The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Celebrates
Executive Director Clare Bisceglia's
10th Anniversary
With Establishment of Restoration Fund
Westhampton Beach, NY, June 8, 2012: The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is celebrating Executive Director Clare Bisceglia's 10th Anniversary with the establishment of a Theatre Restoration Fund.
Clare Bisceglia, Executive Director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, arrived in the Village ten years ago. Her dynamic leadership style has transformed the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center into a thriving, year round, cultural arts venue available to the widest and most diverse audience.
Clare's background includes roles as Director of the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Vice President of Columbia Pictures Feature Films, Director of Advertising and Production for the Coca Cola Company, Co-Producer of "Hands Across America," the largest participatory fundraising event in history, and worked for Gaylord Entertainment as the Producer of an IMAX movie based on the history of country music. Her diversified involvement in the arts, combined with her strong work ethic, professionalism, and gregarious nature was just what the Center needed to flourish and prosper.
Over the past 10 years, Clare has assembled an exemplary team, eradicated the Center's debt, developed creative fundraising and community outreach, all while presenting outstanding MainStage productions, Family Friendly Performances, Arts Education Programs and the Finest in World Cinema, year round. She turned a 1932 movie theatre into a thriving state-of-the-art cultural focal point for all of Suffolk County and the catalyst to enhance the local economy and enrich the community's quality of life.
One of the most important things to Clare is to run an organization that boasts one of the finest theatergoing experiences in the world. When the Board of Directors asked Clare how she would like to celebrate this important anniversary, her first wish was to "make sure that this historic building is nothing less than perfect for the artists on our stage and the patrons in our seats."
In order to make Clare's wish come true, the Building and Grounds Committee of the PAC's Board of Directors established a Theatre Restoration Fund to raise money for a facelift project scheduled for January 2013.
In the 14 years since the Center opened its beautifully restored and renovated Jewel Box of a theatre, more than 500,000 people have enjoyed world class entertainment and outstanding arts education programs. By the theatre's 15th anniversary in 2013, there will be nary a sign of the wear and tear typically associated with that kind of foot traffic. Instead, visitors will see new carpet, fresh paint, some new lights and the theatre putting its best foot forward.
Recently appointed as chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, Dr. Stan Zinberg notes that "the current project we are embarking on is more of a refurbishment than a renovation."
The checklist for the project ranges from such minor structural chores as installing a new Masonite floor on the stage to major overhauls, like the complete removal of the old carpet and installation of a new one. In addition to what the Board has already earmarked for the project, the Center is actively fundraising over $150,000 to complete the refurbishment. The committee chairman notes, "if there are people who might be able to help by doing some of the work that is needed at cost, that would be a huge help."
Clare Bisceglia adds, "I want the theatre to regain the luster that it had when it first opened as a performing arts center. It's what makes us so unique and so special. The beauty and intimacy of our world-class venue is our gift to our artists, our patrons and our community."
To contribute to the Restoration Fund, contact Clare Bisceglia at 631-288-2350, ext 113.
SUPPORT WHBPAC: Learn about the creative ways to contribute by clicking here.
