WaterTower Theatre Celebrates YP4WTT Launch Today

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FOR WATERTOWER THEATRE is a dynamic New Group of early to mid-career professionals who take an active role in enhancing Dallas' cultural scene while furthering their knowledge of, and involvement with, the performing arts and the theatre. The group is run by a Steering Committee of its membership. YP4WTT President is Collin Duwe (Dallas Theater Center) and Melisa Stinson Ellis (Ellis Art Gallery).

The launch event for the group is tonight, August 8 at 6:30 pm to 11.30 pm with a pre-show cocktail hour from 6:30-7:30 pm; a performance of the hit musical Xanadu and an after-party at WaterTower Theatre featuring the music of Home by Hovercraft. The event is sponsored by Little Black Dress Vodka, Gentleman Jack's Whiskey and Doug Boster Gourmet Catering. The event is by invitation-only. For more information on the event and to receive an invitation, contact cduwe@watertowertheatre.org

Their financial support of WaterTower Theatre is primarily in the form of membership dues. The focus of YP4WTT is to create an environment where young professionals can volunteer, network, socialize, host special events and work towards the common effort of supporting WTT and its many cultural, educational and community programs. The tax-deductible membership dues are $75 per year for individuals and $140 for couples residing at the same address.

The concept of YP4WTT is simple: provide a little art with some social networking for young professionals while supporting a great community cause and make sure they have a lot fun doing it. Essentially, YP4WTT is a gathering of young professionals, a social club with a networking vision. It's a service organization supporting WTT and the arts in Dallas. And it will be an online community. The idea is to draw together young people with business acumen, leadership aspirations and awareness of social responsibilities, but who want wider, less restrictive opportunities than traditional arts young professional groups may provide. And, central to YP4WTT is friendship - meeting new people, making new connections both professionally and personally.

This group is modeled after similar young professional arts groups that now exist across the country from Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet's "Just Cauz" to Dallas Opera's "Amici di Opera" - providing opportunities for young professionals to enrich their lives, their community, network, socialize and stay connected with what's vibrant in the city. In fact, Theatre Communications Group, in a recent survey indicated that there are 183 young professional groups that support local and/or national arts organizations - theatre, opera, symphony, visual arts, galleries, museums, ballet, modern dance --around the country.

"They want to give something back. They don't have the time, but they do have the financial means to help," said Collin Duwe, YP's President. "They are ages 20 to 35 and they constitute about 40 percent of Dallas' population, a critical mass of socially conscious young professionals who fuel a preponderance of other arts organizations in the City that already cater to their need to connect with one another. They are proof that, in Dallas, the "me" years are turning into the "we" years."

"When Collin and I were approached to help WTT start up its own young professionals group we realized there was a real need and we wanted to help start a group that was slightly different," said Mellisa Ellis, YP's Co-President.

YP4WTT will hold a number of events at WaterTower Theatre which will include tickets to performances and dress rehearsals, plus quarterly happy hours and other events. The advantage of going to the events is that YPs can meet others who have a social conscience and meeting other people of the same age who share the same social values. The advantage of going to the events is that YPs can meet others who have a social conscience and who share the same values but also want to have fun doing it.

About the Committee Chairs:

Collin Duwe, a graduate from Texas Christian University, is the Customer Service Manager for Dallas Theater Center. Prior to joining DTC, Collin was the Development/Marketing Associate at WaterTower Theatre. He is also the Host for the Frisco RoughRiders. As a performer, he has worked in film, television and on-stage. He is actively involved in the community and enjoys any opportunity to meet new people, network, and give back to the community.

Melisa Stinson Ellis is a graduate of LSU, in Louisiana. She is currently an artist at Ellis Galleries. She is extremely active in the community and is looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of this organization.

About Home for Hovercraft:

Home By Hovercraft aren't afraid of going for the big finish. Led by husband-and-wife combo Seth (lead vocals, tuba) and Shawn Magill (piano, vocals, xylophone), the band also comprises Abbey Magill (percussion), Max Hartman (drums) and Johnny Sequenzia (mandolin, banjolin, harmonica). They rightfully draw comparisons to The National and even Nick Cave for their impeccable ability to bring dramatic ambition into their work.

About WaterTower Theatre:

WaterTower Theatre has become a theatrical force of nature through its consistent excellence and sharp programming. Combining Broadway-quality productions with the beauty of an intimate playing space, WaterTower Theatre provides experiences that are powerful and insightful, intense and uplifting. WaterTower Theatre provides the community with an opportunity to examine man's conditions from all perspectives and promotes growth through humor and drama.

Now in its 16th season, WaterTower Theatre began life in 1996 with 136 brave subscribers. Today, with over 2000 subscribers and a budget of $1.4 million, it consistently earns rave reviews in The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer, and other local publications. With 104 Dallas Theatre League Leon Rabin Nominations and 30 wins to its credit, as well as 16 Dallas Fort Worth Theatre Critics Forum Awards, WaterTower Theatre is home to the finest local talent.

The Young Professionals for WaterTower Theatre YP4WTT launch event will take place at WaterTower Theatre/Addison Theatre Centre on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

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