Gray Matters

Fort Worth, TX -- May 14, 2008 -

• Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts is the first charter school in the state of Texas to be invited to participate at the American High School Theatre Festival.
• The American High School Theatre Festival runs in conjunction with the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival - the world's largest performing arts festival, which takes place each August in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Alex Kresena met Martin Sheen, one of his favorite actors, at the Lone Star Film Festival. Alex personally contacted Mr. Sheen after the festival, explaining his goal for the trip.
• Alex received a personal letter from Martin Sheen, which also included an autographed picture and a cash gift.
• Local businessman and Lone Star Film Society Board Chairman, Johnny Langdon is also sponsoring Alex.
• The Fort Worth community can help this talented group of eleven theatre students represent the state of Texas at the international festival by attending the show they will be performing at the Festival, Anatomy of Gray by Jim Leonard. Or book the group for a private performances can be booked this summer for groups and organizations. Email darla.jones@fwafa.org for more information.
• The performances will be held in the Mary D. & F. Howard Walsh Fine Arts Center on campus at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, 3901 S Hulen St.
• The show runs Friday & Saturday, May 23 & 24 at 7:30 pm and May 25 at 3:00 pm.
• Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For ticket reservations call 817.924.1482 ext 16 or visit www.fwafa.org for online purchasing.

 Other Facts about the Theatre Department

• Another historical first for the theatre department and charter schools was winning 1st place in the UIL’s One Act Play “A” Conference State competition.
• The department was recently nominated for eight of Casa Manaña's prestigious Betty Lynn Buckley Awards, which celebrate excellence in musical theatre production among Tarrant County high schools.

 

Quotes

When asked about his upcoming performance at the American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, theatre student Alex Kresena said, “It's a chance to learn and experience so much in two weeks at the Fringe Festival. But for now, we need to focus on fundraising to get us there. We are still a little short."

“We hope that the community will join in supporting our students by making a donation to their fundraising efforts,” comments Darla Jones, theatre director. "To date, we have raised over $60,000 towards our trip. We need just $5200 more."

 

 

The mission of the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts is to provide a structured environment for the development of world-class artists and citizens. The curriculum provides each of the students the opportunity to excel both artistically as well as academically. The academy is an open enrollment charter school. Students entering grades 3 to 12, who live in the north central Texas area, are able to audition and attend. Students are admitted regardless of income, race, sex, or disability. The school is built on the Texas Boys Choir's tradition of excellence in education and performing arts.