On Saturday, February 27th, Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) proudly presents the 15th Annual production of the Festival of Talent – A Brand New Day. This memorable evening, supported in part by the Kiwani’s Club of Ventura, will showcase over 200 performers in 24 show-stopping acts featuring the best and brightest students, parents and faculty throughout Ventura Unified School District’s (VUSD) 28 schools.
This year’s theme, “A Brand New Day” honors the District’s new superintendent, Dr. Michael Babb, who word has it, will be joining former Superintendent Dr. Trudy Arriaga on stage for a truly unforgettable performance. Once again the show is being directed by multi-talented, award winning actor and director Brian McDonald of the Rubicon Theatre Company. Miriam Arichea is leading musical direction.
The show kicks off at 7:00 pm in the Ventura High School Auditorium. Doors open at 6:15pm where guests will be greeted by the stylings of the Ventura High School Jazz Band. For those looking for dinner before the show, the Ventura Unified Leadership Council, a joint-effort of VUSD high schools’ leadership classes, is holding a pasta dinner fundraiser, courtesy of Milano’s Italian Restaurant. Dinner reservations may be made at any high school associated student body office or by calling 641-5116 ext. 2312.
Festival of Talent tickets are available online at www.venturaeducationpartnership.org. Exclusive VIP Reserved Seats are going fast at just $25 per ticket. Open seating, general admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or with cash/check at any VUSD school site. Tickets will be available at the door for $15, as long as this popular event does not sell out in advance.
“Festival of Talent is our chief fundraiser for VEP Grants — small infusions of funds that allow teachers to provide enriching activities and much needed materials,” stated Sabrena Rodriguez, President of Ventura Education Partnership.
Ventura Education Partnership is the all-volunteer, community-based, non-profit foundation that supports and enriches education within Ventura Unified School District through grant funding for teachers. In 2015 VEP raised nearly $100,000 for grants to teachers providing educational enrichment programs in the classroom.
VEP would like to thank the VUSD community, the Rubicon Theatre and its many supporters and sponsors who make Festival of Talent happen every year. A special thank you goes out to the event’s Title Sponsors – Kiwanis Club of Ventura, the Summer Enrichment Academy, and Karen Reynosa. The Kiwani’s Club has been the Title Sponsor since Festival of Talent began in 2001. Bart Bleuel has chaired the committee for that entire time and serves on the Boards of both the Kiwani’s and VEP.
