Actress Marla Gibbs Receives The Ensemble Theatre's Lifetime Achievement Award


ADVISORY, Aug. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHAT: The Ensemble Theatre will host its annual black-tie gala to recognize and
  celebrate artists, companies, and individuals whose unparalleled support
  enables The Ensemble Theatre to be one of Houston's most coveted  
  cultural institutional treasures.
   
WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2013, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
   Mayor's Reception, 6:30 PM 
  Program, Dinner, 7:30 PM
  Dancing, 9:30 PM
   
WHERE: Hyatt Regency – Downtown, Imperial Ballroom, 1200 Louisiana,
  Houston, Texas 77002
    
WHO: Regina Rogers, Honorary Chair
  Sharon Murphy and Laurie Vignaud, Gala Dinner Co-Chairs
   
  AWARD RECIPIENTS:
   
  Marla Gibbs, Lifetime Achievement Award
  Kim Coles, Actress of the Year Award
  Mykel "Miss Mykie" Yowman, Rising Star Award
  Spectra Energy, Corporate Founder's Award
  H-E-B, Corporation of the Year
  E-STEM Academy, Community Partner of the Year
  Becky and Ralph S. O'Connor, Individual Founder's Award
  A. Renee Logans, President's Award
   
WHY: The Ensemble Theatre is hosting its annual black-tie gala honoring those
  who have helped the theatre bring a successful close to its 37th season.
  The theatre also enjoys the support  of community partners, and local
  and nationally acclaimed artists which continues to build upon its success.
  The gala also serves as the theatre's most profitable and well-attended  
  fundraiser.
   
AUDIO/VISUALS:       6:00pm – 6:30 PM Photo Ops
  6:30 PM Mayor's Reception and Silent Auction
   7:30 PM Awards Presentations
   
CONTACT:  Robert Ross 713-520-0055 or rross@EnsembleHouston.com

About The Ensemble Theatre

The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American artistic expression, to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community.  Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre has brought several generations of African Americans and other theatre patrons into the performance art form. The Ensemble is a 501 (c)(3) theatre that holds the distinction as one of the nation's largest African American theatres which owns and operates its own facility and produces a Mainstage Season of contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists.  In addition, The Ensemble Tour Education Program provides performances for young audiences including schools, community outreach, and training for young artists through The Young Performers Program.  The Ensemble, is housed in a $5 million facility, boasts the George Hawkins Mainstage auditorium with seating for 190 patrons, the Audrey Lawson Arena seating up to 125, and a performance hall accommodating up to 500 guests.