27 Mar CATA PRESENTS “FINDING NEW RHYTHMS” GALA & ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2023
Contact: Chris Watford, Communications Director
(413) 528-5485
Digital images available here
CATA PRESENTS “FINDING NEW RHYTHMS” GALA & ANNUAL PERFORMANCE ON MAY 13 & 14—A powerful performance by artists with disabilities at Shakespeare & Company
LENOX, MA—Community Access to the Arts (CATA) presents its Gala and Annual Performance Finding New Rhythms on Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14 at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox.
CATA’s Annual Performance is the culmination of hundreds of performing arts workshops that serve 800 people with disabilities across Berkshire and Columbia counties. CATA artists hone their talents throughout the year, then share their creativity with the community in this powerful performance weekend that includes a Gala evening, CATA’s largest fundraising event.
“After three years of virtual and film performances, CATA artists are excited to be back on stage at Shakespeare & Company to perform for a live, in-person audience!” says Margaret Keller, CATA’s Executive Director. “CATA artists and faculty have created original new work in dance, music, theater, comedy, and juggling. The show is packed with unforgettable moments—from poignant and moving, to side-splittingly funny. It’s a full artistic experience!”
“Our theme Finding New Rhythms explores the multitude of rhythms in CATA’s vibrant community of artists,” says Kelly Galvin, CATA Program and Annual Performance Director. “Through the performance, the audience and artists will embark on a shared experience—and find a new rhythm together by the show’s end.”
CATA’s Annual Performance features more than 30 performers with disabilities sharing their talents in dance, theater, music, comedy, and more. The gala is a critical fundraiser for CATA: one-third of the nonprofit’s annual budget comes from gala donations, and every dollar raised supports life-changing arts programs for people with disabilities.
CATA’s Annual Performance weekend begins with a Gala evening at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse on Saturday, May 13. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with a performance at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner and party. The CATA Gala is chaired by Mitch & Caitlin Nash and Eva & Kip Sheridan. Gala tickets can be purchased by calling CATA at 413-528-5485 or online at CATAarts.org/gala2023 (starting April 3).
The Sunday Matinee on May 14 begins at 1 p.m. with a performance by CATA artists, followed by a cast party and public reception. Matinee tickets are “Pay What You Will” and are available through the Shakespeare & Company box office. Order online at Shakespeare.org or call the box office at (413) 637-3353.
The CATA Gala & Annual Performance is made possible through Lead Underwriting support from Berkshire Bank, Fallon Health, The Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Joan & Jim Hunter, Buzz & Robin McGraw, The Donald C. McGraw Foundation, and Black Rock Foundation, Will Osborne & Mary Pope Osborne, Emily Rechnitz, Anne Smith & John Goodhue, Dr. Robert C. & Tina Sohn Foundation and Underwriting support from Allegrone Companies, Donna A. Bernstein, Blue Q, Canyon Ranch, Liz & Tom Costley, Virginia & James Giddens, Stephanie Gittleman, Ira & Jami Grossman, Sarah Hunter, James Marden & Jennifer Press Marden, Merit, MountainOne, Neuberger Berman, Leslie & Stephen Shatz, Eva & Kip Sheridan, and Liz & Mark Williams.
About Community Access to the Arts: Community Access to the Arts (CATA) nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities. Through dynamic arts workshops and public events, CATA artists tap into their potential, explore new talents, and share their unique points of view with the wider community. CATA collaborates with 50 partner organizations to bring visual and performing arts programs to 800 people with disabilities across Berkshire County, Massachusetts and Columbia County, New York. Learn more at CATAarts.org.
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Calendar listing:
Community Access to the Arts Gala & Annual Performance — Celebrate art and inclusion at one of the most joyful events of the year! CATA’s Gala and Annual Performance Finding New Rhythms takes place at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse and features an electrifying performance by artists with disabilities in music, acting, dance, juggling, comedy, and more. The Gala evening on Saturday, May 13 begins at 5pm with a performance followed by dinner and dancing. The Sunday Matinee on May 14 begins at 1 p.m. includes a performance followed by a cast party and public reception. Proceeds support CATA’s life-changing arts programs for people with disabilities. Details at CATAarts.org/gala2023.
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