Broadway Dreams has announced its annual gala will be held December 7 at The Plaza Hotel, beginning with a cocktail hour at 6:00 PM. The evening will be co-directed by Tony Award winner Alex Newell and Emmy Award nominee Spencer Liff.
The event will honor Tony winner Laura Benanti and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, the latter of whom will receive the 2024 Founder's Award. Proceeds will go toward Broadway Dreams' work in supporting performing arts education, career development, and mentorship.
“Through her exceptional talent, versatility, and commitment to supporting arts education and other charitable causes, Laura Benanti serves as a powerful inspiration for our Dreamers and young artists worldwide. Under the leadership of Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line provides a valuable platform for countless young artists to showcase their talents and gain professional experience through their world-class entertainment offerings,” Annette Tanner, founder and President of Broadway Dreams, said in a statement. “All of us at Broadway Dreams are excited to celebrate the extraordinary talents and impressive accomplishments of this year's honorees at our 2024 gala.”
The Broadway Dreams Gala is chaired by Ryan Stana and Adam Sansiveri. Support for the evening is provided by Carnival Entertainment, Clear Channel, Evan Sacks, The Wells Fargo Private Bank, RWS Global, and Alliance Bernstein.
Past honorees include Robert Greenblatt, Billy Porter, Tom Kitt, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Heather Headley, and Tituss Burgess.
Founded in 2006, Broadway Dreams offers mentorship-driven performing arts training programs throughout the year. The organization has awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships to date.
Click here for tickets, or visit BroadwayDreams.org for more information.