The History of Evans Children's Academy
Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts was formed through a gift of $25,000 from Patricia Evans. Evans said in presenting the gift, "The Poncan Theatre is one of Ponca City's treasures, as are our children. I am passionate about the arts and feel privileged to participate in affording this opportunity for children to experience theatre art in this unique manner."
Fred Boettcher, President of the Poncan's Board of Directors said, "This magnificent gift will allow the Poncan to be utilized by children who are interested in learning about live theatre. There is such a need for this type of activity in our community and we are humbled by the generosity of Patti Evans. She's no stranger to helping children through the arts. I think in addition to her generosity her guidance will give the Poncan a tremendous boost in providing services to the young people of our city."
The Poncan Theatre Executive Director in 2009, Dave May, stated, "Pat Evans' gift has provided the seed money for Ponca City's first full time year-round children's theatre organization. Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts will touch the lives of area children and their families in wonderful ways by providing training and performance opportunities for all area children. Of course the fact that the children will be learning about theatre and practicing their skills in the beautiful Poncan Theatre makes it even more exciting. It is our hope that this gift will help attract and grow an even larger investment in children's theatre in the future."
Patti Evans is a native of Ponca City and was married to Lloyd "Jerry" Evans, deceased. She has two sons Bruce Evans and Lee Evans, both of Ponca City and three grandchildren, Adam, Kimberly and Lee Jr. Pattie was appointed by Governor Keating to the Oklahoma Arts Council for two terms in 1997, having served as Chair for two years, from 2001 through 2003. She has also served on the board of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Pat is presently an advisory director for the Whitney Gallery of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, in Cody, Wyoming, and Mid America Arts Alliance, based in Kansas City, Missouri. She has also served as President of the University Center Foundation, located in Ponca City, being an affiliate of Northern Oklahoma College. Evans was appointed by David Boren, President of Oklahoma University, to serve as a Trustee for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. She has also served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Arts Institute, and Oklahoma A+ Schools. Her involvement with the Poncan Theatre includes serving on the Poncan Theatre Board, being chairman of the annual "Taste and Tasteless Grand Roast" for two years, and serving as an advisory member of the Poncan Theatre Endowment Board. Patti is the president of the Lloyd l. and Patricia Evans Family Foundation for Charitable Donations.
For information about the Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts contact the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943, email evanschildrensacademy@gmail.com, or check out the Evans Children's Academy Facebook page!
Fred Boettcher, President of the Poncan's Board of Directors said, "This magnificent gift will allow the Poncan to be utilized by children who are interested in learning about live theatre. There is such a need for this type of activity in our community and we are humbled by the generosity of Patti Evans. She's no stranger to helping children through the arts. I think in addition to her generosity her guidance will give the Poncan a tremendous boost in providing services to the young people of our city."
The Poncan Theatre Executive Director in 2009, Dave May, stated, "Pat Evans' gift has provided the seed money for Ponca City's first full time year-round children's theatre organization. Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts will touch the lives of area children and their families in wonderful ways by providing training and performance opportunities for all area children. Of course the fact that the children will be learning about theatre and practicing their skills in the beautiful Poncan Theatre makes it even more exciting. It is our hope that this gift will help attract and grow an even larger investment in children's theatre in the future."
Patti Evans is a native of Ponca City and was married to Lloyd "Jerry" Evans, deceased. She has two sons Bruce Evans and Lee Evans, both of Ponca City and three grandchildren, Adam, Kimberly and Lee Jr. Pattie was appointed by Governor Keating to the Oklahoma Arts Council for two terms in 1997, having served as Chair for two years, from 2001 through 2003. She has also served on the board of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Pat is presently an advisory director for the Whitney Gallery of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, in Cody, Wyoming, and Mid America Arts Alliance, based in Kansas City, Missouri. She has also served as President of the University Center Foundation, located in Ponca City, being an affiliate of Northern Oklahoma College. Evans was appointed by David Boren, President of Oklahoma University, to serve as a Trustee for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. She has also served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Arts Institute, and Oklahoma A+ Schools. Her involvement with the Poncan Theatre includes serving on the Poncan Theatre Board, being chairman of the annual "Taste and Tasteless Grand Roast" for two years, and serving as an advisory member of the Poncan Theatre Endowment Board. Patti is the president of the Lloyd l. and Patricia Evans Family Foundation for Charitable Donations.
For information about the Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts contact the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943, email evanschildrensacademy@gmail.com, or check out the Evans Children's Academy Facebook page!
