Season Finale

This afternoon I met with the Open Dream Ensemble cast one last time as we loaded the set and costumes into the storage space. Open Dream Season Five is officially complete.

The conclusion of a season always causes me to pause and reflect -- and this has been a wonderful season in many ways. Foremost, the cast. This group of nine artists has shown tremendous dedication to bringing top-quality arts productions and residencies to youth throughout the southeast. Their professionalism and ability to go out day after day and make the same shows fresh and insightful is inspiring. Their dedication to the students in the classrooms where they have worked is wonderful. Without a doubt, these artists have left in their wake thousands of young people who are seeing the arts as enriching, rewarding, exciting, and accessible thanks to their interactions with the cast.
Thank you James, Rose, Peter, Kjerstin, Brian, Lauren, Joshua, Dia, and Haydee!

The writers and directors this season were terrific to work with and brought two new shows to life. From the first flight at Kitty Hawk to life on Mars – this has been a season that has covered some serious ground. Thank you Mollye, Shona, Brian, Isaac, Matt, James and Joshua!

The set and costume designers both came through with great products that fit our broad needs and narrow specifications. I cannot thank Ren and Travis enough for creating a great look for Open Dream Ensemble 2009!

Thanks always to the great women of the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts. Without their tireless support and assistance, Open Dream would simply cease to be. Margaret, Lynda, Suzanna, and Amanda – you have my unending appreciation.

Thanks also to UNCSA and the countless there people who have helped us this season and in season’s past.

Thanks to the panelists, the bookers, the venues, the arts councils, the granting organizations, the host schools, and the great students and teachers who have helped make this a positive and memorable season!

And, of course, thanks to the incomparable Steve D!

Art at its’ core is a communal effort and Open Dream Ensemble is fortunate to have such a robust community.

My gratitude to all named and unnamed -
Rebecca Nussbaum
General Manager