Art party
100 years of theater fun: Actors' Equity Association celebrates milestone anniversary
Let's not say that celebrating 100 years of anything is getting old. Like a good wine, it's becoming seasoned to perfection.
Season after season, Houstonians have depended on big and small theater companies for their dose of thespian fun. Behind the curtain, it's the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) that unites performers and stage managers as one to ensure appropriate wages, good working conditions and benefits such as health insurance and pension plans.
The Houston/Galveston chapter of the union recently observed its centennial celebration at the Alley Theatre. Singing happy birthday to the organization that was first established in 1913 were professional actors, producers, administrators and city officials, including Mayor Annise Parker, who officially proclaimed Aug. 18 Actors' Equity Association Day in Houston. AEA president Nick Wyman and executive director Mary McColl traveled to Houston for the occasion in Houston, one of 27 parties held around the country.
Nibbles by Jim Benton Catering and a three-layer cake by Carrie Made the Cake enlivened the ambiance alongside pianist Steven Jones tickling the ivories.
Toasting to past accomplishments and future endeavors were local liaison committee chairman Joel Sandel, Séan Patrick Judge, Main Street Theater's Rebecca Greene Udden, Susan Koozin, Joe Kirkendall, Charles Swan, David Grant, Carolyn Johnson, Susan Shofner, Karen Mata and a bevy of other lively leading gals and gents.