Members of the Friends of the Center for the Arts (FCFA) have unique opportunities to interact with performers showcased in each Great Performances at Mason season. These can occur during Artists in Conversation discussions, backstage tours, Grand Tier Society events, or Friends post-performance receptions. Below, members of the FCFA describe memorable experiences interacting with artists.
On January 27, Dianne Blais and her family members attended Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North as well as a Friends-exclusive backstage tour following the performance. According to Blais, the backstage tour was a wonderful bonus in addition to the breathtaking production that featured over 500 handmade puppets and shadow puppetry. During the tour, numerous company members discussed the production’s technology, facilitating their understanding and appreciation of the effort involved in producing this multimedia adventure.
On December 2, Mike and Linda Kostrzewa were looking forward to revisiting a beloved performance of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s A Celtic Family Christmas after years away due to COVID-19. The Kostrzewas noted their excitement of seeing MacMaster and Leahy’s children, stating, “We were looking forward to seeing how the children had grown up.” After a spirited concert, the pair attended a Friends post-performance reception alongside other Friends as well as the MacMaster and Leahy family.
The Kostrzewas explain, “As we were leaving, we saw the Leahy’s eldest daughter, Mary Frances, checking lists and boxing up the merch table by herself. We approached and congratulated her on her performance, mentioning Linda’s Mum's name was ‘Mary Frances.’ She was delighted to hear this and said that she had never met anyone else with those given names until that day.” They add, “And we were the second that day to approach her about her name!” Mary Frances led them to the dancer statue in the Center’s lobby, pointing out the plaque that showed it was created by Doris Catullo and donated by Mary Frances Merzin. The group chuckled together, delighted about the connection. “We always say ‘hello’ to the ballerina during our visits to the Center now,” the Kostrzewas mention. Watch the video below to experience Mary Frances performing on piano with her mom Natalie MacMaster.
Members of the Friends of the Center for the Arts make a world of difference by ensuring Center for the Arts programming remains vibrant and diverse each year. A portion of the Friends membership fee supports educational programming opportunities, such as Artists in Conversation events, which provide Friends with one-on-one opportunities with Center for the Arts performers. In addition, they support educational programming, such as pre-performance discussions, which provide all patrons of the Center for the Arts with unparalleled access to artists prior to performances.
Extra benefits include:
- Exclusive access to ticket presales and the best seats in the house
- Access to the exclusive Friends-only area with complimentary snacks and beverages, available to you at every Great Performances at Mason and Family Series event
- Invitations to special events such as pre-show Artist-in-Conversation discussions and the Annual Season Announcement on May 1, 2024 (admittance to select Friends-only events requires a $150+ donation)
Join the Friends today and start collecting memories that will last a lifetime!