Shell Black Networking Group Invites Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker to The Ensemble Theatre

Mayor Cory Booker (center) with (L-R)Ensemble Board President Jackie Phillips, Artistic Director Eileen J. Morris, Executive Director Janette Cosley, and Board Member Vernon Landers

Newark, New Jersey Mayor Corey Booker visited The Ensemble Theatre, Saturday, February 23, 2013. He was invited by Ensemble Theatre Board Member and Shell Employee Simone Haygood and the Shell Black Networking Group (SBNG), one of Shell Oil’s several affinity groups designed to support diversity within the company. Members of the SBNG attended The Ensemble Theatre’s Black History Month drama, Knock Me A Kiss by Charles Smith. Following the play, Mayor Booker gave a presentation on leadership. He shared funny, endearing, and insightful stories about his family and other early experiences that helped shape his leadership style.  He elaborated on vision, attention to detail, and collaboration, a few components of his style.  Mayor Booker graciously mingled with guests including Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Shell Employees, and Ensemble Theatre Board Members and staff.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker (Center) with Ensemble Theatre Executive Director Janette Cosley and Board President Jackie Phillips

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Just to Say Thank You – The Ensemble Theatre’s 2012-2013 Heart of the Theatre Subscriber Appreciation Event

The Ensemble Theatre Board of Directors, Staff, and Artists hosted their annual appreciation event for their corporate sponsor and subscribers, Monday, March 4, 2013. The celebration began with a corporate luncheon where representatives from several of the theatre’s corporate sponsors were greeted by Ensemble Executive and Artistic Directors Janette Cosley and Eileen J. Morris. Board President Jackie Phillips gave a presentation on the state of the theatre with updates highlighting several of the theatre’s milestone achievements over the past several years including its over 30% increased attendance to performances, a 300% increased subscribers, facility upgrades, and most recently exceeding its goal of raising $250K during the theatre’s Founder’s Circle fundraising campaign which also resulted in a $75K matching gift to enhance the theatre’s endowment fund. Performances were given by veteran Ensemble Theatre performer Werner Richmond and Young Performer’s Program student Taylor Nelson. The luncheon was followed by tours of the building to show attendees the theatre’s facility improvements.

That evening a Jazz and Poetry event was well attended by the theatre’s subscribers, and corporate sponsors. Guests were treated to light hor d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Tarsha while listening to musical performances by Werner Richmond and the Richmond Covington Band, also featuring songs performed by actress/ vocalist Teacake. A scene for the theatre’s upcoming production of Broke-ology was performed by actor Broderick “Brod J” Jones and actress Autumn Knight. Actor/ Poet Joe P entertained the audience with the artistry spoken word. The celebration concluded with the Richmond Covington Band and Teacake getting attendees out on the dance floor for one last round of excitement and fun. Ensemble Executive and Artistic Directors Janette Cosley and Eileen J. Morris thanked subscribers for continuing their support.