board Chairperson Madeline Abramson as one of the most admired women in Louisville under the Community and Nonprofit category. Please click on this link to vote for Madeline. Voting closes on March 31.

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BOURBON CLASSIC

THANK YOU ABBY

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

ANNUAL REPORTOnce again, The Kentucky Center hosted with Bourbon Classic and, once again, the event was a resounding success. Cheers to everyone who let nothing, including winter weather, water leaks and even a flying bat stand in the way of a wonderful patron experience.

We are excited to host Leadership Louisville’s Best of Leadership Summit again this year. The 2015 speakers include two instrumental players in the Kentucky Center’s history, Lt. Governor Crit Luallen and Former Governor, and current State Senator, Julian Carroll.

The 2013-2014 Kentucky Center Annual report is complete. Thanks to Diane Tobin for her help and guidance on this project. You can read the online version here.

VOTE FOR MADELINE

LOUIE AWARD WINNER

Kentucky Center Vice-President Abby Shue’s last day was March 6. We thank Abby for her hard work and dedication to the Center and wish her well in her new job as Director of Corporate Relations at The Fund for the Arts. During her last week, she even enjoyed a lunchtime glass of wine (first time she ever had a drink at lunch).

The Kentucky Center hosted the 2015 Bourbon Classic.

FUNFACTS

THE LION KINGOne of the highlights of Disney’s The Lion King is the parade of animals down the theater aisles. However, in Whitney Hall there is one problem…no aisles. When Lion King made its Kentucky Center premiere in 2003, aisles had to be created by removing 200+ seats and it was no easy task. When Whitney Hall was built, all of the seat mounting bolts were embedded in the concrete, so simply removing the seats did not solve the problem; it left bolts sticking up as trip hazards. All of those anchors had to be drilled out and replaced with flush anchors making each subsequent visit quicker and easier. To make the auditorium look like it wasn’t torn apart, carpet is laid in the aisles, upholstered end caps with brass row designations are applied to all of the new “aisle seats” and aisle lighting is put down for the safety of both patrons and actors. Many visitors are unaware that the aisles only exist for the run of Disney’s The Lion King.

FUNFACTS