With support from the Campaign, the Ford Center can enrich the study of the arts for UM students. Through the expansion of master class offerings, students will have more opportunities to interact closely with established professionals, hone their understanding of stage performance, and build networks essential to launching careers in the arts.
The Now & Ever Campaign will bolster the Ford Center’s ability to engage and inspire student talent and offer them the opportunity to attend productions that they would not ordinarily experience. Performing in this world-class theatre, and observing professional artists on the same stage, inspires students of all ages, and from all backgrounds, to benefit from the arts and better understand history, literature, music, and diverse cultures.
Support for the Campaign will allow us to continue to bring in high profile performers such as Renée Fleming, the Beach Boys, Bruce Hornsby, and Michael Bolton. In addition, we seek to expand our offerings to reflect a wider variety of performance genres and increase the number of shows offered each season.
Diversity in performers and performances is key to making everyone feel welcomed. A deeper appreciation for the arts is developed when performers reflect a variety of cultures and experiences. The Ford Center will continue to provide diversity in programming with new and aspiring artists who follow in the footsteps of great artists who have already graced our stages including B.B. King, Damien Sneed, Cyrus Chestnut, Fisk Jubilee Singers, The Fannie Lou Hamer Story, Billy Hart, and Warren Wolf.
The Campaign will grow our Daytime School Series that opens the minds of school-aged students through interactive performances. For many children, this is their first experience with live theatre. Those moments in the theatre leave a powerful impression that edifies and inspires young people to explore and develop self-expression. Additional support would also help continue the excellent summer program, Youth Music Theatre Workshop. The program offers training in music, drama, movement, and design taught by professional teaching and production staff. This two-week experience develops new confidence and skills that are reflected in the children’s’ performances at the end of the workshop.
