Please help us to keep our mission - Education Through Entertainment - alive. Help us to give people a chance to Live their dreams... Not their fears. AND have fun while doing it!

The cast of Cocktails and Conversations: (seated) Audrena Scurry, Linda Osborn, Kerry McDermott, Kelly Wright - (standing) Debbie Dailey, Marcia Foster, Zack Vallas, Marcella Foster, James Ferrigno and Ron Reyes

OUR STORY:

There was a time in the not too distant past when a major Hollywood movie star lived among us in Palm Beach County. He did not crave the spotlight for his celebrity status, but he did want to share his knowledge and talent with those who were drawn to the stage and the theater. His name was – will always be – uttered with reverence by his fans and friends… most especially by those who trained under his expert eye and who, five years after his death, still walk in his footsteps. Using what was learned at the feet of the master, the Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts (PBIEA) was created with the mission statement: “Education through Entertainment.” PBIEA has two goals: first, to write and produce original plays that are insightful, intelligent and meaningful and, second, to give people an opportunity to “Live your dreams… Not your fears.”

With hard work and dedication to the mission, we have succeeded but not in the way we originally thought we would. Yes, we write and produce quality plays that are often so thought provoking that audiences refuse to leave the theater, choosing instead to stay and talk to the writers, directors and actors. The unexpected part is the actors who perform in these productions. PBIEA has become a haven in the storm of life for many struggling individuals. Some of our students live with the negative effects of a dysfunctional childhood, domestic abuse, rape, depression, divorce, life threatening medical issues, ADD, Asperger's syndrome, mental health issues and memory loss. We give a spotlight to people overcoming addictions and those who are neuro-diverse and divergent thinkers. We are many things to many people... and we are proud of the role we play in bringing confidence and continuity to the lives of those in need.

That, sadly, is about to end. A wrecking ball will soon appear outside our door.

When the original owner sold the mall where we are located a few years ago, we sensed the flapping wings of an albatross overhead. In literature, an albatross is a symbol of both good and bad luck. We were the recipient of bad luck. While the new owners never raised the rent, they also made it clear that our time was limited. Maybe we were all cockeyed optimists, but we believed that new and better opportunities would arise. Covid had no negative effects on our attendance. Classes and live productions continued with little change in how we conducted business. PBIEA actually did well when other venues struggled, mostly because we put policies in place that allowed us to cater to the needs of our students and loyal supporters.

We were happy and thriving until a failing economy and rising prices began to nibble – and eventually take big bites – out of our sources of income. Now, we hobble from month to month knowing that by the end of this year, we will be homeless.

This letter is our personal plea to PBIEA fans, theater arts lovers, and the mayors and council members of North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, Jupiter and Tequesta… please help us to continue doing the great work that we do every day behind the black curtains that cover our windows. You would be surprised to know what miracles are wrought on a 10x20 raised platform in 1700 square feet of space by a small but mighty 501c3.

PLEASE HELP US TO SAVE THE INSTITUTE!