*PRESS RELEASE* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 6/10/16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact: Andrew Rothman From: Chagrin Valley Little Theatre 40 River Street Chagrin Falls, OH 44122 Phone: 440-247-8955 E-mail: cvlt@cvlt.org <mailto:cvlt@cvlt.org> Website: www.cvlt.org <http://www.cvlt.org/> Chagrin Valley Little Theatre to launch "Audrey Awards" event on August 27 CHAGRIN FALLS, OH – After their major lobby renovations have begun this summer, but before the autumn commencement of their 87th consecutive season, the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre will present its first Audrey DeVere Legacy Theatre Awards (aka 'The Audrey Awards'). This inaugural event, which CVLT intends to make an annual part of the theater's already-packed calendar, has been created to recognize the actors, staff, board members and others who keep the almost entirely volunteer-run organization moving. The event will take place on Saturday, August 27 at the CVLT building at 40 River Street in Chagrin Falls. The eponymous Audrey DeVere was an early performer with CVLT, first appearing in the mid-1930s. She played fourteen roles at the Theatre over three decades, taking turns on CVLT's original Township Hall 'Opera House' stage (lost to fire in 1943), its temporary home at the Chagrin Falls High School auditorium on Philomethian Street, as well as the Main Stage at the current CVLT building. Audrey's son, Rollin DeVere II, has served on the organization's board for many years, performed on its stages dozens of times, and is the Theatre's resident historian. His wife (Judith), son (Rollin DeVere III), and daughter (Lydian DeVere) have also trod the boards there. Even her great-granddaughter and son-in-law made an appearance in 2006, making the DeVere name practically synonymous with Chagrin Valley Little Theatre to its regulars. The plans for the inaugural Audrey Awards include a 'red carpet' welcome reception at 6:45 PM, featuring champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The ceremony itself (patterned after the Tony Awards, with a bit of music and comedy) begins at 7:30. Awards will be given to actors, directors, and volunteers, plus special awards for unique contributions to the organization. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held. Wine and beer will be available at a cash bar. Dress code for the event is 'black tie optional, but encouraged.' Nominations for the Audreys will be announced in an informal event at CVLT on Monday, July 11 at 7:00 PM, and will be shared on the theatre's social networks and website. Those who have held a membership or season subscription during the current season will be eligible to vote. Tickets, the proceeds from which will be used to defray the event expenses, are to be sold for $15 (nominees for competitive awards will be given free admission.) Tickets will be made available online at CVLT.org after nominees have been announced. Tickets will also be available at 440-247-8955, or at the Box Office (1 - 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday). Those wishing to help with event costs by sponsoring or advertising at the event may contact cvlt@cvlt.org for details. CVLT is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and supported by the Ohio Arts Council. CVLT is a proud member of the American Association of Community Theatre and the Ohio Community Theatre Association. ###