In Memoriam

Austin lost two devoted theatre artists this week; Sunday, July 20, actors Ovid Trejo and Jim Kreitner both passed away. Trejo established himself in the late Eighties working with a variety of companies, among them Different Stages (Aunt Dan and Lemon), Zachary Scott Theatre Center (Blithe Spirit), Capitol City Playhouse (Noises Off), and Theatre Collective (The Speed of Darkness). Kreitner, born James Todd Cain, is best known for his work with such groups as Deus Ex Machina (The Cherry Orchard) and the Austin Shakespeare Festival (A Midsummer Night's Dream). Each leaves behind a valuable legacy of service and many friends. They will be missed.

Honors

Sylvia Orozco, the Executive Director of Mexic-Arte Museum, has been honored for her notable contributions to the arts by the Association of American Cultures (TAAC). Orozco was one of nine individuals recognized at the Open Dialogue VII National Conference in St. Louis in late May. TAAC is a national advocacy organization for cultural diversity in the arts. Congratulations!

Hillside Help From KGSR

The performers who sweat it out presenting the Zilker Summer Musical will do so this year in a theatre that's a bit brighter, a bit safer, and a bit cooler, and they have a radio station to thank for it. For years, Zilker Hillside Theatre has needed urgent renovations, such as electrical upgrades and air conditioning for the dressing rooms. Finally, it has them, and KGSR 107.1 has footed the bill. The station dedicated proceeds from sales of its Broadcasts, Vol. III CD toward theatre repairs, and July 11, Program Director Jody Denberg handed the city Parks & Recreation Department a check for $39,300. Nice timing, as this year's show, Once Upon a Mattress, opens July 20. For show info, call 479-9491.

Crack That Nut!

Since last December, Ballet Austin has been feverishly raising funds to pay for new sets and costumes for its annual staging of The Nutcracker. We reported just weeks ago that the ballet had passed the one-third mark in raising the $225,000 needed to pay for the new look. Well, no sooner did the ink dry on that item than BA received a Santa-sized gift from the Meadows Foundation: $75,000. With that grant in hand, designers Richard Isackes and Tommy Bourgeois can start production on the new sets and costumes for this year's show. For info, call 327-0420.

Worthy Causes

Zachary Scott Theatre Center hosts a bat-watching party, Z Bats Is Yet to Come, Thursday, July 25, 7pm, at Shoreline Grill, in the Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto. The fundraiser includes hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, silent auction, and gazing at zee bats, oui? Tickets are $25. For info, call 476-0541.

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