Milwaukee Ballet gives away 490 tickets to families in 53204 to close its 49th season

MILWAUKEE – May 28, 2019 – Artistic Director Michael Pink announced today Milwaukee Ballet will give away 490 tickets for this weekend’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to its neighbors in the 53204 zip code to celebrate 49 seasons and the final show rehearsed in its beloved 504 W. National Ave studio.

“I couldn’t imagine a better way to thank this neighborhood for its support than to give the gift of this performance to students, teachers and families living in 53204,” said Pink.

“Milwaukee Ballet has been in Walker’s Point since 1981. In my 17-year tenure, I have watched this neighborhood blossom and I am thrilled for the renaissance it’s undergoing,” said Pink.

For more than 20 years, Milwaukee Ballet has provided a scholarship opportunity to aspiring dancers residing in 53204, equal to 50% off tuition in its School & Academy.

“We are taking our 53204 scholarship with us to our new location and trust these families will follow us,” said Pink.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s classic tale, choreographed by Bruce Wells and brought to life by Milwaukee Ballet dancers, 40 children from Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, the Milwaukee Children’s Choir and Florentine Opera Company singers.

Milwaukee Ballet’s ticket giveaway will be for its show on Saturday, May 31 at 2:00pm at Marcus Performing Arts Center.

“I trust this end-of-season gift will inspire students to seek arts opportunities this summer, regardless if it’s dancing, singing or learning a new musical instrument,’ explained Pink.

Milwaukee Ballet is working with its Relevé and Residance programs, based in 53204, as well as Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee in the area to distribute the tickets.

Boys & Girls Clubs President and CEO Kathy Thornton-Bias said she was thrilled to collaborate with Milwaukee Ballet to bring this gesture to life.

“Many of our families may never have experienced ballet before. These ‘first time’ opportunities are incredibly valuable for our families,” Thornton-Bias said.

Milwaukee Ballet will move to the new Baumgartner Center for Dance in the Third Ward in August in time for its 50^th Anniversary Season.

“Our new headquarters is purpose built and features three additional rehearsal studios. This new facility enables increased community programming and new and diversified ballet classes for students,” said Pink.

Milwaukee Ballet is 96% towards completing its capital campaign goal of $26 million. This capital campaign not only funds the new facility, but also an operating reserve and funds for new work and a ‘Give Back to MKE’ program.

“We are almost 50 years old, and we wouldn’t still be here except for the support of this City. We continue to seek ways to share our artform with those in the City who otherwise may not have access to it,” Pink explained.

Ticket distribution – for performance on Saturday June 1 at 2pm

Milwaukee Ballet is working directly with Boys and Girls Clubs to distribute tickets to families in their sites.

In addition, families wishing to claim tickets (up to 4 per family) should bring a document showing their 53204 address to Milwaukee Ballet, 504 W. National Ave studio between 10:00am and 3:00pm Thursday, May 30 and Friday, June 1. Tickets will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis until all have been distributed.

For questions, email tickets@milwaukeeballet.org or call 414-902-2103.

About Milwaukee Ballet

Milwaukee Ballet was founded in 1970. Milwaukee Ballet’s mission is to transform lives and connect communities through inspiring performance, community engagement, education and training. Led by Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet hosts an international company of dancers and is one of the few companies in the nation to maintain its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Milwaukee Ballet’s award-winning Community Engagement department servers nearly 40,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin each year through original, interactive programs. Milwaukee Ballet celebrates its 50th Anniversary in the 2019-20 season.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.