Due to last minute State of Florida budget cuts announced late this week, the summer Kaleidoscope Musical Theatre Workshop is on hold until further notice

SARASOTA, FL (May 28, 2004) -- The Asolo Theatre Company and Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. (CHAC) regretfully announce the cancellation of their scheduled opening reception of the tenth annual Kaleidoscope Musical Theatre Workshop for teens and adults with developmental disabilities, which was scheduled for 9:30 am on June 1, 2004, in the Asolo's main rehearsal hall at the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 

        Kaleidoscope is an innovative partnership between Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. and The Asolo Theatre Company. The Asolo Theatre Company’s Associate Artistic Director, Bruce Rodgers, and CHAC's President/CEO, Peggy Connell, serve as Kaleidoscope co-program directors.

“State of Florida budget cuts announced late this week have seriously impacted the program’s ability to fund the 2004 summer workshop,” explains Bruce Rodgers. “Right now we’re evaluating our options and trying to determine if we can salvage portions of this summer’s workshop program through alternate funding.”

        This year's workshop, titled The Kaleidoscope Challenge: Planet Earth, is intended as a celebration of each person's uniqueness, focusing on the value of diversity and the importance of working together with others to make a difference in the world. Entering its tenth year, Kaleidoscope is a groundbreaking program where staff members help participants grow as performers and individuals. Clinical goals, set for each participant, are achieved through creative exploration, which strengthens a variety of communications skills and ultimately enriches their everyday lives.

         “As soon as we know more, we will notify the community and the press of our intentions,” Rodgers explained. “Until then, the summer workshop will be on hold.”

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The Asolo 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 Arts Council. The Asolo Theatre Company’s Shakespeare productions are sponsored in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theater initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Additional funding is also received through the efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.