STT's State of Mind Raises Record Breaking $45,000

On Saturday, November 7th, 150+ guests gathered for this year's Second Thought State of Mind, an event celebrating STT and gathering support for the award-winning theatre company. Guests were invited to an evening of fun and fundraising with Derek Phillips. Phillips was a regular fixture on the STT stage during the company's early years and has appeared on hit television shows including as Billy Riggins on NBC's award-winning drama "Friday Night Lights."

The evening sold out, and the tickets and auction raised more than $45,000 to directly fund theater operations.

The event was chaired by April Bosworth and the Honorary Co-Chairmen were Kathy Messina and Gary Goodwin. Bridge Bistro / PGP Design Center hosted.

The evening began with cocktails and festive fare, time to mix and mingle with other STT supporters and the stars for the evening, followed by a Q&A with Derek Phillips moderated by STT co-founder and former "Friday Night Lights" actor Steven Walters. Mr. Phillips engaged the crowd with stories of borrowing gas money for out-of-town auditions and sleeping on recliners when even a couch was unavailable; tales from his time on the Dallas stage, the award-winning NBC drama "Friday Night Lights," and his new project "Game of Silence."

Chairman April Bosworth remarked "Saturday evening was so special, not only in the record funds but in the energy of our longtime supporters and many new faces. I know I speak for the theater when I say how grateful I am for everyone who attended and showed support."

ABOUT DEREK PHILLIPS:

Film/TV and stage actor Derek Phillips was born in Miami, Florida, and attended Baylor University where he received a BFA in acting. Upon graduation Derek moved to New York and began acting professionally in both television and regional theatre performing throughout the country. Derek is the first to say that STT has made a big difference in his career. The support of his Baylor and STT peers when he came back to work with STT bolstered Derek as an artist. Derek returned to Dallas in 2004 to make his Second Thought Theatre debut in Pluck the Day by Steven Walters. Being back in Texas led to the opportunity to audition for - and ultimately play - the emotionally charged role of Billy Riggins for NBC's award-winning drama "Friday Night Lights." Since "Friday Night Lights" Derek continues to carve out memorable performances on television and in movies, including a supporting role in the Jackie Robinson biopic 42. Next for Derek is a recurring role on the hotly anticipated drama, "Game of Silence," debuting this fall n NBC.

ABOUT SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE:

Second Thought Theatre seeks to capture the moment of creation between artist and audience. Dedicated to ensemble productions that explore challenging and dramatic works from the canon of theatrical literature, STT strives to enlighten and entertain its audience by pushing the boundaries of human thought and emotion. Old works done in new ways, new works done in old ways. Everything is possible when you take a second thought.

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