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