Theatre Under the Stars

The annual Leading Ladies Luncheon brings together patrons from across Houston’s philanthropic arts community to support and celebrate TUTS, local volunteers and educators, and our esteemed Shirley Stein Champion in the Arts and Education honoree. Proceeds from the Luncheon help to create barrier-breaking educational programming that includes, inspires, and engages our unique and diverse community.

2024 Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education
Donna Vallone has shaped Houston’s cultural landscape for over five
decades. Her contributions extend beyond the culinary excellence of Tony’s
to encompass charitable leadership and generosity in support of health, the arts, and arts education, including Theatre Under The Stars.

2024 Arts Educator of the Year
Rozie Curtis previously managed Education and Outreach at Theatre Under The Stars, contributing to enduring programs and partnerships, and continues to create productions for The River. She spent seven years at Clear Springs High School and is currently at Kinder High School for The Performing and Visual Arts. Recognized with a Tony Award Excellence in Education honorable mention in 2023, Rozie is also an award-winning film director, stage director, writer, choreographer, and voice-over actress.

2024 Community Volunteer of the Year
Julie Schweers has put her heart and soul into supporting Theatre Under The Stars for over a decade. She is a parent volunteer who is not only committed to the pursuits, growth and success of her own children but for all of the students at the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. Julie has been an active member of the Leading Ladies for six years and is currently serving a 2-year term as the Membership and Volunteer Chair. Julie is the current President of the Arts Board at Second Baptist School and has served with excellence in other leadership roles for the past five years. 

To be a part of the 2024 Leading Ladies Luncheon Planning Committee, please contact Emily Manck White at emily.white@tuts.com.

PAST HONOREES

Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education

  • Paula Harris (2023)
  • Cissy Segall Davis (2022)
  • Carrie Woliver (2021)
  • *Shirley Stein z”l (2019)

Educator of the Year

  • Justin Doran, St. Francis Episcopal High School (2023)
  • Melanie Bivens, International Leadership of Texas Charter School (2022)
  • Kristina Sullivan, Queensbury Theater (2021)
  • Roshunda Jones-Koumba, G.W. Carver Magnet High School (2019) 

Volunteer of the Year

  • Jennifer Lamb (2023)
  • Dawn Neal (2022)
  • Liese Kelly, Gia Ochsenbein, and Alyssa Sunew (2021)
  • Dawn Powers (2019)

*Shirley Stein z”l was the first and greatest Leading Lady at Theatre Under The Stars. Shirley dedicated her life to what she loved most, her beloved family and friends, and her passion for the arts and arts education. TUTS was blessed that Shirley believed in our mission and for all the unconditional support, fierce loyalty, and contagious enthusiasm she gave our organization. As a true champion of the arts, the Leading Ladies honor her legacy with “The Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Arts Education” to encourage other outstanding women in our community to step forward in bold ways to make a lasting impact for Houston’s arts and arts education.

Leading Ladies enjoy meaningful and exclusive TUTS experiences through social events, volunteer needs, leadership development, philanthropy, and members-only perks. For more information about TUTS Leading Ladies, click here.