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October 1st, 2022 at 5:30 to 9:30 PM

5:30 - Cocktails
7:10 - Dinner & Program
8:45 - Dancing
 
 
Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows
10345 Park Meadows Drive
Lone Tree, CO 80124
GALA FAQs

You are cordially invited to the 2022 Stars in Arts Gala to support the Performing Arts Academy!

 
The theme for this year is Seize The Day! Mark your calendars to enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, live music, student performances, silent & live auctions, and dancing!
 
By attending and supporting the Stars in Arts Gala, you are helping PAA transform the lives of children and youth in our community through the performing arts.   The Performing Arts Academy positively impacts over 1,000 students each year and your support is critical to PAA's mission.
 
 

Want to become a Gala Sponsor?

BECOME A SPONSOR
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase

Tell us your meal choice for the evening!

Meal Choice

If you are thinking of spending the night at the hotel

the Marriott is offering rooms at discounted rates for Gala attendees.

Rates & Reservations

Support PAA by registering to bid on our Silent Auction!

The auction will open at 12am on Tuesday, September 27th and close at 8pm on Saturday October 1st.

Happy Bidding and Good Luck!

REGISTER TO BID

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Offering over 35 years’ experience in Denver, AGS Construction, Inc. has been building a reputation of being a one-of-a-kind company. AGS Construction is a self-performing company. This means we provide on-time, quality construction work executed by our own in house staff, we do not rely solely on subcontractors to complete your projects. The sub-contractors we do work with have been part of our team for many years, we only work with companies that have been thoroughly vetted to ensure that your work is completed with only the highest-level quality craftsmanship.

The AGS mission statement is simple—because we believe our goals are the same for every job: Complete the job on time, within budget, safely, and always exceed client expectations.

It’s that simple.

GOLD LEVEL
SPONSOR

Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction, it’s a life-changing experience. After living in Denver for over two decades, we founded The Perfect Home Group to help our neighbors confidently navigate the competitive real estate market across the metro area.

Our commitment, educational support and deep market knowledge will set buyers up for success, Our innovative marketing campaigns and efficient home staging allow sellers to get the best possible offers in the shortest amount of time. If you're searching for trusted local experts to help you achieve your goals, call Rick and Dani at The Perfect Home Group today.

SILVER LEVEL
SPONSOR

A home is not a home because of its room dimensions or the color of its walls. It is about how you feel when you walk through the front door.
And the way you can instantly envision your life unfolding there.

This is more than about real estate, this is about your life and your dreams.

Many families are finding that their dream home is no longer working, especially during a pandemic! People are needing more office or "flexible" spaces. My team is ready to help you sell your home at top dollar and find something that will work for you today and into the future.

Keller Williams Executives Realty
640 Plaza Drive, Ste. 300, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

​

GENERAL
SPONSORS

Chris LaMee -Banyan Real Estate, LLC supports PAA and it's mission in creating community, building character, and inspiring excellence through performing arts education. If you're looking for a neighborhood that suits your heart and a home that fits your mind and your budget, or an investment property to build your portfolio, you've found the right team of professionals. With our commitment to excellence and our vast real estate experience Banyan Real Estate offers a journey like none other when buying and selling.
Comcast NBCUniversal creates incredible technology and entertainment that connects millions of people to the moments and experiences that matter most.

EVENT
SPONSORS

Graphic design, web design, and marketing expert in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers, rebrand an existing business, or update your online presence with a beautiful new website, our blend of design, development, and marketing expertise will help you create a stronger, more engaging business that truly thrives.

Berenz Tax, Inc. is a proud supporter of PAA and performing arts. Providing individuals and businesses with professional tax advisory and preparation services, Berenz Tax is located in Littleton and Thornton, CO.

HomeLight empowers people to achieve better outcomes during one of life's most important events: buying or selling their home. Our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my ticket include?

 For single tickets, your ticket includes dinner, performances, live and silent auction, and dancing. For ½ and full table purchases, each guest will also receive a drink ticket.

How do I make my meal choice?

When you buy your tickets, you will receive an email with a link to make your meal choices, you can also forward this email to your guests (if buying a half table or table).

You can also visit the Gala page and find the Meal selection button just below the ticket section.

The meal choice/s are:

  • Seared Coriander Rubbed Salmon with Lemon Scented Poppy Seed Rice, Grilled Asparagus, & Orange Butter Sauce.
  • Grilled Beef Tenderloin Steak with Bleu Cheese Smashed Potatoes, Roasted
    Broccolini, & Port Wine Glace de Viande.
  • Grilled Vegetable Wellington with Layered Grilled Vegetables in Puff Pastry with
    Pomodoro- Vegan & Gluten Free.

What is the attire for the evening?

“Red Carpet” or “Black Tie” attire is requested (but not required). This is your chance to turn up the glam!

Can I pay for a ticket the evening of the event?

Yes, however, meal choices must be sent in by September 23rd. If registering after this date, a meal will be selected for you.

Will masks be required?

We continue to follow local and state guidelines. At this time, masks are encouraged but not required. Should this change closer to the date, we will update everyone.

Will there be dancing this year?

Yes, we will have a dance floor during the evening’s events.

Will there be student performances?

 Absolutely!

Can I stay overnight?

Yes! The Marriott has offered our guests discounted rates for the evening so come, enjoy yourself, and stay the night! https://book.passkey.com/e/50366893

Will there be a photo op?

Yes, there will be an area for photos where you will use your own phone. We ask that you post your photos to your favorite social media account and tag them with #starsinartsgala. We’d love to include them in our wrap up eNewsletter! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Can I buy a table or ½ table without knowing the names of my guests?

  • That's ok! When you do, please submit your guest(s) names and meal choices by September 23rd by going to our website or follow the link below.
  • If you have any questions, please contact Kerith Beaumont at development@paacolorado.org.

 

How do I participate in the auctions?

  • If attending the Gala- You will receive an email and text with directions on how to sign up with ClickBid once the silent auction is open.  Once registered you will receive a bidder number that will coincide with the program you receive the evening of the gala.  You will use this bidder number on your program for the live auction items.

 

  • If unable to attend the Gala but want to participate in the silent auction- There will be a link on the Gala webpage to sign up with ClickBid. From there, you will be able to check out all the items, make your bids, find out if you are winning, and pay for any items you are lucky enough to win at the end of the night!

 

Do I have to be at the Gala to participate in the auctions?

  • For the live auction you will have to be present at the Gala.

 

  • For the silent auction you do not need to be present.  There will be a link on the Gala webpage to sign up with ClickBid. From there, you will be able to check out all the items, make your bids, find out if you are winning, and pay for any items you are lucky enough to win at the end of the night!

 

I won! How do I pick up my auction item?

Congratulations!! If you are in attendance, you can collect your own items that evening. If you are bidding from home, auction item pick up will take place at our PAA County Line location 5690 County Line Pl., Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 on Sunday, October 2nd from 11am-1pm and Monday, October 3rd (please call 720-284-9915 to be sure we are there).

 

What is the Gala for?

The Stars in Arts Gala is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Performing Arts Academy, a non-profit in South Denver providing performing arts education for students ages 3-18. You can read more about PAA and the Outreach Program.
 

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John Boggs

John Boggs is a pianist, composer and vocalist based currently in Thornton, Colorado. He holds a DMA in Composition from the University of Colorado Boulder, a M.M. in Composition from the University of Michigan and a B.F.A. from Bard College. Previous piano instructors include German Diez and MaryAnn Griebling. He taught students of all ages and experience during his undergraduate and graduate studies.

At Bard College he studied voice with tenor Rufus Müller. He has sung such roles as Jamie in The Last Five Years, The Lecturer in Reefer Madness, and El Gallo in The Fantasticks. He teaches repertoire in the genres of musical theater, art song, pop and opera. He currently is a Choral Pro for both the Ars Nova singers and the St. John’s Episcopal Compline Choir. In 2016, John co-founded Renaissance and Contemporary a cappella group, Solis, to promote new works from local and national composers.

His music direction includes Pippin and Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Bard Musical Theater Company. In 2017 he music directed Centerstage Theater Company’s production of Godspell, and most recently their 2021 production of Theory of Relativity.

He has had composition premiers by such groups as the American Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan’s Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir, DaCapo Chamber Players, Ars Nova Singers, the Columbine Chorale, 303 Children’s Choir (now Vocal Coalition), the Chamber Music Society of Ohio, and new music ensemble Contemporaneous. He is the co-founder/co-writer as well as the keyboardist and vocalist for experimental rock band Fifth Veil, and is delving into the world of film and interactive game scoring.

He also has experience teaching students with developmental disabilities. He provided accompaniment for Tapestry Theater’s productions of Elf, School House Rocks and Shrek Jr. He was previously employed with Imagine’s CORE day program, where he instructed group music classes using midi over wifi to create the feeling of being in a band and orchestra.

 

 

Amy Arpan

Amy Arpan has worked professionally as an actress, show host, variety artist, improviser, fight choreographer, clown, and director for 22 years.

She is represented by Radical Artists Agency, and you may have seen her competing in the ‘Dish Network Challenge’ and zooming along on an electric scooter in the ‘Colorado Lottery’ Commercials.

Past local credits include Ella Enchanted at the Arvada Center; Mrs. Soames in Our Town at Miners Alley; the Conductor and Engineer in The Polar Express; Madame Volange in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at Miners Alley; Characters in Crisis for the Colorado Police Departments; and directing Fright Fest and the Summer Illusion Shows at Elitch Gardens. She is also a local weekly Trivia and Bingo Host.

Favorite out of State Credits and Clients
include: Nickelodean, Royal Caribbean,
Disney Cruise Lines, & Cedar Fair Theme Parks , Shakespeare Carolina, ChickSpeare, The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte,.

In addition to Clowning around with her Ringling Brother’s Circus School training, she is also fond of Juggling, Improv-ing, Performing Magic, Balloon Twisting, Lip Print Reading, Stilt Walking, Mascot work, Puppeteering, Show Hosting, and Character Roaming. She has been the owner and principal performer for Amy Arpan’s Illusions And Confusions since its founding in 1998.

Katie Reid

Resident Acting Director

Katie is thrilled to be returning to her beautiful home state of Colorado after 15 years away performing and teaching professionally in NYC and Chicago. Katie holds a BFA in Musical Theater from The University of Oklahoma. In Chicago, Katie taught and directed in several performing arts programs, directing/music directing over 20 shows with ages K - 12, including multiple pilot productions with MTI and Disney theatricals. She also worked in events and development at American Theater Company and as Production Manager for the award-winning program, BRAVO Performing Arts, in Oak Park. Theater credits include the National Tours of South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), 'S Wonderful (Jane), and Annie (Ronnie Boylan). Regional theater: Nunsense (Sister Robert Ann), Last Five Years (Cathy), Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy), Princess and the Pea (Queen u/s), Land of Forgotten Toys (Queen), Full Monty (Pam), Ordinary Days (Claire), Broadway: The Big Band Years (featured singer), Sweeney Todd, and The Who's Tommy. She is excited to be a part of the PAA staff!

acting@paacolorado.org

 

Kathryn Dudley

Kathryn Dudley is a dancer, instructor, choreographer, and stage manager based in Denver. She attained her Bachelor of Arts in both Dance and Theatre from Gustavus Adolphus College where she received the Distinguished Dance Student Award and graduated with honors. Originally from Minnesota, Kathryn has worked with various theatres around the Twin Cities such as Children’s Theatre Company, SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development, and Daytripper’s Dinner Theatre. Some of Kathryn’s favorite performances were with ...and Company, of which she is a founding member. Along with the 4 other founding members, Kathryn choreographed, directed, produced, and performed in 2 shows for the MN Fringe Festival. Her work has also been featured in shows by Minneapolis Ballet Dancers, Zenon’s Zone Program, Sarah Hauss, and COHORTS. Kathryn is a company member, resident choreographer, and production manager for 21/40 Productions where she enjoys exploring every facet of the performing arts. As an educator, Kathryn is passionate about sharing dance with people from all walks of life and lives by Alvin Ailey’s famous words: "Dance is for Everybody”.

Jennifer Lillibridge

Jennifer Lillibridge came to Colorado from Los Angeles where she earned her BA in Theater Arts and Directing at Occidental College. For several years after college she was a proud member of Actors Equity and worked throughout the Greater Los Angeles area as an equity production stage manager and scenic artist for several prominent theater companies. Since moving to Colorado, Jennifer has been at D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School as their theater program’s director and costume designer. She and her husband Adam, enjoy creating stories and having wild adventures with their daughter Juniper and two dogs.

Jennifer Maggi

Jennifer Maggi grew up dancing in Orange County, California at the Pacific School of Ballet from the age of 5 to 18. Throughout her years there, she trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, and Tap. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from California State University, Fullerton with an emphasis in Ballet and Modern. While completing her degree, Jennifer performed and choreographed for numerous professional dance shows and showcases as well as participated in the Limon Dance Intensive under Collin Connor. After graduating, Jennifer returned to Cal State Fullerton to choreograph the BFA Musical Theatre main stage productions of Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party, and Cry Baby. In 2014, Jennifer was cast as a performer at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California where she danced and portrayed famous Disney characters in the Pixar Play Parade, Paint the Night Parade, The Frightfully Fun Parade, and The Christmas Fantasy Parade. She moved to Denver in May 2019 and is so excited to join the team at PAA and share her passion for dance with her students.

Jana Wesson

Jana Wesson is thrilled to be back at PAA! As a former alumni, Jana is excited to be continuing with PAA as a staff of the outreach program. Since her last show in 2013 Jana has gone on to do community theatre at the Pace Center and Wesley Players Theatre Company, starring in shows such as Singin’ In The Rain, Mary Poppins, The Music Man and many more!

McKensey Struzik

McKensey graduated from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts with a BA in Acting and a Minor in Musical Theatre in 2016.  Since, she has taught children’s theatre at various studios in Virginia as well as in Colorado.  She has taught dance, private voice and group acting classes as well as choreographed, music directed many productions.  She has tap danced for 17 years and had the opportunity to study under tap dancers such as Savion Glover, Chloe Arnold, Maude Arnold, and Jason Janas.  She is thrilled to teach tap with PAA this year and can’t wait to get started.

Kat Gabriel

Kathleen (Kat) Gabriel is a performer, artist, and educator who is delighted to be teaching with PAA and back in their hometown of Denver, CO.  Kat attended Denver School of the Arts and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Drake University (Des Moines, IA); they also studied acting abroad for three months at the Moscow Art Theatre School through the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute.  Kat spent nearly two years touring the US and Canada with the Missoula Children's Theatre where they taught, directed, and performed with local kids in shows like Blackbeard the Pirate and Snow White.  When they are not on or around the stage, Kat can be found drinking coffee, crafting, and/or petting the nearest dog.  Thank you to everyone at PAA and my family!

 

Valerie Igoe

Her regional credits include The Other Josh Cohen (Denver Center), Beehive, the 60's Musical (Lone Tree Arts Center), Tomfoolery (Aurora Fox), Shout! The Mod Musical (Town Hall Arts Center), Rock of Ages, Annie and Footloose (BDT Stage), Annie, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and The Full Monty (Rocky Mountain Reperatory Theatre), and Junie B Jones, the Musical (Arvada Center). Training: BFA Musical Theatre, Nebraska Wesleyan University. Valerie is a member of Actor's Equity Association.

 

Gavin Juckette

Gavin Juckette (He/They) is a non-binary teaching artist fresh off their 3-year

stint in Valencia, Spain where they obtained their Masters of Music in Voice, with

an emphasis in Production, from Berklee College of Music. With theatre and music

degrees for a base, and 12+ years in the industry, Gavin is thrilled to expand their

career to teaching the arts that they love so dearly. Along with songwriting and

producing, Gavin is working to deepen their support of the LGBTQIA+ community,

participating in outreach programs and involvement in organizations that share the

same passion. Gavin hopes to take part in nurturing the musical community with

their experiences from home and abroad while continuing to grow with every new

experience. Brilliantly put by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, "Neither a lofty degree of

intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love,

love, love, that is the soul of genius."

 

Tobi Johnson-Compton

Tobi Johnson-Compton has been dancing most of her life and has danced, taught, and choreographed throughout Colorado.  She has been teaching jazz, modern, ballet and tap for over 30 years around Colorado, most recently at PACE Center in Parker and The Arvada Center before that. She not only teaches and choregraphs but performs and stage manages as well. Her choreography credits include Disney’s Newsies with Inspire Theatre/PACE Center, where she was nominated for a Henry Award for choreography; resident choreographer for Overland High School, where her choreography was nominated for a Bobby G award for Sister Act; Mary Poppins, Lutheran High School; Shrek the Musical, West Side Story, Grease, and Sister Act with Inspire Theater/PACE Center. Performance credits include the premiere of Idris Goodwin’s 3 person play, Blackademics (Ann) and Tobi’s very first straight play! Musical theater credits: The Addams Family (Grandma) and Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble) – Vintage Theatre; Mary Poppins (Ensemble), Spamalot (Laker Girl) and Hairspray (Cool kid) – Inspire Theater/PACE Center. Tobi enjoys everything about theater and loves watching it all come together from behind the scenes putting it all together, to the heart and soul the performers bring to the stage.

 

Aria Faddis

Aria Faddis grew up in Boise, Idaho, and moved to Colorado in 2017. She began dancing at age twelve and has since discovered how much she loves to share her love of dance with children. Aria has a BFA in Dance with an emphasis in teaching from the University of Montana and spent one season dancing with Off Center Dance Company in Boise before relocating to Colorado.  Aria currently teaches at studios across the Denver Metro area as well as working as a choreographer for D'Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School. When she is not dancing, Aria is visiting as many National Parks as possible and enjoying exploring all Colorado has to offer.

Darin Drown

Darin Drown is in his 18th year teaching choir at Grandview High school in Aurora, CO in the Cherry Creek School District, and 30th year of teaching.  His choirs have consistently received the highest ratings at festivals around the United States and have been featured performers at the Colorado Music Educator’s convention several times.  In addition, Darin directed the 120-man Sound of the Rockies barbershop chorus to 7 medalist performances in international competition in the Barbershop Harmony Society, reaching as high as 3rd place.  Darin has traveled all over the world coaching men’s and women’s acapella quartets and choruses.  He also sings in Storm Front, the 2010 International Champion barbershop quartet.  He has been named Teacher of the Year in two different schools over his career, as well as a District Teacher of the Year.  He took over directing responsibilities for the Velvet Hills Show Chorus in Colorado Springs for the past three years.

Rachel Snyder

Rachel Marie Snyder is so excited to be returning to PAA! She has been teaching musical theatre and dance for over 8 years at studios in New York City and across the country. She shares her passion for creativity and self-expression in the classroom and on the stage. Rachel has performed internationally as a vocalist with Aida Cruise Lines and regionally in roles such as Sherrie in Rock of Ages and Maggie in 42nd St. She continues her lifelong training in dance, acting, and theatre in New York, and loves to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of young artists.

Andrew McGlothen

Andrew McGlothen is thrilled to be back for his 2nd summer with PAA. Originally from Texas, Andrew has been fabricator, scenic painter, director and actor for over a decade. He’s had the privilege to work for companies like the Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids, Denver Comic Con, Visionbox Studio and many others. If you need something designed or created, he’s your guy. When not working in theatre Andrew is a Graphic Designer and coffee snob. He’d like to thank his husband and dogs for the support and PAA for the opportunity!”

 

Cambel Rule

Cambel Rule has been with PAA for three years working a assistant technical director in order to help bring imagination to life. Cambel attends Metropolitan State University of Denver. majoring in history and minoring in theater. he looks forward to working on all of the great shows PAA has lined up this year.

 

Daniel Mason

Daniel holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado.
He has studied T’ai Chi academically as well as practically. Daniel earned a
bachelor’s degree in Traditional Eastern Arts with an emphasis in T’ai Chi Ch’uan
from Naropa University where he completed a teacher’s training program. After
his studies at Naropa, Daniel began teaching in 1996 in Boulder, CO.
While implementing his Corporate Stress Management & Senior Citizen
Wellness Programs, Daniel has lead hundreds of people to experience the many
benefits of T’ai Chi.

 

Caleb Sporrer

Caleb is going to Texas State University for their prestigious BFA program next fall. Caleb will be there to talk about Caleb's audition experience from Pre-qualifications to acceptances.  For students thinking about applying for musical theatre and acting BFA programs, he will give an overview of his experience, the recommended timeline for the application and what students can expect from the audition process in general. If you aren't sure where to start for college auditions, this is a great opportunity to ask questions from a students who just successfully went through the process!

 

Steph Holmbo

Steph Holmbo is an actress, dancer, singer, poet, creatoe. Steph received her BFA from New York University's Atlantic Theatre Company and worked off-broadway with the dance company Mitra Dance Collective for 3 years. Since moving to Denver she has performed at several theaters including Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Miners Alley Playhouse, Town Hall Arts Center, and originated roles in two world premiere musicals with Mitch Samu. In 2020, Steph wrote and performed in her one-woman show and again, creating a story around how we listen in a world where everyone is talking. Steph is passionate about storytelling, justice, and finding hope in especially difficult situations. www.stephholmbo.com

Melanie Ware

Melanie has been with PAA as their Properties Master for six years and teaching classes for five. Melanie received her BA in Theatre from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in May of 2016. Between Acting, Directing and Properties Design she has roughly 12 years of theatrical experience. Favorite PAA design credits include: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown!, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Addams Family.

 

 

 

Stephanie Hesse

Stephanie is thrilled to join PAA, and is very proud of this group of talented kids!  With a BA in both Theatre and Dance from Colorado Mesa University,  Stephanie has performed with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Avatar Movement Dance Company, and in several musicals in the Denver area including 9 to 5, 42nd Street, Crazy For You, and West Side Story. Choreography credits include: A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder, Hello Dolly!, She Loves Me, 13: The Musical, and Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr.