Conejo Players' 2nd Annual: ARTS ADVOCATE AWARDS

The Conejo Players Theatre is proud to announce the second annual Arts Advocate Award winners, honoring outstanding local theatre champions.

The Legacy Advocate Award is presented to Dick Berman. Berman was a veteran of the local stage, appearing in many shows over a long career including "Fiddler on the Roof," and could always be seen in the front row, supporting the younger generations taking the stage. Berman passed away in December.

The Civic Advocate Award is presented to outgoing Cabrillo Music Theatre Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. In his time at Cabrillo, Wilkenfeld has helped bring theatre to the Ventura County community, taking shows to retirement homes and Naval Base Ventura County, as well as partnering with animal rescue shelters to help get pets adopted. His passion for the arts is evidenced through programs like the Cabrillo Kids, ensuring a new generation of performers has access to opportunities.

The Young Advocate Award is presented to Westley Umali. Umali, 10, has shown a well-rounded love for the theater arts. Having performed on stage at multiple theaters, he also helps out from everything to painting sets to advocating for the theater at school and around town. This young man has a bright future, and is constantly expanding his horizons.

The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016, at 6:30pm at Conejo Players Theatre -- located at 351 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91361. There will be a champagne dessert reception immediately following; additionally, guests are encouraged to stay for that evening's hilarious Conejo Improv Players performance at 8:00pm.

Deidre Parmenter, CPT President, explains the motivation for the event: "The arts are hugely important to us as individuals and to our community at large. We're where we are today because of individual contributions and a supportive community. Honoring those that advocate both for Conejo Players and for the arts in general is vital."

Don't miss the excitement -- make your reservation now!
Visit www.conejoplayers.org or call our Box Office at (805) 495-3715.

In 2015, the first annual Arts Advocate Awards honored and highlighted the amazing work of local theatre champions Richard "Dick" Johnson; Corey Fogelmanis of Disney Channel's Girl Meets World; and the City of Thousand Oaks. Each honoree has played a foundational part in strengthening CPT, other area theatres, and the arts in general. They are shining examples of people who are guided by an appreciation of the arts; who understand their importance in the community; and who are ambassadors for arts awareness.

Tickets are $10 and include a reception after the awards and admission to the Improv show that starts at 8:00

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