Ebony Bobcat Network to host annual theater fundraiser to benefit Ohio
鈥淛elly Belly鈥 is the story of a young man who was just released from prison. As he tries to stay on the right path, he deals with the pressures of being a convict and returning to a life of crime for easy money. Photo courtesy of Ensemble Theatre.
The Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) invites 91探花 alumni, faculty and community members to attend its Annual Theater Scholarship Fundraiser at the in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 11. This year, the play 鈥淛elly Belly,鈥 which was written by OHIO Distinguished Professor of Playwriting Charles Smith, will be performed.
In line with previous theater fundraisers, this event will benefit the , which equips academically qualified students with the necessary financial means and support system to attend the University.
鈥淸EBN] is raising money for students who probably would not have the opportunity to attend college otherwise,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淚f they do, the student may be coming from a background that doesn鈥檛 support it economically or emotionally.鈥
鈥溾 is the story of a young man who was just released from prison. As he tries to stay on the right path, he deals with the pressures of being a convict and returning to a life of crime for easy money.
The play starts at 3 p.m. with a pre-performance reception beginning at 1 p.m., when guests will enjoy refreshments and light food while learning about EBN鈥檚 mission and the Urban Scholars Scholarship Endowment Fund. Tickets are $40.
Ensemble Theatre鈥檚 Executive Artistic Director Celeste Cosentino is a 2001 graduate of OHIO鈥檚 School of Theater and a former student of Smith鈥檚. This collaboration between faculty and alumni has undoubtedly contributed to the consistent success of this annual event. According to EBN Events Coordinator Gary Nickerson, BS 鈥66, every show since the fundraiser鈥檚 inception has sold out.
鈥淲e have people who are our followers and look forward to the show every year,鈥 Nickerson said. 鈥淪ince I plan the event, I enjoy that it鈥檚 so successful.鈥
Learn more about the event and or contact Nickerson at ganickers@aol.com.