Sunday, April 28, 2013

Congratulations Are In Order

Karen Stephens was awarded the 2013Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts, along with Dan Guinn of the Boca Ballet Theatre. 

Here is the press release:

FIFTH ANNUAL RANDOLPH A. FRANK PRIZE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
AWARDS PAIR OF WINNING ARTISTS
Steven Caras, Founding Chairman of the Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts, has announced that two individuals whose dedicated work enhances the quality of life here in Palm Beach County have been selected by the Frank Prize Board of Directors (Steven Caras, Tracy C. Butler, Jo Ann Engelhardt, Ann Marie Rezzonico, Roy Bartolomei, and Craig D. Ames) to be the fifth annual, 2013 recipients. They will be awarded crystal trophies and a monetary prize at a private ceremony in their honor that will take place on May 20, 2013, at Nick & Johnnie's Patio Bar and Grill restaurant. The event is sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker of Palm Beach.

Karen Stephens, a professional actor who has been awarded this year's Performing Artist Prize, is a native of West Palm Beach whose interest in the performing arts began with her study of violin. But subsequent rewarding experiences in public speaking through National Forensics and a high school drama club clearly determined the direction her future would take. Today, after many years working professionally in South Florida, Karen Stephens has established herself as an artist of note in her inspired work as an actor, writer, performer, and director. Most recently appearing in the Maltz Jupiter Theater's production of DOUBT, she also continues to perform regularly at many of South Florida's professional venues. In 2011, Ms. Stephens was featured in the regional premiere of Sarah Jones' one-woman show; BRIDGE & TUNNEL for which she was honored with the New Times Best Actress Award as well being nominated for a Carbonell Award in the category of Best Actress. She is also the recipient of numerous other honors including the Curtain Up, Silver Palm and Clyde Fyfe Awards for her outstanding work as one of our community's most respected and cherished performing artists.

Dan Guin, Executive and Co-Artistic Director of Boca Ballet Theatre, has been awarded the Performing Arts Educator Prize. After spending the summer of 1991 in Boca Raton devoted to establishing a summer dance workshop, Dan knew that the minute his dance career was behind him, he'd be back. Two years later, Dan returned to accept the position of Artistic Director of the newly formed Boca Ballet Theatre and from the onset, his significant contribution to our community as a motivating educator has been extensive and widely successful. Celebrating their 20th year, the dance company provides the community with exhilarating original productions, featuring all enrolled students with ballet super star guest artists inspiring both audience members and students alike. BBT's school continues to honor Mr. Guin's original mission in providing local dance students the very best instruction, making certain that no child is denied ballet training due to financial circumstances. First piloted in 1999, BBT's First Step Program provides at-risk children from economically challenging circumstances training in modern dance and classical ballet, while covering all related costs from dance clothes to transportation. Mr. Guin received the Colin Powell School of Promise Award for the development of this vital program. On April 22nd, 2013, in collaboration with the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson's Group, the organization adds another important project to their mission. Boca Ballet Theatre will introduce BBT 4 PD which will offer free Monday classes to anyone living with Parkinson's, taught by dance teachers specifically trained to instruct individuals with the disease.

"I am both elated and humbled to be awarded this prize and honor. It is a validation of my work as artist and my commitment to the artistic culture of Palm Beach County. Receiving the Randolph A. Frank Prize will not only aid me in continuing my own work but will also help to further imprint my art on the cultural landscape. Thank you!"- Karen Stephens
"Without the support of our patrons and volunteers my vision and success could not have come to fruition. Receiving the Frank Prize is a tremendous honor for me and validates so many people’s unwavering support. I am truly grateful.” - Dan Guin
Congratulations to both recipients.

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