Members of the Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica Neighborhood Association recently donated $5,600 – half the proceeds from their Spring 1993 home tour – to the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas.
One of the few city-supported Shakespeare festivals with free admission still operating in America, Dallas’ version performs two plays annually at Samuell-Grand Park, which borders Hollywood Heights.
Says Festival Development Director Carl Hamm: “The association’s contribution is a very substantial gift, and it ties the festival to the community in a very direct way. We have excellent attendance and membership support from many other East Dallas neighborhoods; the three top zip-codes on our attendance list are all in East Dallas.”
Says neighborhood association president Baletta Lill: “Keeping the arts in the inner city is extremely important to this neighborhood – and all inner-city neighborhoods. Residents have actively supported the Shakespeare Festival’s move to Samuell-Grand from the time its decision was made to leave Fair Park five years ago.
“When our association home tour idea was conceptualized, we thought about what we wanted to accomplish with the proceeds. We formed a coalition with the Shakespeare Festival at that time, and have continued our support – both in terms of money and time.”
The association also has organized a volunteer team of 25 Hollywood Heights and Santa Monica residents to work as ushers and operate concessions for one evening of the Festival.
This year’s Shakespeare Festival, which began with a three-week run of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” in June, concludes with “Richard II.” It runs July 6-25, Tuesday through Sundays. Performances begin at 8:15 p.m.; gates open to festival members at 7 p.m. and to the general public at 7:30 p.m..
Performances are free; the festival suggests a $3 donation. Concessions are available, or guests may bring food, beer and wine. No hard liquor or pets allowed.
Hamm says opportunities for volunteers remain; for more information about becoming involved, call 497-1526.
