The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Funds Asolo Rep’s New State-of-the Art Lighting and Sound System!
Sarasota, Florida (October 3, 2007) – Mounting a production like the pre-Broadway musical event A Tale of Two Cities requires a lot of assistance both on the stage and off. One of the major elements that made A Tale of Two Cities a reality was funds from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation which were used to replace aging sound and lighting equipment in the Mertz and Cook Theatres.
These new systems allow for Asolo Rep to match the quality of the theatre’s technology with the artistically enhanced staged productions that are being mounted under Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. This gift was instrumental in Asolo Rep’s confidence to take on the world premiere of A Tale of Two Cities. Many elements are involved for a show of Tale’s magnitude to fruition and the sound and lighting systems are key. It is anticipated that the new sound and lighting systems will exceed the expectations of the 100,000 Asolo Rep patrons as they experience large scale productions, musicals, and special community events in a whole new technological way. In addition, new sound technology will enable Asolo Rep to provide a higher quality infrared hearing system to assist patrons with difficulty hearing. With the updated sound system, fewer and fewer details will be lost to those who are often challenged by the outdated system. Modern theatre lighting and sound is changing with the time to a more dynamic, sharper and brighter model.Asolo Rep is very grateful to the Selby Foundation for their assistance in maintaining Asolo Rep’s reputation as Florida’s premier professional theatre.
ABOUT ASOLO REP: Asolo Repertory Theatre, the premier professional theatre of the state of Florida, has become one of the most important cultural forces in the Southeastern United States. Now in its 49th season, Asolo Rep continues its mission to entertain, engage, and inspire audiences through the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary, and newly commissioned work all performed in rotating repertory. It strives to connect with our community through top-notch educational programming. Asolo Rep is one of only four theatres in the country to still operate in true rotating repertory all year long, and is among the small number of theatres that still employs a core resident acting company.
ABOUT THE SELBY FOUNDATION: Established in 1955 by Mr. and Mrs. Selby, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation looks beyond what is and enables change for what can be, by investing in people through academic scholarships and supporting capital projects of local organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
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Asolo Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, the Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Sarasota County Arts Council. Funding is also received through efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Rep Guild, the Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.