Audiences at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center (which will open to the public on April 27 with a preview party from 7 to 9 p.m.), will be treated to a wide variety of music, dancing and theater, as 11 regional nonprofit performing arts companies have been selected to perform in the same venue that will also facilitate national acts throughout the year.
The 11 companies named as the resident companies of the Center’s Cultural Alliance will form the core of the Center’s programming, and will present performances and collaborate on special events and educational programming. The Cultural Arts Creatives (also known as The Creatives) will also book its own national acts for the Center.
The Center chose the 11 companies from a total of 23 applicants, using a vetting process. Being residents of the center will save the local companies a lot of money, as they are given discounts and will not be charged rental fees for the venue. Other benefits include front-of-house staffing; box office sales; plus marketing, advertising and public relations. The Center also offers the companies opportunities for various training.
Jody Leshinsky, Vice President of Administration of the Creatives, manages the Center and says of the resident companies, “They will not be on any management boards. However, there will be monthly group meetings which encourages them to get to know each other and perhaps spark some collaborations.”
Alyona Ushe, President/CEO of The Creatives, says the 11 groups are “an outstanding amalgamation of talent.” They include theater, dance and music performance.
Here is a list of the companies, along with links to their web sites for more information:
- Brazilian Voices, a women’s vocal ensemble that helps to promote and preserve Brazil’s rich multicultural heritage and fosters music appreciation, exchange among different cultures, and education.
- Dance NOW! Miami, south Florida’s leading contemporary dance company;
- Rootz of Music, founded in 2011 to inspire people and help them to appreciate Jamaican music;
- Outré Theatre Company, which believes theater is a living art form, and strives to create theater that stimulates thought and encourages activism;
- Arts Ballet Theatre, bringing classical ballet to the community;
“Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward
- Curtain Call Playhouse, the most active touring company in South Florida, appealing to adult and family audiences;
- Florida Classical Ballet, promoting and preserving the tradition of classical ballet, fusing Cuban technique and American style;
- Fushu Daiko, practicing the art of Taiko, a musical art form that builds on a centuries-old tradition of Japanese drumming;
- South Florida Chamber Ensemble, comprised of six musicians from the brass, woodwind, string and percussion families;
- South Florida Jubilee Chorus, affiliated with Sweet Adelines International, a world-wide organization of women singers advancing the art of barbershop singing; and
- TheatreSouth, one of South Florida’s newest performing arts companies.