Streb Announces More Details for Action Maverick Award Benefit
STREB, the company known for its choreographed feats of physicality, scientifically planned chaos, strength, risk, grace, and elegance, founded by MacArthur Fellow Elizabeth Streb, will honor the visionary Brooklyn public school educator Kathy Nobles at the organization’s 2022 Action Maverick Award Benefit. The event will take place live in person at the organization’s home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 7pm.
This year’s honoree, Kathy Nobles, is a visionary public school educator, who has inspired thousands of children over her 30 year career with the New York City Department of Education. During her 20 years at P.S. 29, Nobles created and cultivated a physical education curriculum based on her philosophy and belief that all children can enjoy and excel in physical activity. By incorporating a wide range of activities from gymnastics, dance, yoga, and circus skills to cooperative games, team sports, and PopAction, and by adapting activities to each child’s skill level, she gave her students the opportunity to find their individual passion in physical movement, and emboldened them to feel safe taking risks.
Kathy unexpectedly came across an outdoor performance of the Streb Extreme Action Company in Manhattan and recalls being mesmerized by the gravity defying moves of the dancers. She immediately thought about the benefits of offering this type of action-based dance program to her students. For 10 years, Streb has become one of most popular programs at PS 29. Kathy believes that this life changing and empowering program belongs in every school. The students, parents and school administration look forward to the performances every year. During the 8 week collaboration with the Streb dancers, this unique program inspires risk taking, creativity and self-esteem.
The Action Maverick Award Benefit celebrates individuals who inspire STREB, and serves as the organization’s signature fundraising event to support Elizabeth Streb’s design and invention of new machines which allow Elizabeth Streb and our Action Heroes to explore and discover new movement territories; STREB’s educational partnerships and community engagement programs that inspire and empower the Action Heroes and leaders of tomorrow; and the scholarship and ticket subsidy programs which support the organization’s access to all.
Hosted by citizen comic Kate Clinton, the benefit will feature remarks from artistic director Elizabeth Streb as well as the evening’s co-chairs, P.S. 29 Principal, Dr. Rebecca Fagin, and Assistant Principals Dawn Pender and Halee Hochman.
STREB EXTREME ACTION will perform, as well as the STREB Kid Company, featuring students ages 8-16. The junior action heroes, under the direction of STREB Associate Artistic Director Cassandre Joseph will perform work inspired by STREB and their signature flying, falling, and dodging PopAction technique and equipment.
A live and silent auction will accompany the event, featuring tickets to one of Broadway’s hottest shows, Six; dinner and conversation with Action Architect, Elizabeth Streb, and Journalist, Laura Flanders; literary packages from renowned authors A.M. Homes and Jacqueline Woodson; artwork by Roni Horn, Robert Kushner, and Elizabeth Streb; a Williamsburg Getaway package; as well as other unique items and experiences. Bidding is open from Tuesday, May 17th, 9am through Tuesday, May 31, 5pm. A link to preview the auction items can be found at: www.streb.org/benefit.
Event sponsorships and individual tickets are available on STREB’s website.