Fun plays a big role in planning the SCR Gala Ball. Of course, committee members are serious about their goal to support a theatre that’s dear to their hearts with the best and most successful event of the Orange County social season. And they work hard right up to the afternoon of the Gala, but they also know how to mix lots of laughter with the work.
Gala Chair Sophie Cripe opened the March 24 Gala meeting by asking members to introduce themselves and explain what they enjoyed most about SCR. She got the ball rolling by admitting that she first became involved with SCR because she was a theatre junkie, which, she added, was a healthy addiction.
Two-time Gala Chair Bette Aitken said serving on the committee kept her out of trouble Then she added that she and her husband, SCR Board President Wylie Aitken, enjoyed having an opportunity to get to know the playwrights, directors and designers over the weeks of rehearsal and performance.
Laurie Smits Staude admitted that one of her biggest thrills was seeing Broadway and London West End marquees lit up with the names of plays that began as SCR commissions.
Linda White said she was impressed by the theatre’s mission to support new writers through the play development program, and she loves attending NewSCRipts—a series of five Monday night play readings during the season.
Jane Taylor agreed, adding that she was amazed at the way the actors were able to make the play and the characters come to life even though they were sitting in chairs onstage, reading from a script.
Former chair Olivia Johnson claimed that it took her a long time to realize one of the best things about the SCR Gala was that the pressure is off. “Many fund-raisers urge attendees to spend more and more money throughout the evening. At the SCR Gala, the minute guests walk through the door, it’s party time. The checkbooks stay at home."
“The Play’s the Thing” Gala will take place at the Hyatt Regency on September 11, 2010. For more information and news as it happens, check the SCR website at www.scr.org or call (714) 708-5504.
Gala committee members are: Ashleigh Aitken (cuisine co-chair), Bette Aitken (décor co-chair), Elizabeth An (new member; entertainment co-chair), Julianne Argyros, Toni Berlinger, Susan Bowman (new member), Dede Brink, Donna Cohn, Sophie Cripe (chair), Gail Doe (cuisine co-chair), Susan Ehrlich, Patricia Ellis, Valerie Fearns, Kathryn Glassmyer, Nadine Hall, Marlene Hamontree, Dee Higby, Lydia Wang Himes, Mimi Holcombe (new member), Linda Hovee (graphics chair), Betty Huang (entertainment co-chair), Olivia Johnson (underwriting co-chair), Joan Kaloustian, Teri Kennady (underwriting co-chair), Sidney Kirkup (new member), Elaine Krajanowski (new member), Linda Maggard, Diana Martin, Sue Murphy (new member), Pam Muzzy (décor co-chair), Pat Neisser, Stacey Nicholas, Beth Phelps (hospitality co-chair), Michelle Rohé (new member), Danuta Schenke, Nola Schneer, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Jan Seitz Jashinski, Connie Spenuzza, Ardelle St. George, Laurie Smits Staude (hospitality co-chair), Jane Taylor, Kathy Taylor, Elaine Weinberg, Linda White (new member).
