Masquerade Fundraiser
May 24, 2023

Date & Time
Wednesday, May 24 from 6:30-9:30 PM

Location
Ironworks Event Center - 414 N Hill St. Mishawaka, IN 46544

Art 4 is hosting a Masquerade Fundraiser on Wed., May 24. Come experience heavy hors d'oeuvres, an open bar (6:30-9:30pm), and hear local Art 4 artists sing contemporary Broadway hits at a new event space looking over the St. Joseph River.

Your ticket also includes a silent auction, a live auction, a wine pull, and several opportunities to donate to Art 4. We could not bring Northern Indiana engaging and relevant arts experience without your generous support - and tonight is the night to help us reach our fundraising goals!

Don't miss out on an evening of eating, drinking, and giving. Remember to bring your finest and fanciest mask to this semi-formal event.


Cast

Joshua Short (Master of Ceremonies) is a broadcast journalist from Chicago, Illinois. Not too far away from where he grew up in the Windy City is where he grew up professionally, anchoring and reporting in South Bend, Indiana, for the better part of four years, before briefly taking his talents to Denver as weekend anchor. He’s back in South Bend where he co-anchors at WNDU, once more.

His passion for storytelling and breaking news is shown through his tenacious work ethic both on and off the clock. 

While in South Bend, he helped deliver several special reports surrounding health, politics and other societal concern, including the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Black and Brown communities, covering presidential candidate and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 Iowa Caucus win and the plaguing issue of gun violence.

His unique ability to find and report urgent news content to viewers is his passion. Some of his reports have even been recognized nationally.

He  has been nominated for several awards, and won two Emmys awards for his journalism. His work has also received recognition from his fellow peers with the Society of Professional Journalists in the state of Indiana.

When Josh is not working, he is very active in his community. He loves to discover new places and take part in new experiences and challenges. And don’t let the frame fool you — eating is also his passion!

Joshua graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. He also loves to spend time with friends and family, including his twin brother, older sister and doting mother.

Jess Alexander is happy to return to Art 4 after appearing in Seussical the Musical and Fun Home. Jess has returned to the Michiana area after time spent in Maine, NYC, and Chicago performing and writing at iO, Second City, and The Annoyance theaters.

Pierre Cooks is a Michiana artist, who enjoys telling stories that incite change for the better of one’s heart. Recently appointed to the position of Company Director of Uzima Drum and Dance, Pierre has been in five Art 4 productions as both an actor and choreographer.

Hannah Efsits is thrilled to be coming home to Art 4 once again. A Chicago-based artist, Hannah has performed with Art 4 since their very first show. She recently performed her one-woman show, “Audition Cuts: A Solo Cabaret”. Check out her original music under the name ‘Hannah Robin.’

Myah Englebrecht is super happy to belt once again with Art 4! You may have seen her last in Art 4's production of Godspell or in The Last Five Years. Myah recently appeared in 9 to 5 with Premier Arts as Judy. Enjoy the Masquerade!

Brielle Hall is a student at Indiana University South Bend and a South Bend artist. You may have seen Brielle in musicals at South Bend Civic Theater and Clay High School, or in Art 4’s productions of RENT and Seussical the Musical.

Erin Joines is so excited to return to the Art 4 stage! She has previously understudied for the Art 4 productions of Next to Normal and Ghost Quartet, and has appeared in Seussical the Musical and Fun Home. Erin has been performing in the greater South Bend area since she was 9 years old. You may have seen her at South Bend Civic Theatre, Clay High School, of Elkhart Civic Theatre where she recently made her directorial debut.

Laurisa LeSure is an artist and educator in South Bend. From guest directing  Little Shop of Horrors, to portraying the role of Jesus in Godspell, Laurisa has worked with Art 4 in multiple capacities over the last six years. She has worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and The Secret Theatre in NYC, and served several schools in this community, directing plays and teaching theatre to youths of all ages.

Joe Lewis ecstatically returns to Art 4 to join the Masquerade cast. A Joseph Jefferson Nominated actor for his role in PrideArts’s Girlfriend, Joe appeared in Art 4’s online productions of Ragtime and Ordinary Days. A Chicago-based actor, Joe has worked with Theater Nebula, Williams Street Rep, MadKap Productions, and Deerfield Family Theater, to name a few.

Cristian Marquez is very excited to finally be returning to the Art 4 stage! You may have seen him previously in Art 4’s productions of Seussical, Next To Normal, and Godspell. Cristian has worked with theatres around the area such as South Bend Civic, Elkhart Civic, Premiere Arts, and Clay High School as an actor and choreographer. He hopes you engage with us and enjoy the show!

Michelle Miller is ecstatic to be returning to Art 4. A graduate of Bethel University with a degree in Vocal Performance, Michelle has appeared in a total of seven Art 4 shows, including their recent production of Godspell. Michelle is so incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities Art 4 provides to local artists and would like to thank Mark and Aaron for their continued support and friendship.

Antwon Williams Sr is thrilled to be returning to Art 4 for the 2023 Masquerade Fundraiser. Born and raised in Elkhart, Antwon attended Indiana University South Bend with a Major in Music Education and is currently the Program Director of The Village Empowerment Center in Elkhart. A local artist, you may have seen Antwon in shows around Michiana at Primere Arts, Elkhart Civic Theatre, and Art 4.


Ironworks Event Center
414 N Hill St. Mishawaka, IN 46544