Arts in Action Gala: A Celebration of Dance, Legacy, and Community

his year’s theme, Arts in Action: A Celebration of Dance, Legacy, & Community, will be a unique and inspiring experience.

Join us for an evening of elegance as we honor the transformative power of dance and reflect on the ongoing impact of the arts within our community.

Highlights of the evening will include:

• Cocktail reception with delicious food including passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet, and open bar.

• Live entertainment featuring SMAPA Teaching Artist & Performer, Ty Stephens & The Soul Jazz.

• 'Living Art' Galleries showcasing student performances with engaging video displays.

• Program highlighting SMAPA educators, students, alumni, and luminaries.

We invite you to support the future of SMAPA during this fundraiser through the following:

• Buy a Gala Ticket: Be our guest on October 24 at the Van Vleck.

• Become a Sponsor: We offer sponsorship packages ranging from $20,000 to $1,000, each with unique benefits. (Click "Sponsor Our Event" to see available options.)

• Purchase an Ad: Commemorate your support of SMAPA with an ad in our souvenir journal starting at $150. (Click "Sponsor Our Event" to see available options.)

• Tell Your Friends: Please share this event on your social media, use the hashtag #ArtsinAction2024, and tag SMAPA.

• Make a Donation: If you're unable to attend, please consider making a donation! (Scroll down below "Sponsor Our Event" and click "Donate" on the right-side menu).
  • All donors $75 and above will have their names added on a star for our "Star Wall" the night of the Gala!
  • All donors $125 and above will also have their names added to our "Arts in Action Supporters" page in the souvenir journal!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 6:30-7:45 PM - Cocktail Reception with Passed Hors D'Oeuvres
• 7:00-7:45 PM - Dinner Buffet
• 8:00-8:45 PM - Program
• 8:45-9:00 PM - Raise the Roof, Raise the Funds!
• 9:00-9:30 PM - Dessert & Dancing

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

We're excited to announce our speakers for the Gala program! They'll also be available to chat with guests during the cocktail hour.

CHRIS LIVSEY - PROGRAM EMCEE & PRIME TIME SUMMER ARTS SPEAKER

A native of Irvington, NJ, “Mr. Chris” enjoys working with dancers and performers of all ages, helping them understand how choreography works and how to adapt it to their own ability and style.He began studying acting with the Theater Workshop Peppermint Players under Marie Thomas. He studied theater at Montclair State University and toured in musicals throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as performing regionally and off-Broadway. As co-director of the Prime Time Summer Arts program and faculty teaching artist, Chris has taught drama and dance at SMAPA for over 20 years. He has worked with the Ailey School providing a five week intro to Drama/Improv. Chris also writes and records music, which has been featured on shows "Burn Notice" and "Single Ladies". He is a certified Zumba instructor, performance coach, and an Event Host/Emcee.

CECILIA MITCHELL - PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP ENSEMBLE (PWE) SPEAKER

Cecilia Mitchell grew up in Montclair, NJ, where she devoted her time training at Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts and performing around her community. For four years Mitchell was a part of the Performance Workshop Ensemble, a chosen group of qualified dancers who gave back to the community through the art of dance in educational concerts. Mitchell graduated with a BA in Dance performance from Stockton University in May 2022 and is currently teaching, choreographing & free lancing on the east coast. She has trained in various styles including modern (Horton, Graham, and Limón), Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip-Hop, Umfundalai, West African, Jazz, Contemporary and Improvisation. She was heavily involved in the Stockton Dance Company where she had the opportunity to work with faculty and guest artists Caroline Fermin, Tiffany Mills, Meredith Rainy, Salena Pettaway and Lauren Putty White. Mitchell has performed professionally at the Koresh Artist Showcase, Putty Dance Project and Alma Dance Company. Mitchell has had many freelancing experiences with choreographing, teaching and performing. She continues to expand her personal repertory as well as a growing passion for dance performance and education.

JACQUELINE ENGLAND - SENIOR FITNESS SPEAKER

I am an enthusiastic certified fitness instructor whose focus is enhancing physical awareness and increasing mobility among populations who benefit from low impact fitness movement. I strive to create environments that are enjoyable, beneficial and supportive. The time we spend together will be encouraging and conducive to your overall well being. Let's have fun while we move our bodies to the music!

LAURA MARCHESE - OUTREACH PROGRAM (SCHOOL BASED) SPEAKER

Laura is a dancer and Teaching Artist with arts organizations and schools throughout New Jersey, conducting residencies and workshops for students, arts educators, and classroom teachers. As a co-author of Dance to Learn, Laura serves as a mentor and educational consultant to dance companies in the implementation of this 4-year developmental dance curriculum. She received a Young Audiences NJ/EPA Artist of the Year Award in June 2015 for her work with students in Newark, NJ. Laura is also founder of the Montclair Community Pre-K Garden Project, a hands on environmental science program that continues to engage hundreds of students, families and teachers annually. Laura is committed to the ongoing development of a thinking mind in a moving body. She believes that all students, whatever their challenges and strengths, can achieve, excel, and benefit from seeing and experiencing the world through the process of creating art.

TY STEPHENS - BOYS BALLET SPEAKER & ENTERTAINMENT 'TY STEPHENS & THE SOUL JAAZZ'

TY STEPHENS has performed on Broadway in the original cast of Sophisticated Ladies and Marilyn, An American Fable, and as a dancer with Rod Rodgers Dance Company. In addition to being on the faculty at SMAPA, he has been a teaching artist at public schools in Montclair, East Orange, Newark, and Paterson, NJ, as well as at Friend Of The Arts (FOTA) in Long Island NY, and Brooklyn middle schools with Creative Outlet (NYC), and Arts Connection (NYC) after school programs. He has been a Guest Vocalist for National Dance Institute's school productions in NYC; Director/Choreographer for Cheyney University's Fine Arts Scholars Summer workshop, and Assistant Director/Choreographer for Prep for Prep Commencement Presentations in NYC. He is also currently a vocal coach at the Bufford School of Music in West Orange.

**Special Video Message from CHALVAR MONTEIRO - BOYS BALLET SPEAKER

Chalvar Monteiro began his training at Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts and studied at The Ailey School before receiving his BFA from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase. Monteiro has worked with Sidra Bell Dance New York, Elisa Monte Dance, Keigwin+Company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, BODYTRAFFIC, and GALLIM. In 2019, Monteiro performed in Merce Cunningham Trust’s Night of 100 Solos: A Centennial Event, and later joined the faculty at Tisch School of the Arts at NYU in 2020. His choreography has been presented in numerous festivals and institutions across the United States, including the virtual Ailey Spring Gala in 2021, Fire Island Dance Festival, Fordham University, and SUNY Purchase. He was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2015.

Gala Giveaway

Sweepstakes Giveaway Period: October 23-October 24 (winners announced at the end of the Arts in Action Gala program on October 24)

Eligibility: Open to all attendees of the Arts in Action Gala or via email submission (no purchase necessary). Employees and board members of Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts are not eligible.

How to Enter: (Only one entry per person is permitted. Participants must provide accurate contact information.)

1. Gala Attendance: Gala attendees who have purchased a ticket or sponsorship are automatically entered.
2. No Purchase Necessary: Individuals who do not wish to attend the Gala can enter the drawing by sending their full name, email address, and phone number to Madison McHugh via email at madison@altrumark.com.

Prize Details: Two (2) giveaway baskets will be awarded to one winner each. Each basket will contain various restaurant and entertainment items valued at approximately $590/each. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Winner Selection: Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries submitted during the sweepstakes period. The drawing will take place at the conclusion of the Arts in Action Gala on October 24, 2024.

Winner Notification: Winners will be announced during the Gala and will also be notified via email and phone within 48 hours of the event. If a winner does not respond within 7 days of notification, an alternate winner may be selected.

General Conditions: By participating, entrants agree to abide by these official rules. Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts reserves the right to disqualify any entry deemed to be in violation of these rules. The Academy is not responsible for lost, late, or misdirected entries.

Privacy: Personal information collected from participants will be used solely for the purpose of this sweepstakes and will not be shared with third parties.

Questions: For any inquiries regarding the sweepstakes, please contact Madison McHugh at madison@altrumark.com.