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There are many scholarships available for minority students looking to reduce the cost of their online MBA program. Learn more about financial aid options.
Credit: Thurtell / E+ / Getty Images
According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council, colleges and universities actively recruit women and people of color for MBA programs. Despite these efforts, minority students remain vastly underrepresented in MBA programs throughout the country.
Many financial aid options exist to help learners pay for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. These opportunities include MBA minority scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
The cost of education may deter some minority students from entering an MBA program. Fortunately, there are many financial aid options to help students pay for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. These opportunities include MBA minority scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Some colleges and universities even provide fully funded programs for eligible candidates.
A wealth of MBA minority scholarships help both ethnic and non-ethnic minorities. Students from certain backgrounds may qualify for ethnicity-based scholarships. Though fewer in number, some MBA minority scholarships provide funding for undocumented students, including refugees, immigrants, and students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. These scholarships do not require U.S. citizenship.
Below, we outline some MBA minority scholarships, as well as other funding opportunities.
Scholarships for Black MBA Students
The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students
Amount: Up to $3,000
Deadline: May 15
The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students supports men enrolled in engineering, chemistry, physics, or mathematical sciences programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled at accredited institutions in the United States. Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students must be full-time learners with a minimum 2.5 GPA, while graduate student applicants may be enrolled full time or part time. Graduate students need a minimum 3.0 GPA for consideration.
While not required, membership to the NAACP is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate financial need based on federal poverty guidelines. Approximately 20-40 scholarships are awarded each year, with a maximum amount of $3,000. The application window extends from mid-March to mid-May.
View Scholarship
TMCF Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholars Mentorship Program
Amount: $3,100 per semester
Deadline: June 16
As a joint venture by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the Walmart Foundation, the First Generation Scholars Mentorship program provides financial support to outstanding students enrolled in one of the 47 member schools within the TMCF network. Applicants apply to serve as mentors to first-generation scholars, assisting them as they adjust to life on a college campus.
Eligible students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, U.S. citizenship, and full-time enrollment status.
To apply, students submit a resume; college transcript; and one letter of recommendation from a current instructor, faculty member, or TMCF campus coordinator. Additional application materials include answers to application questions about goals, learning experiences, and obstacles faced during collegiate study.
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
Candidates must have current NAACP membership. Applicants must also hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need based on federal poverty guidelines. This scholarship is reserved for U.S. citizens under the age of 25 attending school full time.
To apply, students submit official transcripts, financial information, a one-page essay, evidence of full-time enrollment, and three letters of recommendation.
Additional Information: Members of the NAACP board of directors, Special Contribution Fund, NAACP Scholarship Selection Committee, National Youth Work, and their families may not apply for this award.
Robert Toigo Foundation Fellowship
Amount: $varies
Deadline: March 15
Qualifying applicants need full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. master's program in business, real estate, or finance. The award is open to U.S. residents and minorities as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor, which includes African Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Latinos/as, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and South Asian Americans. Second-year fellows may apply for additional awards of up to $10,000.
After submitting an application, candidates must complete an interview. Scholarship recipients receive career training along with financial aid.
National Association of Black Accountants Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: December 31
NABA awards three types of scholarships to qualifying African American students: the NABA National Scholarship, Corporate Partner Scholarship, and NABA Member Scholarship. Applicants must be active student members of the NABA, enroll full-time as graduate students or be accepted into an MBA program, and hold a minimum 3.3 GPA.
Candidates must submit a current resume, a letter of recommendation, a personal biography of 75 words or less, a professional headshot, a 500-word essay, and transcripts.
Professional Organizations for Black Students
National Black MBA Association
Founded to support black professionals entering the corporate world, the NBMBAA offers networking events, job listings, and professional certification through more than 30 chapters nationwide. The NBMBAA also offers MBA minority scholarships for students attending select schools.
National Black Student Union
Formed to enhance college students' quality of life through Black Student Unions, the NBSU encourages members to pursue graduate and professional study. Membership benefits include networking opportunities, access to an annual conference, and professional publications.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Named after Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, TMCF is the nation's largest black college organization. TMCF awards millions in scholarships and funding to students and participating schools, including predominantly black institutions and publicly supported HBCUs.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino MBA Students
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship Award For Minority Accounting Students
Deadline: March 1
The AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in accounting or an accounting-related field who intend to enter the accounting profession. Recipients can use scholarship funds for educational expenses including tuition, fees, housing, and textbooks.
Ethnic minorities enrolled full time in a program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business may apply. For consideration, applicants must demonstrate financial need, hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residential status, and must maintain a cumulative and major GPA of at least 3.0.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Amount: $500-$5,000
Deadline: Feb 15
The HSF is a merit-based scholarship open to Hispanic students pursuing any major. Eligible graduate students must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, plan to enroll full time at an accredited graduate school, and complete the FAFSA or state financial aid application (if applicable).
U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, DACA status holders, and eligible noncitizens -- as defined by the FAFSA -- may apply for this scholarship.
Prospanica Foundation's Scholarships
The Prospanica Foundation's Scholarships go to undergraduate and graduate students who want to make meaningful contributions to society. The awards are granted to Prospanica members who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Eligible students must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or a minimum 2.75 GPA with two years of full-time work experience. Applicants must also plan to enroll in a master's program at an accredited business school in the United States.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Graduate Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:April 30
This scholarship is granted to graduate students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics in the United States. The amount awarded depends on academic standing and financial need. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.75 GPA, enroll full time in a program, and demonstrate current SHPE membership.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Amount: $35,000 and summer associate salary
Deadline:March 28
Established in 1997, the Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship awards outstanding, first-year MBA students with funding and summer employment. This opportunity remains open to Black, Hispanic, Latino/a, Native-American, and female MBA students pursuing a summer associate position at Goldman Sachs.
Recipients receive a $35,000 award in addition to the summer associate salary. Summer positions are available in select cities throughout the country.
Additional Information: A fellow may receive an additional $40,000 and full-time associate signing bonus upon successful completion of the summer internship and acceptance of a full-time offer.
Professional Organizations for Hispanic and Latino/a Students
Association of Latino Professionals for America
ALPFA offers career development opportunities to more than 81,000 members throughout the country. Student members may explore paid summer internships with Fortune 1000 corporate partners, scholarship opportunities, and exclusive job boards.
Prospanica
Prospanica provides Hispanic business professionals with support and advocacy, and it offers student and professional memberships. Student members receive mentoring services, internship opportunities, and MBA minority scholarships.
Latin Business Association
Serving as a unifying voice for Latin businesses, the LBA operates the Latin Business Association Institute, an educational research organization. LBA membership benefits include networking opportunities, exclusive annual events, and legal assistance for businesses.
The Best Resources for Latino/a and Hispanic Entrepreneurs
Scholarships for Native American MBA Students
American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship
Amount: $1,000-$5,000 per academic year
Deadline: June 1
To qualify, applicants need full-time enrollment in a graduate or professional program at an accredited U.S. institution, and they must demonstrate financial need. Candidates must also be a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native group, or they must provide documentation of American Indian ancestry.
American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship
The American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship provides funds to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at any eligible institution. Partnerships with corporate and private donors provide funding for the awards.
The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and eligible Canadians enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program. Applicants must be registered members of a recognized tribe or descendants of at least one grandparent or parent who is a tribal member. Qualifying students also need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Sponsored by the AICPA, this scholarship provides financial aid to minority students who display outstanding academic achievement. The award is open to any ethnic minority student studying accounting or an accounting-related major, including business.
Candidates must plan to pursue a CPA credential. Before applying, students must complete at least 30 semester hours of college coursework, maintain an overall minimum 3.0 GPA, and show evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Applicants must also hold AICPA student affiliate membership, participate in the AICPA Legacy Scholars program, and demonstrate financial need.
Additional Information: AICPA staff and family members are ineligible to receive this scholarship.
Daughters of the American Revolution American Indian Scholarship
Deadline: Jan. 31
This scholarship was developed to help Native American students of any age, tribe, and state pay for higher education. While graduate students may apply, DAR gives preference to undergraduate applicants.
Eligible students must hold a minimum 3.25 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and provide evidence of American Indian ancestry by letter or proof papers. The scholarship application is available on the DAR website.
Professional Organizations for Native American Students
American Indian Business Leaders
Founded to promote opportunities for American Indian students, the AIBL maintains local chapters around the country. The country's only American Indian organization dedicated to empowering business students, the AIBL offers a paid internship program and networking opportunities.
American Indian Graduate Center
The AIGC partners with tribes, the federal government, foundations, and individuals to provide Native American students with educational funding. In addition, the group offers college application and financial aid application assistance, job opportunities, and internships.
National Congress of American Indians
As the oldest and largest American Indian and Alaskan Native organization, the NCAI offers a variety of membership benefits, including fellowship and internship opportunities, job listings, and leadership awards.
The Best Resources for Indigenous American Entrepreneurs
Scholarships for Asian and Pacific-Islander MBA Students
Against the Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship
Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least 25% Asian or Pacific-Islander ethnicity and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency. Candidates also need enrollment in an accredited U.S. graduate program, a minimum 3.5 GPA, and evidence of strong leadership skills.
Students of all majors may apply. Applicants must submit a video presentation showcasing work and qualifications.
Additional Information: Family members of Against the Grain Productions board members may not apply for this scholarship.
The Lagrant Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: Feb. 28
Available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, the TLF scholarship provides funding to full-time minority students. Applicants must be studying advertising, marketing, or public relations at an accredited institution and within two semesters of graduation.
Candidates must submit a resume, unofficial transcripts, a reference letter, headshot, and an essay. Finalists must provide official transcripts.
Government Finance Officers Association Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
Amount: $5,000-$20,000
Deadline:Jan. 14
This scholarship recognizes outstanding minority students preparing for careers in state and local government finance. The one-time award is presented to American and Canadian students studying public administration, finance, business, and related majors.
Applicants must be recommended by an academic advisor, dean of their graduate program, or department chair. Along with a letter of recommendation, applicants must provide a resume, transcripts, a graduate plan of study, and a statement of purpose.
Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership Scholarship
The CAPAL offers two different scholarship internships for graduate students: the Public Service Internship Program and the Public Service Field Internship Program. Both awards are granted to outstanding students who demonstrate leadership potential within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander communities. The Public Service Internship Program places graduate students in an internship in the Washington, D.C., area. The Public Service Field Internship Program assigns candidates to public sector positions throughout the United States.
Eligible applicants need U.S. citizenship and current enrollment in a graduate program. Candidates must demonstrate a 3.0 GPA or higher and submit transcripts, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Rama Scholarships for the American Dream
Amount:$500 to $7,500
Deadline:February
Sponsored by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation, this scholarship provides lodging management students with educational funding. Eligible candidates need U.S. citizenship and enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate hospitality management program with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Students of Asian Indian descent, members of other minority groups, and Auro Hotels employees receive preference.
Professional Organizations for Asian and Pacific Islander Students
National Association of Asian American Professionals
The NAAAP strives to empower Asian and Pacific Islander leaders through networking, professional development, and community service opportunities. Membership benefits include access to the organization's career center, professional webinars, and resource groups.
Asian Pacific American Advocates
Also known as OCO, Asian Pacific American Advocates is a membership-driven organization with more than 50 chapters throughout the country. Members gain access to job listings and receive discounts on partner services and products.
Ascend's National Association of Asian MBAs
This association connects professionals and MBA students across industries to assist partners and sponsors in achieving business growth. AscendNAAMBA hosts a Women's Leadership Council, national conference, and mentoring programs.
Scholarships for Undocumented MBA Students
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Amount: up to $50,000 for tuition and fees
Deadline: Oct. 28
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans supports up to two years of graduate study in any field at any advanced degree-granting program in the United States. Fellows receive an initial award of $25,000 in stipend support, as well as 50% of tuition and fees (up to $20,000 per year) for one to two years.
Intended for U.S. immigrants and children of immigrants, this program accepts applications from U.S. citizens, green card holders, naturalized citizens, DACA recipients, and those who graduated from high school or college in the United States. Students with previous DACA status and learners awaiting a DACA decision may also apply, along with refugees and individuals granted asylum. Candidates must be under the age of 31 and full-time graduate students at a U.S. institution.
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Amount: $15,000 per year
Deadline: April 1
This need-based award supports students active in social and economic justice movements. U.S. citizenship is not required. Recent scholarship recipients have been involved in combating racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression.
Applicants must provide previous or current transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and financial information. Candidates must be U.S. residents planning to enroll at an accredited school.
Semiconductor Research Corporation Master's Scholarships Program
Deadline: April
Created to encourage underrepresented minorities to study in the semiconductor industry, this scholarship provides funding for students who display outstanding academic achievement. Eligible candidates may be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, or political asylum seekers in the United States.
Applicants must submit official transcripts; a personal information form; official GRE results; and three references from scientists, engineers, or faculty members.
Professional Organizations for Undocumented Students
Immigration Industry Association
This organization works to support, unite, and provide resources to immigrants, expats, and the international student community. The association's forum allows members to share experiences, research, and information. Membership benefits include job listings, networking events, and discounts.
Imprint provides immigrant professionals with many services, including educational advising, credential evaluation, and employment placement. The organization also helps unemployed or underemployed immigrants find positions that fit their skill and education levels.
National Immigration Law Center
The NILC defends the rights of low-income immigrants. The organization publishes educational material, provides legal counsel and advice, and conducts training sessions. The NILC also provides student resources, including scholarship information and financial aid.
Types of Funding Available for MBA Students
Scholarships are a type of financial aid sponsored by schools, companies, governments, and other organizations. Because scholarships do not require repayment, they are an ideal source of funding.
Some scholarships are offered exclusively to members of certain groups, such as minorities. Others are awarded based on background, work, or military experience. You can learn more about scholarships on the Federal Student Aid Office website.
Grants provide funding for tuition, fees, and other expenses. While grants do not require repayment, most are awarded on the basis of financial need and are usually sponsored by governments, schools, and organizations.
Grants for minorities usually fall into one of two categories: ethnic and non-ethnic. Ethnic grants apply to individuals who identify as a specific ethnicity or race. Non-ethnic grants apply to groups that are not racial or ethnic minorities, such as women. You may find additional information about grants at the Federal Student Aid Office website.
Federal work study programs allow students to earn money while pursuing a degree. Full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrable financial need may apply.
When possible, students take jobs related to their major. Participants may work on campus for their institution or at a relevant off-campus organization. Your school's financial aid office can provide more information about the application process.
Issued by the federal government, federal student loans allow students and parents to borrow money for educational expenses. Unlike private loans, federal loans offer payment postponement options, income-based repayment, and low fixed-interest rates. Federal loans usually do not require a credit check.
Federal student loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. The U.S. Department of Education pays interest on a subsidized loan while the borrower attends school, up to six months after graduation, and throughout any deferment periods. Borrowers must pay the interest on unsubsidized loans during any time period. Graduate students may only apply for unsubsidized loans.
Private lenders, such as banks or credit unions, offer private loans. Unlike federal loans, private lenders set the terms and conditions of loans, and borrowers must usually undergo a credit check.
Private loan recipients must pay interest while they attend school, and interest rates may increase during the repayment period. Private loans may also require a cosigner, and some do not offer forbearance or deferment options. Prospective borrowers may explore loan terms by visiting the lender directly or through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.
Filing the FAFSA
Students must complete the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid, including loans, work study programs, and grants. The FAFSA is available in English and Spanish and provides access to the largest source of student financial aid.
FAFSA filing deadlines depend on when the applicant plans to attend school. You may submit the FAFSA until June 30, 2023, to receive funding for the 2022-2023 school year, but each state sets its own deadlines, which you can view on the FAFSA website.
Both U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens may complete the form. The Financial Aid Office website maintains a list of all eligible noncitizen categories. To receive financial aid, an applicant must hold a high school diploma, GED, or evidence of homeschooling, and male candidates must register with the Selective Service System. Individuals with a drug conviction or a student loan default may not receive aid.
Applicants need a social security number, an alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen), federal tax returns, and a federal student aid ID to complete the FAFSA. Some applicants may need to provide bank statements and investment records. The amount of aid a student receives depends on several factors, including expected family contribution, enrollment status, and estimated cost of attendance.
Scholarship Application Tips
Apply for Scholarships Early and Often
Candidates should apply for scholarships well before starting a program. Some scholarship applications may take longer than expected to complete, and additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, may take time to source.
Know How to Avoid Scams
Students should know how to prevent identity theft, spot potential fraud, and avoid paying for free services. While companies may legally charge money in exchange for financial aid advice, not delivering on promised services is a form of fraud. There are many free sources of financial aid information for students. The Federal Student Aid Office offers tips on avoiding scams and identity theft.
Find Free Information
The internet, public libraries, and school financial aid offices are all great sources of free information regarding MBA minority scholarships. Federal and state agencies, religious organizations, and local businesses may also sponsor awards. In addition, ethnicity-based organizations, such as the NAACP and National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, offer MBA minority scholarships.
Scholarship candidates may need to compose an application essay. Minority students may need to describe their personal experiences regarding heritage or ethnicity, or their academic and career goals. When completing an essay, attention to detail is crucial. It is important to proofread before submitting a final draft.
Search Specifically for Minority Scholarships
Many scholarships are created to help minority students pay for college. School financial aid advisors can provide more information about these awards. Local organizations, ethnicity-based groups, churches, and employers are also potential sources of information.
Additional Scholarship Resources for MBA Students
Federal Student Aid Office
A branch of the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Student Aid Office is the nation's largest provider of student financial aid. It also processes and distributes the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for federal student aid.
Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae is a banking corporation that issues private student loans and offers scholarships, contests, and sweepstakes, including the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program. Sallie Mae's website provides free search tools for finding graduate scholarships.
U.S. Department of Labor Scholarship Finder
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, the CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder provides a free search engine for students seeking MBA minority scholarships. The search tool allows candidates to narrow their search by award type, state of residency, and other criteria.
This alliance of graduate business schools and organizations awards merit-based, full-tuition fellowships and internships to top MBA degree candidates. The Consortium strives to increase minority participation in member schools, corporations, and organizations.
Rising Farmworker Dream Fund
Created to empower U.S.-based migrant and seasonal farm workers through education and business, this unique program offers children of U.S. farm workers $250-$10,000 to pursue and complete an MBA degree.
Read our Guide to MBA Scholarships


A section of students of Periyar EVR College created a ruckus and forced the college management to cut short the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0, on Tuesday. They also raised slogans against the prime minister until the streaming was turned off.
The students said that at a time when many of their teachers striking work, an exam motivation, that too in Hindi and English, was ironic and out of place. They said many hadn't attended the programme and when they got word of it, some of them reached the auditorium and demanded the streaming be stopped. Later, the students raised slogans until the streaming was suspended.
A college teacher, however, blamed "outsiders" for the disruption. "Students were peacefully watching the PM speak on the screen. Towards the end of the programme, a handful of people, some politically motivated students and outsiders, entered the hall and disrupted the streaming," the teacher said.


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6 Tips for Renovating Your Home Without Getting Ripped Off
© Adobe
By Beth Braverman
As home prices continue to rise, more people are looking for ways to make their current home meet their needs — and feeling more comfortable investing money to make that happen.
That's good news for the broader economy, but it means that it's getting tougher to get a deal from a home contractor. "They're all working beyond capacity right now," says Brad Hunter, chief economist at HomeAdvisor. "There's no slack. That makes it harder to find something super cheap, but if you do your research, you can still get a good deal."
Related: The Cost of Living: How Far Does $100 Go in Your State?
The 2017 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine found that renovation costs were up across the board, with the average project costing 3 percent more than last year. General contractors are so busy that they've got a backlog of seven weeks nationwide, with builders in California reporting a backlog of more than three months, according to Houzz.
Competition for good contractors is fierce, and ending up with a bad one could mean a terrible experience or, worse, work that ends up subpar or unfinished. Follow these steps to make sure that you're not getting ripped off on your home improvement project.
1. Start with a realistic budget. Sites like HomeAdvisor and Remodeling magazine offer easily searchable data to give you sense of what a project should cost. Expect to pay more if you live in pricey areas or want to use high-end materials. Keep in mind that if you're selling the home soon, you won't get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment, no matter how nice the finished project.
Related: Making a Big Money Move? Why You Should Consult a Financial Adviser
Make sure you've got enough cash or have secured financing to cover that budget, plus another 10 percent to 20 percent for cost overruns that inevitably pop up. The older your home, the more likely you'll run into unforeseen expenses.
2. Shop around. Ask friends for references and check reviews on Angie's List or Yelp. One negative review is probably not worth worrying about, but several of them could indicate a problem. Look for contractors who've been in business for a few years and who specialize in the type of project that you're planning.
Interview at least three contractors, and ask them for references and photos of their work as well as proof that they're licensed and insured. Ask them to be specific about their plans for the project (some will even provide computer renderings), including what materials they'll use, how they'll handle change orders or cost overruns, and when they realistically expect to start and finish the project.
Related: Big Profits Are Back for Home Sellers
Getting multiple bids will give you more leverage to negotiate a price, and most contractors expect homeowners to try to negotiate. That said, the best contractors are in high demand right now, so they may have less incentive to cut a deal than they had a few years ago. "It behooves the homeowners to tell each contractor upfront that you're going to get quotes from multiple contractors," says John Bodrozic, CEO of Homezada. "It's being transparent, but they may also sharpen their pencils a little bit if they know that they're competing."
3. Get everything in writing. Once you've selected a contractor, you'll want to draw up a contract that outlines the timeline, payment schedule and how you'll handle things like cost overruns. The contract should also include exactly which materials will be used and whether there is a warranty to cover the materials and workmanship. If the contractor won't offer a warranty for at least a year after completing the work, consider that a potential red flag.
4. Select materials carefully. While you want to keep costs down, using the cheapest materials may result in a finished project that's below your expectations, or that needs costly maintenance or repairs. At the same time, you don't want to overdo it. Making improvements that go far beyond the character of your neighborhood could lead to a lower return on investment.
Related: Household Debt in the US Just Hit an All-Time High
It's easy to get carried away. A third of homeowners went over budget on recent home improvement projects, according to Houzz, with 45 percent of them saying they exceeded their budget because they decided to buy more expensive products or materials.
5. Make decisions quickly. While homeowners are quick to offer tales of contractors who dropped the ball on their project, contractors also have plenty of horror stories about how indecisive homeowners caused significant delays. Make decisions about the layout and materials upfront as much as possible. It's worth it to spend more time in the planning changes in order to minimize potential change orders once the project starts.
If you do change your mind about something, be sure to let the contractor know as soon as possible. Make yourself available throughout the project so that if new issues arise, you can make a decision and keep everything on track. "A little change can end up taking weeks if there are items or parts that need to be ordered," says Dina Dwyer-Owens, chairwoman of Dwyer Group, which includes brands like Mr. Handyman and Neighborly. "It can take the project into a whole new timeframe."
Related: Here's the Biggest Problem Facing Homebuyers Today
6. Be flexible on timing. Spring and summer are the busiest times of year for contractors, so they're less likely to be willing to negotiate. Demand slumps in the fall and winter, though, so you may be better off waiting until then to schedule work.
If you're not on a strict time schedule, letting the contractor know that you're willing to have the work done at a different time may entice him to make the price more attractive. "There's a tradeoff between cost and time," says Nino Stitchinava, principal economist with Houzz.
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Contributing Editor Beth Braverman covers all aspects of personal finance. Formerly a senior reporter at MONEY magazine, she has also been a newspaper reporter and trade magazine editor.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Gypsy – Reviews and More
Creative Team / Crew Bios
Chicago Tribune – Chris Jones
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/reviews/ct-ent-gypsy-porchlight-review-1018-story.html
FOUR OUT OF FOUR STARS
"…far and away the best piece of direction of Weber's long career in Chicago musicals."
"So on fire is Butler's Mama Rose that her own mouth can barely keep up with feelings. So furious is her drive — so palpable her assumption of an American foot soldier who wants nothing more than to be noticed — that everyone who shares the stage with her digs all the way down to their boots, all night long, just so they don't, by comparison, disappoint."
"All in all, this is one of those rare Chicago theater moments truly to savor. This work is hard; rarely does it come up roses quite like this."
Chicago Sun-Times – Alex Huntsberger
https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/gypsy-porchlight-music-theatre-e-faye-butler-stage-theater-chicago-things-to-do/
"What to make of Mama Rose? She's a loving mother and a tyrant, a striving dreamer and a terrible bully, a wild-eyed maniac and a tragic hero — or maybe it's a tragic villain. As played by Chicago stage treasure E. Faye Butler, the indomitable Rose is all of these things, both maelstrom and delicate flower that, like her namesake, loses its petals in the slightest breeze. Oh, and she's also a star. Something that Butler never lets you forget."
"In this moody, magnificent production from Porchlight Music Theatre, director Michael Weber understands the Shakespearean forces at play."
"… in the hands of stars like E. Faye Butler, "Gypsy" remains as powerful as ever"
NewCity – Amanda Finn
https://www.newcitystage.com/2018/10/17/e-faye-butlers-turn-a-review-of-gypsy-at-porchlight-music-theatre/
"For E. Faye Butler, the dream has been to play Mama Rose in "Gypsy" and, by God, she does."
"It's clear from the moment Jillian-Giselle opens the show by staring, mesmerized, at the instruments performing around her, that what is about to take place at Porchlight is a wonder. When is there going to be an E. Faye Butler cast recording of this show?"
PicksinSix – Ed Tracy
https://www.conversationswithedtracy.com/picksinsix/2018/10/17/picksinsix-gypsy-a-musical-fable
""Gypsy" will take your breath away!"
AroundtheTownChicago.com – Al Bresloff
http://www.aroundthetownchicago.com/theatre-reviews/gypsy-3/
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
"If you were down near Division and Dearborn last night , and felt the earth moving, it was not an earthquake. It was the Porchlight Music Theatre's production of "Gypsy" and the unbelievable E. Faye Butler bringing Mama Rose to life!"
"Under the spirited direction of Michael Weber, who adds a lot of creativity to this timeless classic, this is a version that will make you forget all others you have witnessed before."
"Songs such as "Let Me Entertain You", "Small World", "You'll Never Get Away From Me", "Together, Wherever We Go", "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and many others are surely classics and this energetic cast does every number to perfection."
TheFourthWalsh.com – Katy Walsh
http://thefourthwalsh.com/2018/10/review-gypsy-porchlight-music-theatre-butler-is-tour-de-force/
"E. Faye Butler (Mama Rose) owns this stage from the moment she steps on it. Her pipes, whether screaming for her way or lifting the rafters in song, are undeniably extraordinary. Butler is a tour de force in her non-stop, dynamic performance! Her commanding presence is palpable. … E. Faye Butler is irresistable!"
"Director Michael Weber masterfully cast Butler in the lead and gave her a terrific supporting ensemble."
"I highly, highly recommend it!!"
PictureThisPost.com – Susan Lieberman
https://www.picturethispost.com/porchlight-theatre-presents-gypsy-review-in-search-of-home/
BEST PLAY PICK
"Chicago's own E. Faye Butler takes charge with a tight grip."
"If you need a break from the "orange" holidays (Halloween and Thanksgiving), Porchlight Music Theatre's production of GYPSY might just be the ticket."
ChiTheatreAddict.com – Robert Bullen
https://chitheatreaddict.com/2018/10/18/gypsy-at-porchlight-music-theatre/
"Butler has always been a force. For decades she's been stopping shows – either as the star, supporting roles or in solo acts. She's a performer's performer. She knows how to deftly set up an emotional moment and knock it out of the friggin' park."
"This is a one-of-a-kind staging that goes down as one of my favorites. Director Michael Weber has truly rethought the piece from the ground-up, with his star's energy as the guiding focus. Just like Butler, this production is unfussy, bold, and brassy."
"But back to Miss Butler. She is the reason for the season. Never have I seen a Rose that's so unabashedly ferocious and funny – and swinging between the two extremes like a prize fighter. The woman is fearless."
"I don't think I'll see a more thrilling performance of this number as long as I live."
StageandCinema.com – Lawrence Bommer
https://www.stageandcinema.com/2018/10/21/gypsy-porchlight/
"LET HER ENTERTAIN YOU!"
"In Michael Weber's superb staging for Porchlight Music Theatre, the life force known as [E.Faye] Butler rents the part to buy. A born belter when she sings, but almost carnivorous when she strikes out to defend her dreams, Butler sinks her show-stoppers ("Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Small World") in a character as non-negotiable as hunger, and as basic as breathing. "A pioneer woman without a frontier," Rose is every striver who's sick of second billing when she can taste the marquee."
"Weber's elaborate staging surrounds Mama Rose with tailor-made triumphs, namely José Antonio García, down-to-earth and feelingly frustrated as Rose's patient suitor Herbie, Aalon Smith as the temperamental ex-Baby June, and, above all, Daryn Whitney Harrell, a self-effacing Louise until she blossoms into Gypsy Rose Lee."
"…everything feels natural, like Marco Tzunux's awesome semi-solo as dance-happy Tulsa crooning how "All I Need Is the Girl" and the never-more-hilarious trio "You Gotta Get a Gimmick," vaudevillian overkill strutted to the skies by Melissa Young, Dawn Bless, and Chicago favorite Honey West. Tzunux's too-brief song-and-dance and, yes, even the novelty number with trumpet, lights and pasties remind us exactly why we sit in our seats or, more importantly, don't. Everything's coming up Gypsy."
Performink.com – Kelsey McGrath
http://perform.ink/review-gypsy-at-porchlight-music-theatre/
"It's Rose's World and We're Just Living In It. Rather, E. Faye Butler's world and we should all be HONORED to live here. Porchlight's GYPSY kicks off their 24th season and it's a masterpiece. With Butler as Mama Rose, everything comes up Roses, whether we're ready or not."
"The intentional choice to cast Mama Rose, Louise, and June as women of color was the most eye-opening, refreshing musical theatre experience I've ever had."
"Butler is heartbreaking and passionate and genuine and and and she is everything."
"Porchlight's GYPSY needs to be seen by everyone. #representationmatters and with GYPSY, Porchlight once again uses their musical theatre platform to tell a gorgeous, incredibly human story."
Dueling Critics on WDCB "The Arts Section" – Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel
https://wdcb.org/program/arts-section (section begins at 19:00)
"Oh my. Oh my. Oh my. I have seen a number of wonderful actors play and sing Mama ERose including the original Ethel Merman… I've never seen anyone like E. Faye Butler… and it is a phenomenal performance."
"This is an astonishing performance and one certainly that is not to be missed and one of the performances of the year or several years on the Chicago stage."
"Send it to New York – it is an unbelievably great performance…. This is above and beyond!"
"She is one for the ages..And the rest of the cast is really wonderful."
"This is so great, if you have seen it before, you will see it anew. I hope there is a producer that takes this to New York."
Chicago Reader – Tony Adler
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/gypsy-porchlight-music-theatre/Content?oid=60825388
READER RECOMMENDED
"If race matters at all in this staging, it's to demonstrate that Gypsy has crossed a cultural line. That it's entered so far into the American canon that it's beyond biography and impervious to petty conventions. That it's accrued enough resonance over half a century that it's no longer a showbiz tale, but one about children, parents, and unexpected transformations."
"And thank God for that, because I'd hate to think mere verisimilitude might've kept E. Faye Butler from playing Rose. … Her Rose is one great, ferocious growl—the human embodiment of guts, grit, starch, brass, and spunk, not to say loneliness, pain, and compulsion. As the Porchlight folks well know, since they've put her name over the title, Butler by herself is worth the price of admission."
"Yet she's far from by herself. José Antonio Garcia is poetically hapless as Herbie. Dawn Bless, Honey West, and Melissa Young are a collective hoot as Louise's mentors in the art of the ecdysiast. Aalon Smith conveys a deep frustration as the grown June, and Izzie Rose a perfect (and therefore somewhat disturbing) charmer as the Baby June. Daryn Whitney Harrell takes a while to metamorphose from Louise to Gypsy Rose Lee, but when she finally bites back at Rose she's convincing."
WTTW – Hedy Weiss
https://news.wttw.com/2018/10/17/porchlight-s-gypsy-mama-rose-hurricane-force
"a production remarkable in countless ways … with her force-of-nature personality, powerhouse voice and galvanic emotional range, Butler clearly was born to play Mama Rose."
"The brilliance that marks Weber's production is evident from the moment the rousing overture begins."
"Izzie Rose, an apple-cheeked, clarion-voiced dynamo of a tot, turns in a hilarious, cartwheel-turning performance that makes her the most convincing Baby June I've yet to see."
"Along the way there are the wonderfully over-the-top antics of the three past-their-prime, bump-and-grind-style strippers – Tessie Tura (Melissa Young), Mazeppa (Dawn Bless) and Electra (Honey West); a romantic song-and-dance number, "All I Need is the Girl," winningly performed by Marco Tzunux (and expertly choreographed by Chris Carter); several turns by Larry Baldacci as various addled theater producers; and a deft ensemble."
"But of course it is Butler who once again brings down the house with "Rose's Turn" – that bitter confessional, exorcism and torrent of rage. Rose is not lovable, but like the actress playing her, she is indomitable."
ChicagoTheatreReview.com – Colin Douglas
https://www.chicagotheatrereview.com/2018/10/here-she-is-boys-here-she-is-world-2
"The most recent Rose in Chicago is an actress who was born to play this role: E. Faye Butler. This gifted actress is an absolute force of nature."
"E. Faye Butler uses her strong vocal talent to gently caress and coax Sondheim's brilliant lyrics from Styne's melodies. The result is that most of her songs play like musical monologues ("Small World," "Some People"); the actress brings a richer, deeper understanding to the music that's become so familiar to theatre fans."
"The rest of the cast is stellar. The children are all excellent, especially Izzie Rose and Jillian-Giselle, as Baby June and Young Louise. Melissa Young, Dawn Bless and Honey West (who also plays a droll Miss Cratchitt) play a trio of strippers, Tessie Tura, Mazeppa and Electra, who bump and grind the bejesus out of "You Gotta Get a Gimmick." David Fiorello's musical direction, including his full, brassy, six-member onstage orchestra, is outstanding. Jeffrey D. Kmiec's flexible scenic design, dominated by a gigantic movable, proscenium arch, complete with an act drape, provides the icing on this delicious theatrical cake."
"Once Chicagoans hear about this fabulous production, every savvy theatergoer will be following her example by getting up and out to the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in order to experience Michael Weber's never-to-be-forgotten production. This is a chance to see the fabulous E. Faye Butler, one of Chicago's finest musical actresses, in role that seems written especially for her. It's is a production of a show that keeps its musical promise to Entertain You and Make You Smile."
"Backstage," Comcast Network & "Behind The Curtain," WGNPlus – Paul Lisnek
"E. Faye Butler's performance as Mama Rose in "Gypsy" is that rare theatrical moment when Actor meets character role in a way that is kismet, meant to be. If you did not know "Gypsy" was written in 1959, you would swear that this role was written specifically for E. Faye Butler. Sometimes seeing an actor perform a particular role is something that theater lovers just have to do….like Bette Midler in "Hello Dolly" or Angela Lansbury in "Sweeney Todd"….well, E Faye Butler as Mama Rose is one of those moments you must experience and cherish for a lifetime."
Rescripted Reviews – Sherri Allender
http://rescripted.org/2018/10/31/butler-gypsy/
"The production of Gypsy by Porchlight at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, represents the very best of musical theatre."
"The complex and bawdy role of Rose has been played by greats such as Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone, and Angela Lansbury, and Butler steps into the shoes with ease and grace, sending the audience on a roller-coaster ride of laughter and emotion."
"And when she [E. Faye Butler] opens her mouth to sing – brace yourself as the heavens break open with triumphant glory."
"Casting Rose as a black woman adds a level of deliciousness to the story for anyone who has had the pleasure of having been raised by, or is friends with, a certain kind of black woman. The experience of having an unconventional mother is a universal one, and non-traditional casting extends the tent of belonging in a beautiful way."
"Across the board, every element of the musical is spectacular. Michael Weber's elegant staging is highlighted by the simple and stunning set (Jeffrey D. Kmiec) The band led by music director David Fiorello is absolutely magnificent, and the jokes crackle and pop with lively energy."
"Gypsy at Porchlight is one of the best shows you will have the opportunity to see this season…"
ChicagolandMusicalTheatre.com – Barry Rezel
https://www.chicagolandmusicaltheatre.com/e-faye-butlers-nuanced-performance-as-mama-rose-elevates-porchlights-gypsy-to-must-see-musical-theatre/
"In Porchlight Music Theatre's current production of the musical fable, Gypsy, it matters not whether Louise sings out (she does); because this stage belongs fully to her mother, the muther of all stage mothers, performed to stylized perfection by a true Chicagoland treasure."
"Butler owns the Porchlight production with a nuanced performance of musical theatre's most complex character, the outed, vaudevillian mommie dearest of famed stripper Gypsy Rose Lee."
"Together with massive, ensemble cast of more than 30 talented actors, they combine to make this Gyspy a must-see production."
ChicagonStage.com – Karen Topham
http://chicagoonstage.com/gypsy-is-a-showcase-for-e-faye-butler-and-a-dynamite-cast/
""Gypsy" is a showcase for E. Faye Butler and a dynamite cast"
"From the moment she[E. Faye Butler] steps onto the stage in the iconic lead role of Porchlight Theatre's magnificent new production of Gypsy, she just dominates it as if the role has simply been out there waiting for her to take it on (and this is a role originated by the great Ethel Merman)."
"Both actresses playing June are perfect as the effervescent child star, and Smith gets to add the layers of disappointment and frustration with her mother's dictatorial methods that come with growing up. Dawn Bless, Melissa Young and Honey West have a hilarious turn as three strippers that Louise meets in a burlesque gig. Marco Tzunux delivers a memorable performance as the talented dancer Tulsa. And García is solid as Herbie, who only wants to make Rose happy but discovers that nothing short of the limelight is ever going to be capable of doing that."
Let's Play – Chicago Now – Rick and Brenda McCain
http://www.chicagonow.com/lets-play/2018/10/gypsy/
"E. Faye Butler who leads the cast in 'Gypsy' as 'Mama Rose' Broadway's legendary "stage mother." Like so many before her playing the character of Mama Rose she brought her feisty persona to life with a lot of zest."
"Director Michael Weber showcases this dynamic fast-paced musical as it follows the dreams and hardships of Mama Rose to raise her two daughters to perform on stage; as it casts an affectionate eye on the struggles of business life during the vaudeville era!"
BroadwayWorldChicago – Rachel Weinburg
https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/BWW-Review-GYPSY-at-Porchlight-Music-Theatre-20181021
"Butler commands the Porchlight stage with a presence that's both larger-than-life and also at the same time a deeply revealing character study. To say that Butler's portrayal of Mama Rose is a star turn is almost not enough. Butler seems to live and breathe this role; she does not appear to be acting but rather fully inhabiting this iconic character."
"Vocally, Butler's performance is equally jaw dropping"
"Butler's masterful performance is reason enough to see Porchlight's GYPSY, but she's also in great company. This entire production will entertain you, indeed. Artistic Director Michael Weber's taut direction makes the musical move at captivating pace; though GYPSY is close to three hours long, the "action never drags."
"As Louise, Daryn Whitney Harrell showcases her beautiful vocals without giving away the ending. Harrell's Louise is necessarily timid and withdrawn in her earlier scenes, which makes her transition to the famous Gypsy Rose Lee all the more captivating. Harrell allows us to see the character truly come into her own. Along with Aalon Smith as June, both actors enable us to see the immense pressure that Mama Rose's demands put on the sisters. Harrell and Smith also have a winning moment in their duet "If Momma Was Married." They harmonize beautifully and also maximize the comedic beats in the number."
"As talent agent and Rose's love interest Herbie, José Antonio García is perfectly affable and just a little gruff. These acting choices precisely suit the role. Kudos must also be given to Marco Tzunux as Tulsa, who dances up a storm, and Elya Faye Bottiger as Agnes, who has daffy and delectable comedic timing. In the second act character number "You Gotta Get A Gimmick," Dawn Bless, Honey West, and Melissa Young have wonderful turns-though I won't spoil exactly how they take on this song."
"Butler's magnificent portrayal of Mama Rose makes this GYPSY a must-see. Look out, Chicago. It's Butler's turn. And she is making the most of it."
Windy City Times – Kerry Reid
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Gypsy-/64517.html
"Let's be honest—E. Faye Butler as Rose in Gypsy is a dream come true for musical-theater lovers. But although she's undoubtedly the best reason to see Michael Weber's staging for Porchlight Music Theatre ( few star turns get, well, starrier than this role ), this Rose is surrounded by a bouquet of flowering talents…"
"Although the production doesn't make a single change to the book or lyrics to reference it, seeing Rose and her family played by Black actors adds extra poignancy to their story as they scramble to find work on the dying vine of Depression-era vaudeville. When Louise ( Daryn Whitney Harrell ) takes off the blonde wig meant to conjure her more-talented sister June ( Aalon Smith ), who has eloped, and tells Rose "I'm not June," it registers at a deeper level. She's not her sister—and she's not a white blonde girl, either."
"Chris Carter's choreography nails the awkwardness of Louise's back-up dancers ( even through that cringey "toreador" number ) and the we-suck-at-dancing-but-we-don't-care bravado of the You Gotta Get a Gimmick trio. ( Terrific turns by Melissa Young, Honey West and Dawn Bless as Tessie Tura, Electra and Mazeppa, respectively, showing off Bill Morey's cunning costumes ). Like Rose herself, David Fiorello's six-piece band knows how to pull off a driving tempo with a hint of underlying sadness."
SANIYAH AS-SALAAM (Baby Renee / Newsboy) is extremely excited to join the cast of Gypsy in her debut acting performance. Saniyah is an 11-year-old native Chicagoan who attends Medgar Evers Fine & Performing Arts School. She is in the sixth grade, an honor roll student, and her favorite subjects are English and music. Saniyah has been a part of Maywood Fine Arts Associations: Stairway of the Stars Dance Studio for six years, performing each year in multiple dance productions; most recent productions include In It to Win It, Swan Lake and Santa's Christmas Bake Off. She joined the B.FLI Productions Performing Arts Camp six week summer intensive program this year at the ETA Creative Arts Theater, where she performed in From One to All: There's Power in Numbers. Saniyah also enjoys singing, tumbling, swimming and writing poetry.
LARRY BALDACCI (Uncle Jocko / Mr. Weber / Mr. Goldstone / Pastey) is thrilled to be back working with Porchlight Music Theatre where he was last seen in Merrily We Roll Along and A Catered Affair. He has also appeared in West Side Story, Oklahoma, 42nd Street and The Music Man (Paramount Theatre); West Side Story (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Ragtime (Non-Equity Jeff Award for Best Ensemble and Best Musical), Spring Awakening and Company (Griffin Theatre); 1776 (Signal Theatre); and The Crucible (Steppenwolf for Young Adults); among many others. As always, this is for Ray.
JOSHUA BISHOP (Angie / BougeronCochon) is excited to be making his Chicago debut! His Wisconsin credits include "Jack" in Into the Woods (Hysterical Productions), "Ren McCormack" in Footloose (Riverside Players), and "Warner Huntington III" in Legally Blonde the Musical (Riverside Players). Proud graduate of AMDA NYC.
DAWN BLESS* (Mazeppa) is excited to be part of her third production with Porchlight Music Theatre. She is a Jeff-nominated actress, and has recently appeared in The Black Clown at the American Repertory Theater of Harvard University. Other theatre credits include: The Second City, Congo Square Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Theo Unique, Music Theater Works, West Virginia Public Theatre, and others. In addition to being an actor and singer, Dawn is also a teaching artist, poet, director and playwright. Later this season, Dawn looks forward to continuing her writing for an upcoming Jazz musical special with The Second City. She is also a member of the comedy duo TOP HEAVY, as well as a founding member of the vocal jazz quartet, The Bronzeville Express.
ELYA FAYE BOTTIGER (Agnes / Showgirl) is thrilled to be returning to her Porchlight Music Theatre family. Her recent Porchlight credits include Porchlight Revisits Little Me, Babes in Arms, and Applause, and New Faces Sing Broadway 1972. Chicago credits: The Little Mermaid (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Open Door Repertory Theatre), At Mister Kelly's, Holiday Stories (Three Cat Productions). Regional credits: The Wizard of Oz, Happy Days (The Palace Theater), Gypsy, Rock of Ages, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Titanic, Mary Poppins, Ah, Wildrness!, Evita, Scapino!, Carousel, and Little Shop of Horrors (Timber Lake Playhouse). Ms. Bottiger is a proud graduate of Columbia College Chicago and is represented by Shirley Hamilton.
TATIANA BUSTAMANTE (Marjorie May) is pumped to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut in Gypsy! Tatiana is originally from Miami, Florida and recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Tatiana is very proud of her Mexican/ Peruvian heritage and is actively working to improve Latinx representation in the arts. She sends her love and gratitude to the family, friends and teachers who support and inspire her work. Allons-y!
E. FAYE BUTLER* (Rose) has performed as an actress-singer for more than 35 years. Most importantly, she is an entertainer with an extraordinary gift to capture an audience and put them in the palm of her hands. Butler performs in concert halls, club venues, corporate events, cabarets and theatres across the country and internationally and continues to create and develop new and captivating shows. In her theatre career, Goodman Theatre, Arena Stage, Victory Gardens, Northlight Theatre, Court Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Yale Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Steppenwolf Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Signature Theatre, Centerstage, Chicago Shakespeare, Congo Square, Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Fulton Theatre, Maine State, Sacramento Music Theatre, Chicago Children's Theatre and PaperMill Playhouse are among the theatres where Butler has performed. She has also performed in the Off Broadway national and regional tours of Mamma Mia, Ain't Misbehavin, Dinah Was, Nunsense and Nunsense II. She is the recipient of six Joseph Jefferson Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards, R.A.M.I. Award, John Barrymore Award, Ovation Award, Sarah Siddons Leading Lady Award, After Dark Award, Excellence in the Arts, four Black Theatre Alliance Awards, Black Alliance Award, Lunt-Fontaine Fellowship, Kathryn V. Lampkey Award, and has been inducted into the Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C.
WILLIAM "PIERCE" CLEAVELAND (Clarence / Newsboy) is thrilled to be making his Porchlight Music Theatre debut! Most recently Pierce played "Ben/Lisa" in Chicago Theatre Workshop's Disaster. This spring he appeared in season six of MasterChef Jr. on Fox. He has also performed nationally with the award-winning Bravo! and Ovation Performing Arts Academies in Oak Park. Pierce wants to thank his family for their support and give a big shout out to Emi, Katie and Ragan for all their encouragement.
JOSÉ ANTONIO GARCÍA* (Herbie) is thrilled to be making his Porchlight Music Theatre debut with Gypsy. Tony (preferred name to go by!) has had the honor of working with some of the best theaters in and around Chicago, including Chicago Dramatists, Shakespeare Project of Chicago, Windy City Playhouse, The Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steep Theatre, Factory Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, BoHo Theatre Ensemble, Adventure Stage Chicago, Collaboraction, Chicago Children's Theatre, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. TV/Film credits include: The Chi, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Empire, Win It All, Captive State, Pages, Working Man, Animator, Shameless, Written Off, Easy, Sense8, Cleveland Abduction, Consumed, Chicago Fire, Mob Doctor, Boss, and Prison Break. He holds a BFA from The University of Connecticut and an MFA from Indiana University. He is represented by Stewart Talent.
JILLIAN-GISELLE (Baby Louise) is a 10-year-old from Chicago currently represented by Paonessa Talent. She is very excited to make her Porchlight Music Theatre debut. Her favorite credits include "Young TiMoune" in Once On This Island (Columbia College Chicago), "Young Kangaroo" in Seussical the Musical (Beverly Theatre Guild), and "Scuttle" in The Little Mermaid (The Drama Group). When not on stage she can be found on YouTube and Instagram @JiGiFabulous.
JARED DAVID MICHAEL GRANT (Georgie / Mr. Kringelein / Phil) is a Chicago entertainer and 2013 graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Originally from Rochester, New York, Grant moved to Chicago 10 years ago. Grant is returning to Porchlight Music Theatre where he has been seen
in Memphis, The Scottsboro Boys and Dreamgirls. Some other credits include: Christmas in Chicago: A Musical Revue (Fine Print Theatre), Jesus Christ Super Star (Paramount Theatre), Our Town (Redtwist Theatre), Nine Lives the Musical (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival), and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (Theatre Wit). Grant was a company member with Childs Play Touring Theatre. He thanks his family, select friends, and the beautiful people of Wakanda (You know who you are!). #WakandaForever
DARYN WHITNEY HARRELL* (Louise) is honored to be playing such an iconic role in her Porchlight Music Theatre debut! Regional credits: Queenie Pie (Chicago Opera Theater), Aida (Bailiwick Chicago), and "Lorraine" in All Shook Up (Fireside Theatre). National Tour credits: The Book of Mormon and "Jovie" in Elf. TV credits: Empire. Featured vocalist: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She received her BA from North Central College. Many thanks to God, family, and friends for the constant love and support, and to GYPSY casting for this great opportunity! Represented by Paonessa Talent. @DarynWHarrell
MICHELLE HUEY (Dolores / Showgirl) is so excited to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut! Previous credits include: "Audrey" in Little Shop of Horrors (Columbia College Chicago), "Margot" in Legally Blonde (Montgomery County Dinner Theater), and "Cheryl Ann/Ensemble" in Catch Me If You Can (Montgomery County Dinner Theater). Endless thanks to family and friends for their support and to Porchlight for this opportunity! www.michelle-huey.com
HANNAH LOVE JONES (Balloon Girl / Newsboy) is thrilled to join the Porchlight Music Theatre family in Gypsy. Other Chicago credits include Norma (Lyric Opera Of Chicago). Commercial credits include: Chrysler, among others; and print work includes companies such as American Girl, Huggies and Lunchables. Hannah is a Spanish immersion elementary school student who (in addition to performing) loves swimming and sailing, her pet stuffed dog Lexi, and making slime! Hannah is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.
J. MICHAEL JONES (Pop / Cigar) is thrilled to return to Porchlight Music Theatre in the musical Gypsy after a very successful run of Dreamgirls. He has performed in such productions as The Wiz, Bingo Long and His Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings, Porgy and Bess (Ravinia-Conducted by Bobby McFarren), and Fences to name a few. Thanks so much much for the opportunity to continue my craft.
MARVIN J. MALONE II (Yonkers) is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and is excited to be working again with Porchlight Music Theatre and this amazing cast and crew. His other Chicago credits include "male ensemble swing" in Memphis (Porchlight) and "ensemble, u/s Jimmy The Goat" in Something in the Game (American Music Theatre Project). He is currently a senior Music Theatre, BFA student at Columbia College Chicago. Follow Marvin @marvinmaloneii or at MarvinMalone.com. Jeremiah 29:11.
DESMOND MURPHY (Arnold / Newsboy) is new to the theatre and so happy to be making his debut with Porchlight Music Theatre. In addition to performing with the School of Rock on guitar in shows at Wire in Berwyn, he also enjoys playing piano, singing and being a part of the backstage crew for Bravo Performing Arts in Oak Park. Desmond thanks his family and Shirley Hamilton Talent for all their support!
RENELLÈ NICOLE (Gail / Renée / Showgirll) is delighted to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut! Some of her most recent theatre credits include A New Attitude: In Tribute to Patti LaBelle (Black Ensemble Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar – Soul Girl (Paramount Theatre), and Last Dancer Standing (Black Ensemble Theater). She began her professional acting career at five years old, later starring in her first musical production at American Girls Theatre as "Addy". TV credits include a recurring role on Empire (Fox), Chicago Fire (NBC), and First Dates (NBC). She proudly received her BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She would like to thank Gray Talent, her friends and family for their love & support, and the #VBs. All glory to God! Stay connected @renellenicole.
JEFF PIERPOINT (L.A.) is delighted to be her part of Porchlight Music Theatre's Gypsy, after appearing last season in New Faces Sing Broadway 1959. His Chicago credits include Newsies, She Loves Me, and How to Succeed… (Marriott Theatre), Grand Hotel, and Bonnie and Clyde (Kokandy Productions). Other favorite credits include "Greg Madison" in It Shoulda Been You (Actor's Theatre of Indiana) and "Frankie" in Forever Plaid (Tent Theatre). Jeff is a proud graduate of Ball State University. He would like to thank everyone at Porchlight for this wonderful opportunity, the awesome team at Gray Talent Group, and his family and friends for their constant love and support.
IZZIE ROSE (Baby June) is an up-and-coming actress who is taking part in her first performance with Porchlight Music Theatre. Previous credits include "Ariel" in Chicago Style Nutcracker (Harold Washington Cultural Center) and "Oompa Loompa" in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Mother McCauley Theater Curtain Call). Izzie was also recently seen in film and television as "Brianna" in the film Disconnection Notice and in season five, episode one of Chicago PD. When not on stage, Izzie can be found on Instagram @izzierose919. Izzie is represented by Hayes Talent Agency.
AALON SMITH (June) is delighted to be a part of her third production with Porchlight Music Theatre, following her performances in last season's Memphis and New Faces Sing Broadway 1975. Aalon is originally from Denver, Colorado and is currently a junior BFA Musical Theatre Performance major at Columbia College Chicago. She has performed regionally as "Tribe" in Hair (Metropolis Performing Arts Center) and some of her favorite Columbia College Chicago productions include "Helene" in Sweet Charity, "Dotty" in Caroline, or Change, "Chiffon" in Little Shop of Horrors, and "Andrea" in Once On This Island.
ARIEL TRIUNFO (Edna Mae / Showgirl / Dance Captain) is a junior Musical Theatre student at Columbia College Chicago. She most recently performed as "Sacred Spirit, Honeybee" in Stranger on the River (Bittersweet Arts Company), and as "Elaine, Frug Girl" in Sweet Charity (Columbia
College Chicago). Prior to pursuing theatre, Ariel danced professionally in Las Vegas with Nevada Ballet Theatre, and performed in many well-known ballets, in addition to choreographing her own new works. This past summer, Ariel received the 2018 Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence while attending the Musical Theatre Dance Program at The School at Jacob's Pillow. She is thrilled to be performing in her first production with Porchlight Music Theatre.
MARCO TZUNUX (Tulsa) hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is an alum of the Chicago College of Performing Arts. This is his second collaboration with Porchlight Music Theatre, following his appearance in New Faces Sing Broadway 1975 this past June. Chicago credits: Seussical (Drury Lane Oakbrook), TRU (the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival), Altar Boyz (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater), and HAIR (Mercury Theater). Marco is featured in the Method soaps "There's Good Inside" commercial, airing nationwide. #peacocknation #representationmatters
HONEY WEST (Electra / Miss Cratchitt) was most recently seen in As You Like it as a transgender version of "Duke Senior". Honey West is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in musical theater. Most recently she appeared in Priscilla Queen of the Desert where she received a Jeff Nomination for best supporting actress and won a best actress award from Broadwayworld.com. She also starred in such notable productions as Dirty Dreams of a Clean Cut Kid, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Diva Diaries, Jerry's Girls, Pussy on the House (Best Actress Award from Broadwayworld.com), Sexy Baby, and Tony 'n' Tony's Wedding. She has been performing her own cabaret show for the last 30 years. She is very proud to be a 2012 inductee into the "Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame". Currently she is working on a new cabaret act, as well as an autobiographical one-woman show. Learn more at facebook.com/honeywest and youtube.com/honeywestchicago.
MELISSA YOUNG (Tessie Tura) is thrilled to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut! Favorite past roles include "Viola" in Twelfth Night (Searchlight), "Lucious/Cinna" in Julius Caesar (Chicpeare), "Hermia" in A Midsummer Night's Dream, "Rachel" in Inherit the Wind (Boxer Rebellion), "Little Becky 2 Shoes" in Urinetown, "Woman 1" in Love You, You're Perfect…, "Prudie" in Pump Boys and Dinettes (Big Noise Theatre), "Winifred" in Once Upon a Mattress, "Nellie" in South Pacific (Valentine Theater), "Sylvie" in The Nance (Pride Films and Plays), and "Shirley" in Disaster: The Musical (Chicago Theatre Workshop). Melissa is the voice of Lily on the children's animated series The Ebos Adventures and toured with her cabaret shows Lucky Star: Madonna at 50 and Beyond & Out and Proud. Proud alumna of Point Park University and The Second City Conservatory. Love and gratitude to Rob, FOB, and Porchlight! Thank you!
*Denotes member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in America
Buy Tickets See Full Program
MICHAEL WEBER (Director) most recently directed Merrily We Roll Along for Porchlight Music Theatre as well as the Porchlight Revisits production of Woman of the Year and co-starred in Porchlight Revisits Do Re Mi. His productions of End of the Rainbow, Side Show, Forum, Sweeney Todd, Pal Joey and Assassins at Porchlight Music Theatre, Grand Hotel at Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and She Loves Me at Theatre at the Center were each nominated for the Equity Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Production-Musical. Other directing credits include Living the History-125 Years of the Auditorium Theatre starring Patti Lupone, John Mahoney, and stars of Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and others, Fifth of July and Talley's Folly at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Petrified Forest at Theatre at the Center, Beauty and the Beast at Marriott Theatre, Over the River and Through the Woods at Mercury Theater, and Cirque du Symphony at Sears Center Arena. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he has written and directed the past twelve Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies. Weber's regional acting credits include The Merry Widow and The Sound of Music at Lyric Opera, 42nd Street at Paramount, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia, Disney's My Son Pinocchio at First Stage Milwaukee, Around the World in 80 Days at Cleveland Playhouse, The Winter's Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Angel Street at First Folio Shakespeare, and The Gifts of the Magi at Indiana Repertory. He served previously as artistic director of Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now The Broadway Playhouse) and Theatre at the Center. Michael is proud to serve as a pledge host on WTTW, Channel 11.
DAVID FIORELLO (Music Director) returns to Porchlight Music Theatre where he most recently music directed Do Re Mi, Woman of the Year, Chicago Sings: Sinatra & The Rat Pack, and the last two New Faces Sing Broadway seasons. He was also seen on stage as "Joe Josephson" in Merrily We Roll Along. David has served as music director for the Off-Broadway hit Danny & Sylvia: The Danny Kaye Musical, and toured as music director with many productions, including John Doyle's production of Sweeney Todd. He has also written and collaborated on several original pieces including The Language or the Kiss, featuring the music of The Indigo Girls, that he conceived, wrote the book, and starred in for multiple Off-Broadway industry readings. Fiorello has worked in Chicago with Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Steppenwolf, and many others. He's excited to music direct another round of New Faces Sing Broadway this season. Visit www.fiorellostudios.com.
CHRIS CARTER (Choreographer / Associate Director) is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a liberal arts degree in dance. Carter has traveled all over performing, directing and choreographing. Some of his credits include: Memphis (Jeff nomination), Porchlight Revisits They're Playing Our Song, Dreamgirls and In The Heights (Porchlight Music Theatre), Five Guys Name Moe (Court Theater-Jeff nomination), Hair (Mercury Theater), The Legend Of Georgia McBride (Northlight Theater), Sweeney Todd (Grand Valley State University), Oklahoma (Lyric Opera Chicago), Show Boat (San Francisco and Houston Grand Opera), Hairspray (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Joseph . . . (Paramount Theatre), Duke Ellington's Queenie Pie (Chicago Opera Theater), Oliver (Light Opera Works), The Wiz (Theatre at the Center), Smokey Joe's Café (Circle Theatre), and The Wild Party (Actor's Theater). Carter has been the choreographer/Director for the Grand Rapids Civic's SRT for the past five years. Carter is a former Debbie Allen Dance Academy scholarship student. Other credits include national tours, commercial, industrial and concert work.
JEFFREY D. KMIEC (Scenic Designer) is an award-winning Chicago-based scenic designer. His designs have been seen previously at Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Marriott Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, American Players Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Raven Theatre, The Artistic Home, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Heritage Theatre Festival and The Children's Theatre of Charlotte. He received three consecutive Equity Jeff Awards for his designs on The Little Mermaid (Paramount Theatre-2017), Deathtrap (Drury Lane Theatre-2016), and Les Miserables (Paramount Theatre-CoDesign with Kevin Depint in 2015). Jeffrey received his MFA from the University of Virginia and is a member of USA 829.
BILL MOREY+^ (Costume Designer) is an artistic associate at Porchlight Music Theatre where he has designed two dozen productions. He is a 15-time Jeff Award-nominee, and has received the Jeff Award for Nine, The King and I, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Dreamgirls all at Porchlight. Proud member of USA 829. www.billmorey.com.
DENISE KARCZEWSKI (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to return to Porchlight Music Theatre after designing Memphis, Merrily We Roll Along, Billy Elliot the Musical, In The Heights and Dreamgirls. Denise is the resident lighting designer at Black Ensemble Theater where she received BTAA awards for her designs of Indigo Blues and One Name Only as well as an African American Arts Alliance Award for her set and lighting design of Ella: the First Lady of Song. Denise is one of the technical directors and designers at New Trier Township High School. She would like to thank Michael for the opportunity and Daryl for all his love and support. Maya, mommy loves you!
ROBERT HORNBOSTEL (Sound Designer) is excited to be back for his fourth season with Porchlight Music Theatre and this amazing team! Recent Porchlight credits include Memphis, Merrily We Roll Along, Billy Elliot the Musical, In The Heights, Dreamgirls, End of the Rainbow, Far From Heaven, Ain't Misbehavin', Side Show, and Porchlight Revists Babes in Arms and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Robert is a freelance composer, designer and engineer in Chicago, including work with New Millennium Theater, Raven Theatre, Eclectic Theatre, First Floor Theater, Roosevelt University, and many others. Robert would like to thank his fellow designers, friends and family for their continued support. Selections of his previous work can be found at www.TechmagicDesigns.com. Enjoy the show!
JENNIFER WERNAU (Co-Properties Designer) is a recent graduate from DePaul University and is freelancing here in Chicago as a properties designer. Select shows she has worked on include The Shipment (Red Tape Theatre) and Richard III (DePaul Theatre School). Shows coming up this fall include Darkness After Dawn (The Factory Theatre), HOODED, or being black for dummies (First Floor Theater), and A Christmas Carol (Metropolis Theatre Company). Keep a look out for more.
AARON SHAPIRO (Co-Production Manager) has worked throughout Chicago as a freelance production manager. For Porchlight, where he is an artistic associate, he has production managed Memphis, In The Heights, Dreamgirls, Far From Heaven, Sweeney Todd, Funny Thing Happened…, Side Show, and Jeff Award winning productions of Ain't MisBehavin' and Sondheim on Sondheim. Other credits include: Hand to God and Fun Home (Victory Gardens); DISENCHANTED and UNSPEAKABLE (Broadway Playhouse); commercial productions of Splintered Soul and Twisted Knots (Chicago Commercial Collective); Jeff Award-nominated productions of Heathers and Tomorrow Morning (Kokandy Productions); Jeff Award-nominated productions of The Rainmaker and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Musical (American Blues Theatre); and Stupid Fucking Bird and Caught (Sideshow Theatre). Aaron was the founding Artistic Director for Oracle where he served for four years. He is also the co-founder of Studio BE/MCL Chicago in Lakeview where served as Executive Director for five years. Aaron has worked for over 100 different theatre and production companies, and educational institutions as an electrician, carpenter, sound engineer, designer, tech director, director, production manager and producer.
CODY WESTGAARD (Co-Production Manager) is thrilled to join Porchlight Music Theatre for this season. He is the production manager at Peninsula Players Theatre and has worked as assistant stage manager for 42nd Street, White Christmas, Saturday Night Fever and Hazel (Drury Lane Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Paramount Theater), and The Joseph Jefferson Awards (2006-2017). Other credits include assistant production manager (APM) at NYU Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama (2011-2015), APM at Williamstown Theatre Festival (2009-2011), PM at Noble Fool Theatricals (2007-2008). Cody also works for MACE (Movement and Combat Education) as the operations manager and co-created the stage management intensive. Cody earned a BA in Theatre at Loyola University Chicago and MFA in Production Technology and Management at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.
SEAN McSTRAVICK* (Stage Manager) is delighted to return to Porchlight Music Theatre after stage managing last season's production of Billy Elliot the Musical. They have been a member of the stage management team on over a hundred productions at companies including: Music Theater Works, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Marin Theatre Company (four years as PSM), the Reduced Shakespeare Company, North Coast Repertory Theatre, R.H. Orman Inc., 42nd Street Moon, and the Willows Theatre Company. Sean is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.
ANDREW ASHLEY HATCHER* (Assistant Stage Manager / Co-Properties Designer) is an Austin, Texas transplant stage manager, props designer and general theater-maker. He is happy to return to Porchlight Music Theatre where he previously worked on Memphis and Merrily We Roll Along. Other Chicago credits include Frost/Nixon (Redtwist Theatre) and Becky Shaw (Windy City Playhouse). Austin-area credits include numerous award-winning shows with Salvage Vanguard Theater (where he remains a company member), Austin Playhouse, Breaking String Theater, Doctuh Mistuh Productions, Fusebox Festival, Mary Moody Northen Theatre, TexArts, Texas Performing Arts, Trouble Puppet Theater, and Zilker Theatre Productions.
SHANNON DESMOND (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at Porchlight Music Theatre where she was part of the team for last season's Billy Elliot the Musical, Memphis and New Faces Sing Broadway 1975. Other credits include Resolution (Pride Films and Plays), Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue, Charles Ives Take Me Home (Curious Theatre Company), How the World Began (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble) and productions with Chicago Dance Crash and Chicago Reparatory Ballet. She is also a Vinyasa Yoga instructor and a proud Northwestern University graduate.
MATT NADLER (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to return to Porchlight Music Theatre where he has previously worked on Side Show, Dreamgirls, In The Heights, The Scottsboro Boys, Marry Me A Little, Billy Elliot the Musical, Merrily We Roll Along and Memphis. He received his BFA in Stage Management from Emerson College. Thank you to his family for always supporting him in his passion.
JEANNIE LUKOW (Executive Director) is a founding member of Porchlight Music Theatre's board of directors serving on the board for 19 years, six of them as its president. She was thrilled to join the staff in September 2014 as the company's first Executive Director. Prior to taking the helm at Porchlight, Jeannie ran Bespoke Cuisine, one of Chicago's leading cooking party venues, which she co-founded/owned for 12 years. Before the hospitality/food business, Jeannie built a 15-year career in marketing communications, much of it spent in association management. Her most recent position was as Managing Director of Marketing Communications for the National Association of Realtors, one of the nation's largest trade associations. She is a native Michigander and a graduate of Michigan State University
^Denotes members of the United Scenic Artists IATSE, the Union and Professional Association of Designers, Artists, and Craftspeople
+Denotes Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associate


The 20th century is a century of extremes: technical revolutions and two World Wars. Challenged by Jazz, classical music became a weapon of reaction, but also a vision of modernity. Visual artists also established impressionism and expressionism to new aesthetic parameters. Composers like Schoenberg, Berg, and Gerschwin broke away from traditional forms and challenged the listening habits of the audience. The Nazi terror forced the elite of western music to immigrate and coincidentally supplied Hollywood with the most talented film composers, including Igor Stravinsky, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Sergei Rachmaninov. The great conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Christian Thielemann, and star singers like Maria Callas, Pavarotti, Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann turn the music of the old masters into mega events. The highlights of the season in New York, Milan, Bayreuth and Salzburg, are very important social events and not to be missed by the elite. Together with organ virtuoso Cameron Carpenter, and several star-studded appearances, the film "Eras of Music History - Modernity" discovers the last 100 years of European music history. Includes further interviews and excerpts from the following Artists: Anna Prohaska, Paavo Järvi, Daniel Hope, Jamie Cullum, Moritz Eggert, Renée Fleming, John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Avi Avital, Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Leonard Bernstein, Wolfgang Rihm, and Yoko Ono.


text:
The Hero is Always Active, Not Passive
Posted on November 18, 2014 by wallyadmin
Nothing should happen to the hero by chance unless it's disaster. To keep the story moving forward, the hero must always be responsible for taking action that causes something else to happen. In the above scene from "A Clockwork Orange," a government official is touring a prison to look for test subjects for a new experimental program to make people fit for society again. In the book, the hero has attacked a fellow inmate so his violent behavior catches the eye of the government official who reads his transcript. However, this is visually boring, so the movie version has the government official strolling among prisoners when the hero blurts out and speaks.
This action alone keeps the hero active, not passive. Your hero has to make things happen. In this case, the hero's simple act of speaking up is enough to get him noticed by the government official, who decides that he would be a perfect test subject for the program.
In every good movie, the hero must be active in making things happen. In "Frozen," the hero first wants to get married and get her sister's blessing. When her sister flees, she follows in an attempt to bring her back home. At all times, the hero is the one making the major decisions that keep the story moving forward.
The hero must never be passive and let things happen to him. Think of James Bond or Indiana Jones. Both of these heroes are always pursuing a goal to keep the story going. The goal could be something simple, like finding a treasure, but the hero is always pursuing a goal.
In the above scene from "A Clockwork Orange," the hero had earlier heard of this experiment program that supposedly converts bad people into good ones, and wants to know how to go through it so he can get out of prison. Later when he learns that the government official will visit the prison to look for a test subject, that's when the hero takes the initiative and speaks up. Even this seemingly minor action is important because it separates the hero from the other prisoners and gets him noticed. That in turn sets the story forward into the next scene where he learns what this experimental program is and how it works.
After the hero gets through this program and gets released, he still has a goal, which is to go back home. That's when his parents are shocked to see him and have already rented out his room to a tenant. With nowhere else to go, the hero stumbles around until he faces all the people he tormented when he was in a gang. Finally, the hero eventually stumbles his way back to the home where he raped a man's wife and suddenly finds himself the victim.
The lesson is to keep your hero active. Your hero must always be pursuing a goal and you hero must always take the action necessary to keep the story moving forward. If the hero doesn't take the action to move the story forward, you either are focusing on the wrong character or you need to give your hero a more active role in defining the story. Your hero creates everything through his actions. Without the hero taking action (and responding to the villain), there's no forward movement in your story no matter what else might be happening. Your story can only move forward when your hero makes decisions and acts on them.
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text:
Investigation underway following unexplained death of woman at Aylesbury home
Thames Valley Police logo
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating Thames Valley Police's handling of an incident in which a woman died at her home in Aylesbury.
Police were called to an address in Carlton Close just after 11pm on Friday August 18 after a report of a concern for the welfare of a woman in her twenties.
Officers attended the address in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 19) and later reattended.
The police requested an ambulance to attend however when the ambulance service arrived they found the woman had died.
The death is being treated as unexplained and is currently not believed to be suspicious.
Chief Inspector Julian Collinson said: "The force made a referral to the IPCC on Saturday and the IPCC has since informed us it will carry out an independent investigation.
"Our thoughts are with the woman's family and friends, as well as anyone else affected by her death, at this extremely difficult time."
Police say they will not release the name of the woman at the family's request.
An IPCC spokesman said: "We have begun an independent investigation into the actions of Thames Valley Police prior to the discovery of a woman's body in Aylesbury.
"The woman, who was in her twenties, was found dead at an address in the area on August 19.
"The IPCC investigation will look at the actions taken by officers in response to a report of concern for the woman's welfare shortly after 11pm on August 18.
"The IPCC was informed of the incident by the force on August 19, and a decision to independently investigate was made on August 23."


text:
Jan 17Jan 17, 2022 Jan 18Jan 18, 2022 Jan 19Jan 19, 2022 Jan 20Jan 20, 2022 Jan 21Jan 21, 2022 Jan 22Jan 22, 2022●●(3 events)
8:00 am: The Jubilee Gospel Show
Jubilee Gospel Show Hosted By Paulette Dey and Co-Hosted Milly Contreras. The weekly music lists consist of music by Canadians and International Christian Artists. The songs are Contemporary ( Hymns and Choruses ) Christian Music, that tells what Jesus has done, and can do. The songs are uplifting, and and brings encouragement, give the listeners, hope, peace, joy and promise of salvation in Jesus Christ. Listeners can send their songs request to jubileegospelshow@cjtr.ca
11:00 am: Off The Top
4:00 pm: The Capital
Pop music, pop culture, pop goes The Capital.
Jan 23Jan 23, 2022●●(3 events)
7:30 am: New Times
New Times is a program that presents listeners with the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. It often has guests who tell their stories of how they were helped by God in hard circumstances. The music is uplifting and includes both Canadian and international Christian singers. The show is hosted by a rotation of various hosts and includes discussion about many topics which affect life.
10:00 pm: The Millennial
Learn more about artists, songs, and genres of music from my generation. From the late 90's all the way up to today. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me and I look forward to spending time with you every Sunday at 10PM!
11:00 pm: TBA


The clothes a person wears tells us many things: their status in life, for example, or their cultural affiliation or identity. They can tell us what era they live in, and even a person's current state of mind or intent. Understanding how to describe clothing in a story well will help you create fuller, richer character portraits.
Think of your characters' clothing like an actor's costume in a play. The costume is a large part of the character. As soon as the actor enters stage right or left, we have an inkling of whether they're a wealthy landowner or peasant, an elegant heiress or down-to-earth flower-seller.
What the description shows is that many of the invitees play at status and refinement through fancy dress. Yet Dr. Urbino's status as a respected doctor is earned – he has nothing to prove by dressing smarter. Thus his plain dress is, ironically, a sign of his greater status.
Like Marquez, you can compare and contrast character's clothes to reveal important details about their social status or position.
You can quickly convey a number of things about your characters based on the clothing they wear. You can also confound or prove untrue impressions your characters (or readers) form based on appearances.
A wealthy character might dress ostentatiously in expensive clothing. But they could also dress in modest, inexpensive-looking clothes.
What would you think about a wealthy character who looked as though he shopped at thrift stores? Or one who was forever wearing poorly-fitted clothing that appeared to be handed down from friends? These detail could suggest that your character is miserly or down-to-earth despite their wealth. Dr. Urbino in Marquez's example above fits the latter category.
Think of other interesting combinations: A teacher who dresses provocatively; a beggar with an incredible, fashionable style of dress: What backstory or character motivations could these combinations of position and appearance suggest?
A few small details of clothing can radically separate your characters, highlighting aspects of their personalities.
The Victorian author Charles Dickens is widely regarded as a master of characterization, for good reason. His clothing descriptions are always precise, often comical.
The pompous and bullying Gradgrind is (as Dickens' descriptions elsewhere show) the type who'd wear a waistcoat concealing an eyeglass for catching people out.
In one single piece of clothing description ('a pink-eyed bundle of shawls'), Dickens conveys how timid and ailing Mrs. Gradgrind is in contrast to her bullish, overbearing husband.
Why this arguably works better is the details of getting dressed tell us multiple details about Gem. The last minute change suggests an indecisive nature. We see the contrast between the character's friend's reaction and the advisory words of Gem's aunt. The fact Gem goes with jeans and a tee could suggest that she trusts her aunt's advice, or else feels shamed by her Aunt and compelled to be 'good'. There is simply more characterization, not only of Gem but the other example characters.
Embarrassed by her own inability to dress in finery for the occasion (and by being upstaged), Katerina resorts to scathing mockery of Amalia.
Like Dostoyevsky, think how something as small as a character's change of clothing can affect their own or others' behaviour.
Another important function of clothing description in stories is to create an authentic sense of time and place. Particularly in genres such as historical fiction and fantasy, clothing can help to create other worlds (or a long gone era of our own).
Mantel creates a vivid sense of the wealth that the church amassed in these times. The fact the clothes 'seem to stand by themselves' indicates just how heavy they are with jewels and embroidery.
The details create an authentic sense of a prominent cardinal's dress in the 1500s. Elsewhere, Mantel's novel is full of descriptions of garments for specific, era-appropriate purposes: Riding cloaks, town coats, and other clothing people of means would have worn at this time.
Similarly, find out (or, if you're creating a fantasy world, create) the garments your characters would wear in a particular time and place, for a particular purpose. Describe these in passing to add visual colour and authenticity to your character descriptions.
Ready to sketch vivid characters for your novel? Use the 'Character' section of the Idea Finder to flesh out your story's cast.


The only way to assure that your dental office will appear on page one of a Google search is to buy it. It is easy to do and you only pay if a searcher clicks your listing. That is you pay per click or PPC.
To be in the top few listings in a megalopolis like Los Angeles it will cost from $10.00 to $12.00 per click.
To be at the top in a search in Boise a thriving city of 200,000 people you will pay from $1.00 to $2.00.
To get at the top of a search for a small town of 20,000 people anywhere USA will cost you pennies.


text:
.class final Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventBus$1;
.super Ljava/lang/Object;
.source "EventBus.java"

# interfaces
.implements Ljava/util/Comparator;

# annotations
.annotation system Ldalvik/annotation/EnclosingClass;
    value = Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventBus;
.end annotation

.annotation system Ldalvik/annotation/InnerClass;
    accessFlags = 0x8
    name = null
.end annotation

.annotation system Ldalvik/annotation/Signature;
    value = {
        "Ljava/lang/Object;",
        "Ljava/util/Comparator",
        "<",
        "Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;",
        ">;"
    }
.end annotation

# direct methods
.method constructor <init>()V
    .locals 0

    invoke-direct {p0}, Ljava/lang/Object;-><init>()V

    return-void
.end method

# virtual methods
.method public compare(Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;)I
    .locals 4

    iget v0, p1, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;->priority:I

    iget v1, p2, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;->priority:I

    if-eq v0, v1, :cond_0

    iget v0, p2, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;->priority:I

    iget v1, p1, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;->priority:I

    sub-int/2addr v0, v1

    return v0

    :cond_0
    iget-object v0, p2, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;->subscriber:Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/Subscriber;

    iget-wide v0, v0, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/Subscriber;->registrationTime:J

    iget-object v2, p1, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;->subscriber:Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/Subscriber;

    iget-wide v2, v2, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/Subscriber;->registrationTime:J

    invoke-static {v0, v1, v2, v3}, Ljava/lang/Long;->compare(JJ)I

    move-result v0

    return v0
.end method

.method public bridge synthetic compare(Ljava/lang/Object;Ljava/lang/Object;)I
    .locals 1

    check-cast p1, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;

    check-cast p2, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;

    invoke-virtual {p0, p1, p2}, Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventBus$1;->compare(Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;Lcom/android/systemui/recents/events/EventHandler;)I

    move-result v0

    return v0
.end method

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub