Not for publication
Media invited to cover major performing arts gift announcement on Sept. 11
(Chapel Hill, N.C.— Sept. 6, 2017) – Media are invited to join the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to celebrate the largest single gift ever to the performing arts at Carolina. The endowment, committed by Chapel Hill philanthropist and longtime arts patron Joan H. Gillings, will dramatically expand the University’s performing arts programming in the department of dramatic art and PlayMakers Repertory Company by creating more educational opportunities for students and enhancing performance and outreach offerings available to the community.
Established in 1925, the department of dramatic art is the second oldest theater department in the country, and PlayMakers recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Gillings’ gift creates a foundation for the future that will strengthen and prepare both organizations for growth, continuing Carolina’s century-old tradition of educating students and inspiring the community through theater.
Chancellor Carol L. Folt, College of Arts & Sciences Dean Kevin Guskiewicz, PlayMakers Repertory Company Producing Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch, department of dramatic art chair Adam Versenyi and Gillings will participate in the presentation. University leaders, arts administrators and staff, and important figures in the arts community will also attend. The event will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 11
11 a.m.
Center for Dramatic Art, lobby
120 Country Club Road
Chapel Hill
Media Check-In: Media must check in at the Center for Dramatic Art no earlier than 10:30 a.m. MC VanGraafeiland will be the on-site contact (646-345-2802).
Parking: A limited number of metered spaces in front of the Center for Dramatic Art will be hooded and reserved for media representatives. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact MC VanGraafeiland (mc.vangraafeiland@unc.edu) with questions.
-Carolina-
About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.
About PlayMakers
PlayMakers is the professional theater-in-residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s College of Arts & Sciences, and North Carolina’s premiere resident theater company for more than 40 years. PlayMakers has been named one of the “best regional theatres in America.”
Communications and Public Affairs contact: MC VanGraafeiland, (919) 962-7090, mc.vangraafeiland@unc.edu