Since
1976 |
The Prince George's County Board of Education
has recognized the need and the importance of an auditorium for
Bowie High School and included it in the Capital Improvement Plan;
however, no funding has been available for this project. |
May
1994 |
A PTSA Wish List was circulated and the
Bowie High School Staff overwhelmingly listed an auditorium as
their #1 choice. |
April
1995 |
The community was treated to "Metropolis",
the successful play performed by the Bowie High School's Drama
Department. Petitions at this event generated over 1,400 signatures
requesting a joint venture to showcase these talents in a community
auditorium. |
May
1995 |
The City of Bowie Council pledged $1
million dollars for the construction of a community auditorium.
The grant read: The need for the auditorium was first identified
in the Board of Education Capital Improvement Program in 1975.
The Bowie Civic Auditorium will serve the entire community, and
will be constructed through a consortium of local, county and
state funds. The project is contingent on the equitable participation
of other jurisdictions. |
Feb
1996 |
The state of Maryland approved the Articles
of Incorporation for BRAVA as a non-profit organization to build
an auditorium for the citizenry of the Bowie region.
BRAVA elected its Board of Directors, composed
and approved its By-Laws and formed committees. The Internal Revenue
Service approved BRAVA as a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit
corporation. |
March
1996 |
The Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce
offered its support for the auditorium. |
April
1996 |
The State of Maryland approved $300K
for architectural and design planning. For the next several years,
the State of Maryland increased grants for a total of $4.8M thereby
becoming the largest funding partner. |
May
1996 |
The Prince George's County Council unanimously
approved a Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
committment of $1.5 million over three years. This committment
was modified in 1997. |
June
1996 |
The Prince George's County Board of Education
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BRAVA which set aside
land at Bowie High School for this effort. |
Nov
1996 |
An art auction was held and proceeds
were donated to the auditorium project. |
Dec
1996 |
A musical collection was produced and
named "Bowie...Now That's Music". These cassette tapes ($7) and CDs ($12) feature the talents
of the local community and Bowie High alumni, including Kathie
Lee Gifford, Michie Mader and Denise Carley. |
Feb
1997 |
Prince George's County Board of Education
Superintendent Dr. Jerome Clark reiterated his support of this
effort. |
Aug
1997 |
The City of Bowie held its first Art
and Antique Expo. BRAVA volunteers sponsored the art portion of
this expo and proceeds were donated to building the auditorium. |
Feb
1998 |
Really Rosie Children's Theatre
Production, held at the Bowie High School. |
| Now! |
This is just a smattering of the actual Fundraising
Events from 1995 through the present. Please explore the rest
of this site to see what we're doing to continue these efforts.
Join in the fun and help see this wonderful facility completed! |
|
The Bowie area has many groups
currently
involved in the performing arts. This facility
will provide a state-of-the-art theatre for
larger audiences.
BRAVA is continuing with its petition drive.
There are now over 4,500 people who have
signed petitions, showing their support for
this project.
 A gallery within the auditorium is planned
to exhibit the works of local artists, painters, sculptors, weavers,
potters, and others.
Community-wide support from
business leaders, schools, arts and civic organizations has been enthusiastic.
How
YOU Can Help
Naming Opportunities
Updates & Progress
Fundraising List 95-02
BRAVA
Events
BRAVA home
Frequently
Asked Questions about The Bowie Center fo the Performing Arts.
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