For Immediate Release: February 1, 2006
Media Contact: Megan Wendell, Canary Promotion for The Wilma Theater, 215.242.6393

The Wilma Theater is pleased to announce that it will honor Miguel Angel Corzo, President of The University of the Arts (UARTS), at its annual black-tie Gala on April 1, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. The Gala will be held at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and will include dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and a special Gala performance featuring artists who have been involved with the Wilma and university as well as current UARTS students. The Wilma Theater recognizes Mr. Corzo for his commitment and efforts toward making Philadelphia one of the most vibrant cultural cities in the United States.

Gala proceeds allow The Wilma Theater to continue its mission of producing creative, thoughtful and challenging theater and to attract promising playwrights through its commissioning program. Committed to artistic excellence and quality educational programs, the Wilma also conducts outreach programs with youth and cultural community groups throughout the Philadelphia area.

This year’s Gala Co-Chairs are Dee Kaplan and Bob Poore, and Greg Montanaro. Support is provided by event sponsors Ted & Stevie Wolf, CDI Corporation, Peggy & Rich Greenawalt, Historic Landmarks for Living, Independence Blue Cross, Quaker Chemical Corporation, Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen LLP, KPMG LLP, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

As President of The University of the Arts since 2000, Mr. Corzo oversees an institution dedicated to educating students in the visual, performing, and communication arts, preparing students to join creative vision with knowledge and contribute responsibly to our culture. Under his leadership The University of the Arts has established the Center for the Creative Economy, which promotes the application of the creative process to technology and commerce.

Mr. Corzo has served as an international consultant in the arts, education, culture and sustainable development. He developed projects in over 40 countries as Director of the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles and previously served as President and CEO of the Friends of the Arts of Mexico Foundation.

Recognized with the distinguished UNESCO Medal of Patron of the Arts, Mr. Corzo has authored or edited over 20 books and produced 13 television documentaries on the arts and culture. He founded and was president of the Global Alliance for Conservation and was twice appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the President's Advisory Committee on Cultural Property.

Presently, Mr. Corzo serves on several cultural boards, including The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Avenue of the Arts, Inc., Center for Cultural Innovation, International Cultural Center in Guadalajara, Mexico, and is a member of the Art Commission of Philadelphia.

Individual tickets are now on sale for the event. Corporate sponsorships and advertising opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Carol Han, the Wilma’s Special Events Manager at 215-893-9456, Ext. 109.

To request more information and interviews, please contact: Megan Wendell, Canary Promotion office: 215-242-6393, cell: 267-304-2391, email: megan@canarypromo.com.

The Wilma Theater is a member of the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, a membership-based service organization dedicated to building audiences and promoting positive awareness of theatre in greater Philadelphia. For information about the Theater Alliance go to www.theatrealliance.org.

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