Mayor Bill White, Audrey and Rev. Bill Lawson to Receive The Ensemble's Highest Honor

Actor Roger Guenveur Smith Receives Actor of the Year Award and Target Corporation Receives Corporate Partner of the Year Award At the Theatre's Premier Celebration

ADVISORY, July 29, 2009 --

 WHAT:    The Ensemble Theatre will host its annual black-tie gala to
          recognize and celebrate artists, companies, individuals and
          community partners whose unparalleled support enables The
          Ensemble to be one of Houston's most coveted cultural
          institutional treasures.

 WHEN:    Friday, August 14, 2009, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
          Mayor's Reception, 6:30 PM
          Program, Dinner, 7:30 PM
          Dancing, 9:30 PM

 WHERE:   Hilton Americas - Houston, Grand Ballroom, 1600 Lamar
          Houston, Texas 77010

 WHO:     Argentina James, Board Chair and Gala Co-Chair
          Hasting Stewart, Board President and Gala Co-Chair
          Audrey and Rev. Bill Lawson, Founder's Award Honorees
          Mayor Bill White, Individual Partner Honoree
          Target, Corporate Partner Honoree
          Roger Guenveur Smith, Actor of The Year Honoree
          Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc. Community Partner
           Honoree
          Brandon and Jason Dirden, Rising Star Honorees
          More than 450 guests

 WHY:     The Ensemble Theatre is hosting its annual black-tie gala
          honoring those who have helped the theatre bring a
          successful close to its 32nd season that generated box
          office records and critical acclaim despite the economy. The
          theatre also enjoys the support of community partners, and
          local and nationally acclaimed artists which continues to
          fuel its success. With many reasons to celebrate, The
          Ensemble leadership will thank and honor the theatre's
          "majestic treasures" for their continuous support as they
          kick-off the 33rd Season appropriately entitled "Majestic
          Treasures."  The gala also serves as the theatre's most
          profitable and well-attended fundraiser.

 AUDIO/VISUALS:  6:30 PM Mayor's Reception
                 7:45 PM Awards' Presentations

 CONTACT: Robert Ross 713-520-0055 or rross@ensemblehouston.com

About The Ensemble Theatre

The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American artistic expression, to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre has brought several generations of African Americans and other theatre patrons into the performance art form. The Ensemble is a 501 (c)(3) theatre that holds the distinction as one of the nation's largest African American theatres which owns and operates its own facility and produces a Mainstage Season of contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. In addition, The Ensemble Tour Education Program provides performances for young audiences including schools, community outreach, and training for young artists through The Young Performers Program. The Ensemble, is housed in a $5 million facility, boasts the George Hawkins Mainstage auditorium with seating for 190 patrons, the Audrey Lawson Arena seating up to 125, and a performance hall accommodating up to 500 guests.