Planting Seeds
Former Education Committee Chair Renee Hobart reflects on a decade of the Blumey Awards
Nov 10, 2023 / Blog
I’ve often said that Blumenthal is a humble servant that does so much for the community that very few even know about. Most think Blumenthsl is all about the shows, performers, and musicians that visit their stages. And it is. . . but they also offer so much more than that. In my opinion, the heartbeat of the organization is the education programs that provides access and opportunity to all children within the greater Charlotte area. Of these programs, one of my personal favorites for high school students is the Blumeys.
The mission of the Blumeys is to recognize, reward, and encourage talent and achievement in musical theater among high school students in the greater Charlotte area. This program offers high school students access to industry mentors and educators, and the opportunity to perform with their peers on the Belk stage, one of the most coveted stages in theater. The memories of this golden opportunity will last a lifetime for these students. Bridging access to opportunity and experiences is something I can personally relate to as I was growing up on a tobacco farm in eastern North Carolina with very little access and opportunity to anything that didn’t relate to going to school or working on the farm.
At the 2015 Blumey Awards ceremony, the Best Actor winner thanked Blumenthal and its sponsors for providing “dream-fuel” to the students in Charlotte, and that word has resonated with me deeply ever since. Knowing that I am participating in something that’s much bigger than me - that’s providing “dream-fuel” for students of all backgrounds regardless of which “stage” they decide to pursue in life gives me a sense of purpose.
The only future stage these Blumey students may step on after high school is life’s stage, but I feel confident that they will forever be changed by the experience offered by the Blumenthal Performing Arts organization. In life, I firmly believe it’s all about planting and nurturing a seed and as a farmer, sometimes that’s all that is required in order for something really beautiful to grow.
As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit arts organizations, Blumenthal Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching and improving the lives of each member of our community. With ticket revenue only covering a portion of production costs, we rely on your support to help produce impactful community programming for all.
The 10th Anniversary Blumey Awards Celebration benefit show will welcome past and present Blumey Award participants to the Belk Theater stage for a one-night-only celebration filled with special guests, cameos, local talent, and fun surprises, with proceeds going toward the brand-new Blumey Inspire Fund.
With your generous support, we can provide professional training, mentorship, and materials to minimize socioeconomic and access disparities, elevating high school theater programs and uplifting students to excel in their artistic pursuits.
It’s the ultimate party for a good cause, ten years in the making.
