1997 Scholarship Recipient Appearing in Off-Broadway Production of "Love, Loss and What I Wore"

TV fans know Zuzanna Szadkowski best as Dorota, the devoted maid on the scandalous CW hit Gossip Girl. While Szadkowski may spend her Gossip days in a uniform, she's currently discussing more fashionable outfits during her second engagement in off-Broadway's Love, Loss and What I Wore. This intimate collection of stories uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that all women can relate to, creating one of the most enduring theatergoing experiences in New York. Szadkowski is a 1997 Donna Reed Foundation National Scholar (Acting) from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Former Scholarship Recipient wins Opera Birmingham’s 33rd Annual Vocal Competition

Soprano Melissa Shippen Burrows of Nashville, Tenn. was awarded first prize in the 33rd Annual OperaBirmingham Vocal Competition on Sunday evening, May 23, 2011. Melissa finished first among 74 contestants with performances of “Si, mi chiamano Mimi” from Puccini’s La bohème and “I want magic” from Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire. She received the Martha Dick McClung Award of $3,500 and will be presented in OperaBirmingham’s “Catch a Rising Star Recital” which will open the 2011-2012 performance season on November 6, 2011. She is a 1997 Donna Reed Foundation National Scholar (Vocal).

65 Years Later and It's Still a Wonderful Life...

We celebrate the 65th anniversary of this iconic movie with It's a Wonderful Life for Kids Coloring - Activity Book. Jimmy Hawkins, who played the role of Tommy Bailey in the original movie when he was four and a half years old, and the Really Big Coloring Book Company (RBCB) created this interactive book which brings the timeless classic to new generations.

This new story is told from the point of view of Tommy Bailey, the youngest son of George and Mary Bailey. Tommy learns, like his father, that "No man is a failure who has friends." This life-affirming book is perfect for movie buffs and readers of all ages. In honor of the film’s special anniversary, he wrote this story, inspired by the original. “I wanted to show young readers that everyone’s life, no matter how old he or she may be, makes a difference,” says Hawkins.

Hawkins is an actor and producer with numerous television and movie credits. He has authored a total of five books about "It’s a Wonderful Life" and also served on the board of directors of the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Jimmy Stewart Museum. Read more.

2001 Scholarship Recipient Cast In Upcoming Duke Ellington Tribute at New York City Center

Jared Grimes, along with Carla Cook, Brandon Victor Dixon and Adriane Lenox have been cast in Duke Ellington's Cotton Club Parade, opening November 18 at New York City Center. Cotton Club Parade is a celebration of Ellington's years at the famed Harlem nightclub in the 1920s and early ‘30s. With Ellington's music as the centerpiece, Cotton Club Parade reimagines one of the composer's Cotton Club floor shows when the joint was jumping with revues featuring big bands, swing and blues, dancers, singers and novelty acts. Read more.

Jared Grimes is a 2001 Donna Reed Foundation National Scholar (Dance) from High Point, North Carolina.

1995 Scholarship Recipient Has Role In New Nickelodeon Series.

Kari Wahlgren will voice "Tigress" as Nickelodeon premieres the highly anticipated computer generated animated comedy series, Kung Fu Panda:  Legends of Awesomeness on Monday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT).  The series is a co-production with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

Kari has provided voices for dozens of anime titles and video games, as well as commercials, jingles and promos. She is a University of Kansas graduate and a 1995 Donna Reed Foundation National Scholar from Hoisington, KS.

 Watch The Premiere Of “Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness” Online Now

Third Annual Night on the Red Carpet Promises a Night of Mystery

    It’s a night of intrigue as The Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts presents its Third Annual Night on the Red Carpet, Saturday, October 29, 2011. Be in the middle of the action as two separate mysteries unfold during the evening.

    It begins with a Mystery Dinner Theater at 6 pm at the Boulders Conference Center. Start gathering clues the moment you enter the door. Hear from the major suspects and prepare for a shocking arrest. All take place during the buffet style meal.
    The action shifts to the Donna Reed Theatre for an 8 pm film screening of “Scandal Sheet” starring Donna Reed, Broderick Crawford and John Derek. This black-and-white film noir is entertaining and tightly plotted with the requisite twists and turns. It is followed by a dessert buffet in the theatre lobby courtesy of REINEYS.
    Tickets are $35 each, $60 for two and $200 for a table of eight. For tickets or Information, call The Donna Reed Foundation, 712-263-3334. Advanced reservations are recommended.

2004 Scholarship Recipient Joins Cast of Jersey Boys

Preston Truman Boyd

Preston Truman Boyd is now appearing in the Tony Award winning production of Jersey Boys as Bob Gaudio. He joined the first national tour during their run in Omaha in September. Originally from Moorhead, MN, Boyd was the recipient of both the 2004 Donna Reed Vocal Scholarship and the Musical Theatre Scholarship.

He played the role of the Monster in the first national tour of Young Frankenstein the Musical by Mel Brooks. He replaced Shuler Hensley after understudying the role and performing in the ensemble. Check out the video clip.

Boyd is a member of the Actors Equity Association and a graduate of the College Conservatory of Music (CCM), University of Cincinnati. At CCM he was seen in the Pajama Game (Sid Sorokin), The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), Wonderful Town (Wreck), Cabaret (Ernst Lugwig), Little Women (John Brooke), Crazy for You (Moose), Brigadoon (Angus MacGuffie) and SideShow (Roustabout).