'Making Magic' is model for future events

A fundraising and outreach event last month in Ojai, California, organized by EdTA board members, was so successful it will be used as a model for future, similar events.

“Making Magic, Defying Gravity” featured performances by members of the first national touring company of Wicked and students from Ojai’s Nordhoff High School, along with career-oriented Q&A sessions led by board members Jason Daunter, who is production stage manager on the Wicked tour, and Matt Conover, an executive in charge of show development and casting for entertainment at Disney parks and resorts.  A third board member, Gai Jones, produced the event.

The Ojai event, playing to an audience of Thespians, parents, alumni, and the general public, raised almost $3,000 in one night for EdTA’s scholarship fund. Just as important, said Executive Director Julie Woffington, it helped to “build awareness, community, and passion around EdTA and its mission.”

Jones, Daunter, and Conover are now working on plans for events at future stops on the Wicked tour, beginning with Portland, Oregon on April 2. Other dates under consideration include Denver on May 7, Sacramento on June 4, San Diego July 9, and Salt Lake City August 6. Jones will reprise her role as producer and Conover and Daunter will lead the Q&A sessions.

The three board members are all donating their time and covering their own travel expenses to support the series.

This article has been updated to reflect a change in the planned date of the Denver event.