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Bringing Talent to Light

 


May 03, 2016

The Making of UNC’s Performing and Visual Arts Gala

It takes a village — of artists, performers and behind-the-scenes staff — to pull off an event as big as UNC’s 34th Annual Gala. This year’s showcase of Performing and Visual Arts students brought together more than 400 student artists, 25 technical staff members, 24 faculty directors and mentors, and 900 audience members. The Gala, which takes place every February at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley, raises scholarship funds for UNC’s arts students. UNC photographers Woody Myers and Barry LaPoint went behind the scenes to capture the energy, creativity and intensity that takes place off- and on-stage when 400 artists step into the light.

 Art and Design students prepare their gallery displays on Friday night in the Two Rivers Lounge. Photo by Woody Myers

Art and Design students prepare their gallery displays on Friday night in the Two Rivers Lounge. Photo by Woody Myers

Garibaldi Saxophone Quartet performs. Photo by Barry LaPoint

Garibaldi Saxophone Quartet performs. Photo by Barry LaPoint

 Students pass time until their performance by playing cards. Photo by Woody Myers

Students pass time until their performance by playing cards. Photo by Woody Myers

 Theatre student Gabby Shaikh finishes stage makeup for fellow student and emcee Corbin George. Photo by Woody Myers

Theatre student Gabby Shaikh finishes stage makeup for fellow student and emcee Corbin George. Photo by Woody Myers

 Professor Socrates Garcia conducts his Latin Jazz Orchestra. Photo by Woody Myers

Professor Socrates Garcia conducts his Latin Jazz Orchestra. Photo by Woody Myers

Professor of Viola Christopher Luther performs a solo with the string section.  Photo by Woody Myers

Professor of Viola Christopher Luther performs a solo with the string section. Photo by Woody Myers

Students Julian Cary and Jafet Bucaram are featured soloists with Vocal Lab and Percussion Ensemble. Photo by Woody Myers

Students Julian Cary and Jafet Bucaram are featured soloists with Vocal Lab and Percussion Ensemble. Photo by Woody Myers

Union Colony Civic Center technical staff keep the show running offstage. Photo by Woody Myers

Union Colony Civic Center technical staff keep the show running offstage. Photo by Woody Myers

Musical Theatre students kick their knees up for a performance of “Step In Time” from Mary Poppins. Photo by Barry LaPoint

Musical Theatre students kick their knees up for a performance of “Step In Time” from Mary Poppins. Photo by Barry LaPoint

Band and orchestra students await their call to stage for the grand finale. Photo by Woody Myers

Band and orchestra students await their call to stage for the grand finale. Photo by Woody Myers

Musical Theatre students Nicholas King and Gabby Shaikh perform “The Last Night of the World” from Miss Saigon. Photo by Barry LaPoint

Musical Theatre students Nicholas King and Gabby Shaikh perform “The Last Night of the World” from Miss Saigon. Photo by Barry LaPoint