From Backstage to Center Stage: An Inspiring Experience

On Friday, December 12th, 25 middle and high school students from the Maurice Lucas Foundation enjoyed a special evening attending a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Keller Auditorium. This memorable opportunity was made possible through the generous ticket donation from Jared and Dorian Kendal. Jared serves as Vice Chair of the Oregon Ballet Theater, and Dorian is Chair of the ML2020 Board, and their thoughtful support helped make this enriching cultural experience available to our students.

Before the ballet began, students participated in a backstage tour where they were able to see the costumes up close and meet one of the performers. During this interaction, the performer shared insight into how he played multiple roles in the production, giving students a deeper appreciation for the art and effort behind the performance. High school sophomore Randell shared that he was especially impressed by the talent of the dancers, reflecting the overall excitement and inspiration the experience brought to the group.

Experiences like this are made possible through the generosity of our dedicated supporters, whose commitment helps open doors to inspiration, creativity, and new perspectives for our students.