HomeMy WebLinkAboutPalm Desert Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL of City sponsorships for the McCallum Theater's 2003
"Palm Desert Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival" and
2004 "Open Call" amateur talent competition.
DATE: October 23, 2003
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, approve City sponsorships of:
1. 2003 "Palm Desert Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival" in the
amount of$10,000; and
2. 2004 McCallum Theater "Open Call" amateur talent competition in the
amount of $20,000.
Sponsorships for these events were not funded in the fiscal year 2003/2004 budget and, if
approved, an appropriation from the unobligated General Fund in the amount of$30,000
must be made to budget line item 110-4416-414-3061.
Executive Summary:
For the past six years the McCallum Theater Institute has produced the "Palm Desert
Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival" which is an adjudicated competition
showcasing various choreographic styles, and for the fifth consecutive year the Theater is
producing a Valley-wide competition entitled "Open Call" for community members who
demonstrate a flair for performing in the areas of music, dance, and theater. The
McCallum Theater is requesting City of Palm Desert sponsorships to produce both of these
events.
Background:
Six years ago the McCallum Theater Institute began producing the "Palm Desert Dance
Under the Stars Choreography Festival" in the City of Palm Desert. This event, which in
six short years has grown from a regional event to one with international participation
featuring dancers and choreographers who provide live performances to showcase a
variety of choreographic styles. Early events were held in one afternoon, and the Festival
Staff Report
McCallum Sponsorships
Page 2
has now grown to require four full days to accommodate the increasing number of
applicants. Each year that this event has been produced it has seen a dramatic increase
in participation throughout the United States and is currently drawing contestants and
spectators from throughout the world. The Choreography Festival takes place over a
several day period each fall with the final performances being featured on stage at the
McCallum Theater. The awards made available to competition winners through local
sponsorships allow this event to increase the caliber of competition each year. The
performers and spectators who travel to Palm Desert from all over the world have an
opportunity to enjoy not only the experience of the competition in which they are
participating, but all that Palm Desert has to offer as well. The positive publicity and good
will throughout the world this competition generates is invaluable to the Palm Desert
community.
Five years ago the McCallum Theater Institute began producing "Open Call,"which is an
amateur talent competition for contestants who reside in the Coachella Valley and are not
considered professional entertainers. The call for entries in the 2003 competition resulted
in the submission of over 1,500 tapes by individuals and/or groups wishing to be
considered for participation in the final performance,which is adjudicated. Eighty acts were
selected to participate in live preliminary auditions and 31 acts were featured at the final
sold out performance, which took place at the McCallum Theater. This competition
provides an opportunity for talented individuals and/or groups to showcase their abilities,
and the manner in which it is produced has allowed this event, in a few short years, to
become a highly anticipated and widely attended activity, which generates a great deal of
positive publicity throughout the Coachella Valley for both the Theater and the City of Palm
Desert. In fact, this event has become so popular that two final performances were
required last year to accommodate the demand for tickets. The City's sponsorship of
"Open Call" entitles it to be named as a partner with the McCallum Theater Institute in
producing this event in all print and electronic media promotions.
Because of the tremendous interest and participation in these events and the positive
effect that their production has on the local community, staff recommends that the City
Council approve sponsorships for the 2003 "Palm Desert Dance Under the Stars
Choreography Festival" in the amount of $10,000 and $20,000 for the 2004 "Open Call"
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Staff Report
McCallum Sponsorships
Page 3
amateur talent competition. This sponsorship funding is identical to amounts approved by
the City Council in previous years. These activities were not funded in the fiscal year
2003/2004 budget and, if approved, an appropriation from the unobligated General Fund
will be required to be placed into account 110-4416-414-3061.
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PATRICIA SCULLY PAUL GIBSON
SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/
CITY TREASURER
SHEILA R. GILL GAN CARLOS L. TEGA
ASSISTANT CITY MA ER CITY MANAGER
CITY COUNCIL/ACTION:
APPROVED ✓ DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
?AYES: r► � � '
ABSENT• US,ar)ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED I'1e
VERIFIED BY: r
Original on File with Ceity Clerk' s Office