Ensemble Theatre Meets $75,000 Individual Donor Challenge

The Ensemble Theatre (TET) ended 2012 on a dramatic note by meeting a $75,000 individual donor match challenge. By meeting the donor challenge, TET surpassed its inaugural 2012 Founder's Circle Campaign goal of $250,000.

"The donor challenge was achieved through the generosity of the greater Houston community, including honorary chairs, new and existing patrons, artists, friends, board members and staff, who invested in TET despite a tough economy," said Janette Cosley, Executive Director.

Honorary Co-Chairs Becky and Ralph S. O'Connor gifted an individual challenge match of $75,000 designed to shore up the $250,000 Founder's Circle Campaign goal and support TET's capital endowment. "Becky and I are pleased to extend our support of TET and its artistic endeavors, which enrich the cultural tapestry of Houston," said Ralph S. O'Connor. The Founder's Circle Campaign funds are designated to sustain TET's operating funds and to elevate its artistic capabilities. The O'Connor matching funds are designated for TET's endowment fund.

In addition to the O'Connor's leadership, Audrey and the Reverend William A. Lawson, and Michelle and Reggie Hedgebeth served as the other Honorary Co-Chair couples who united to head the successful campaign. The three families served as an enthusiastic team committed to reaching the campaign goal by giving personally and enlisting their friends, families and acquaintances in the effort. TET Board Members Brenda Peters-Chase and Micheal Helm served as the Campaign Chairs who guided the effort. TET Founder's Circle represents a diverse group of existing and new investors committed to ensuring that the theatre continues serving as Houston's premier center for African American artistic expression. For additional information, visit: www.ensemblehouston.com/founders or call 713-520-0055.

The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. TET is the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest with a $1.8 million operating budget. Located in the heart of Houston, TET is one of the nation's largest African American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team.

Under the artistic direction of Eileen Morris, TET produces award-winning main stage productions as a part of its annual season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience. The plays are produced by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre's Performing Arts Education program provides workshops, Artist-In-Residence programs, touring and in-theatre productions; and The Young Performers Program for youth ages 6 to 17, encompassing instruction in all disciplines of the theatre arts. TET productions are performed before an annual audience of more than 65,000.