TAPstravaganza tickets on sale now

By Melissa Flatt, Tiger Arts Patron Co-Chair

Below are answers to a few helpful FAQs about TAPStravaganza 2023! A Black Tie Affair.

Q: How do you pronounce TAPstravaganza?
A: As supporters of the arts, we feel that a lot should be left to individual interpretation. However, we tend to go with TAP strah vah gaaaan zaahh (very drawn out with emphasis on the first syllable).

Q: OK, so what is it exactly?
TAPstravaganza is an evening for all USN families K- 12 to recognize and appreciate all of USN's art students. As mentioned last week, we are literally rolling out the red carpet. The evening is black tie encouraged (yes gowns and tuxedos). Step onto the red carpet, have your photo taken, eat fabulous hors d’oeuvres, browse visual arts students' work in the Tibbott and Main Galleries, experience a sampling of the many talents of our performing arts students, and recognize all the USN students and teachers that make our arts program a success. 

Q: What are the core concepts or beliefs guiding this event?
A: TAPstravaganza has two main tenets.
1. This event is USN community wide. K-12, family-friendly, everyone is invited, Lower School, Middle School, High School, grandparents, siblings …
2. TAPstravaganza is a celebration and recognition of all of our arts students and faculty, not an awards presentation.

Q: So, it says “black tie”. Are you serious about that?
A: We are 100% serious. You should pull out those fancy duds and enjoy an evening out. I have it on good authority that HS prom is the previous Saturday — those dresses deserve to be out again. That said, we would never turn anyone away because they didn’t embrace formal attire. Again, it's a community event, and all are welcome.

Q: Clarify "arts." Is TAPstravaganza just for performing arts people?
A: Absolutely not. We mean all arts, visual and performing. There will be new works in the Tibbott Gallery, as well as samplings of a variety of performing arts — dance, vocal, band, theater, technical theater — presented by students in Middle School and High School, and maybe even faculty. 

Q: What is TAP, and do I need to be a member to attend TAPstravaganza?
A: TAP is our equivalent of a booster club for the visual and performing arts. TAP members join by paying annual dues, which go to help fund additional items on the arts faculties' wish lists. For example, we may help with upgraded microphones, soundboards, or scholarships for our students to travel to festivals. Annual dues are $100 and allow for TAP family members to enjoy free tickets to all USN arts events, including those off site and TAPstravaganza 2023. 

While you're encouraged to join TAP 2023-2024 now, as an early bird incentive, you are not required to join in order to reserve tickets. General admission tickets to TAPstravaganza are $10 each and on sale now. We hope to see everyone at the show.