MEMPHIS Stars Receive Cabrillo's Selvin Charitable Foundation Scholarship

MEMPHIS stars Lakeisha Renee Houston and Brandon Fleming are recipients of the first SELVIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP. Harry and Maureen Selvin, longtime patrons of the arts and supporters of Cabrillo Music Theatre, have developed this scholarship, to be presented on the final performance of each Cabrillo Music Theatre production, to the performer in that Cabrillo show that best exemplifies the spirit of Cabrillo Music Theatre. At the November 23rd performance of MEMPHIS, Houston and Fleming each receive a $500 cash scholarship, a personal trophy, and name recognition on a permanent plaque of all those recognized, to reside in the Cabrillo Music Theatre office.
The brainchild of philanthropists Harry and Maureen Selvin, the idea of the SELVIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP came from seeing many years of Cabrillo shows from their front-row Opening Night seats, plus attending rehearsals, auditions, and visiting with many cast members. Onstage before the final performance of MEMPHIS on Sunday, November 23rd, Houston and Fleming were called onstage by the Selvins and Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld to receive their trophies and accolades. With the encouragement of Harry and Maureen to "Follow Your Dreams," the Scholarship can be used to further education, career, or other pursuit of the arts.

The SELVIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP will next be presented at the closing performance of Cabrillo's COMPANY, Sunday, February 8th, 2:00PM in the Scherr Forum of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Lakeisha Houston and Brandon Fleming will be invited to attend, and to participate in the next presentation.

LAKEISHA RENEE HOUSTON, a recent Texas State University grad, made her Cabrillo Music Theatre debut as "Felicia" in MEMPHIS. Lakeisha's favorite credits include "Dionne" in HAIR, and "Mrs. Muller" in Doubt (KCACTF-Irene Ryan Acting Finalist). While at Texas State, she had the privilege of working with Tony nominated composer Andrew Lippa as "Aljaina" in A Little Princess, as well as a vocalist on Lippa's record "It Gets Better" for the Trevor Project. In addition, she was able to work with multiple guest artists including Austin Pendleton, Christopher d'Amboise, and Shirley Knight. Lakeisha is also a classically trained pianist, who enjoys mentoring young artists, and writing.

BRANDON MICHAEL FLEMING portrayed "Gator," making his LA stage debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre in MEMPHIS! Previous credits: Five Guys Named?? Moe, Superior Donuts, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!, Smokey Joe's Café, Big River, Ragtime, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Pajama Game, Titanic, Songs for a New World, and Rent. He holds a B.F.A. from Wright State University.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE FOR ITS UPCOMING "COMPANY"

COMPANY will open on Friday, January 23, 2015, and run through Sunday, February 8th, in the intimate Scherr Forum of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff, and audience will follow the Saturday, January 24th, 2:00pm performance. A signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will be on Friday, January 30th, at 8:00PM. The Selvin Charitable Foundation Scholarship will be presented immediately preceding the February 8th, 2PM Performance.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, or through any Ticketmaster location, or by phone (800) 745-3000. For groups of 10 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8613 x3. Ticket prices range from $36-$51. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787). COMPANY performs exclusively at the Scherr Forum, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE's 2014-2015 Season "travels" to England with MARY POPPINS (April 17-26, 2015), and makes a stop in OKLAHOMA! (July 17-26, 2015). Single show and Season Tickets are available.

To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps, or for additional information, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at(818) 508-1754 or by e-mail at ELZERD@aol.com or visit www.demandpr.com.

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