by Carol Lott
A small gathering was held on July 16th at Tyler Civic Theatre Center to celebrate generous donors who recently found unique ways to honor family.
Joyce Paro
If you’ve been around Tyler in the last 74 years, then you’ve likely heard the name Joyce Paro on stages, in theatre halls, and throughout the community. Since 1951, she has given her all for the betterment of the arts in Tyler—tirelessly, effectively, humbly, and joyfully.
TCTC is her place and her people! TCTC’s mission to entertain, to educate, and to enrich through theatre became Joyce’s mantra as well. During her time here, she performed in 16 plays (and produced many others); she was instrumental in the creation of the children’s theatre programming; and she served on the board for 50 years, guiding TCTC through tough times to a bright future.
Joyce’s daughters, Renee, Lynette, Cherie, and Denise, chose to honor her by commissioning Dace Kidd, a well-known local mural artist, to create and paint four murals on the outside walls of the theatre. They are stunning!
Tisa and Billy Hibbs
Tisa Weiss Hibbs has been on the national scene in Hollywood and in theatre, serving twice on the board of TCTC and currently playing a key role in Board leadership. Billy Hibbs, Jr., is Chairman and CEO of Heartland Security Insurance Group and President of Hibbs Family Foundation, known for supporting several arts organizations in East Texas.
Tisa and Billy have lived and breathed theatre their entire lives, influenced by their parents. Billy Hibbs, Sr., served as Board president for TCTC from 1999-2001, overseeing the construction of the Braithwaite Theatre. Jeannie Hibbs had an early career as a model and actress and, in the 1970s, began performing in TCTC productions and volunteering on various committees.
Phyllis and Terry Weiss have supported Tyler Civic Theatre for 50+ years. Phyllis even helped design and sew costumes and, along with Tisa, was a charter member of the theatre’s Red Carpet Guild (an organization tasked with providing hospitality for patrons and volunteers). In honor of her mother, Tisa recently established the Phyllis Stratton Weiss Scholarship to be awarded to a high school senior who has at least two years of volunteer experience at TCTC.
June Roberts
June Roberts grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where, upon going to college, she discovered the world of theatre. She married an American, Charles Roberts, and after living in Venezuela, moved to Tyler in 1969. She was a realtor for 20 years, serving as president of the Tyler Board of Realtors and Women’s Council of Realtors.
It didn’t take her long to find Tyler Civic Theatre, where she served on the board for many years, was board president, initiated the TCTC newsletter, and performed in many plays, including My Fair Lady, Blythe Spirit, and Rumors.
June’s three children, Randy, Bruce, and Karen, along with grandson, Justin, and the rest of the Roberts family, have honored her by funding an account at East Texas Communities Foundation for the benefit of Tyler Civic Theatre to be used annually for the hiring of a summer intern, providing valuable experience for a college Theatre major.
Robyn Rogers
Robyn Rogers is president of the Robert M. Rogers Foundation, one of the most generous foundations in East Texas. Its stated purpose is to promote education by providing funds for schools, scholarships, and other programs. A major project supported by the foundation was the renovation of TJC’s Wise Auditorium into the Rogers/Palmer Performing Arts Center for Theatre.
Tyler Civic Theatre has been the beneficiary of exceptionally generous gifts over the years. Recently, Robyn and partner Bob Rice were the first major contributors to the Ghost Light Campaign, underwriting new lighting for the Rogers Children’s Theatre and the entire TCTC complex. Additionally, the Rogers Foundation underwrote TCTC’s production of The Wizard of Oz and provided a professional sound technician for both of last year’s summer musicals.
The Choir School of East Texas
The Choir School of East Texas, under the wing of Downtown Tyler’s Christ Episcopal Church, was founded in 2007. Its purpose was to use music as a positive intervention in the lives of young people ages 8 through 18. The school was well-supported in every way, including financially, and when the program was discontinued, its leaders sought a way to share its bounty with other organizations supporting similar missions.
They searched for area nonprofit arts organizations that share their core values and offer arts in learning opportunities to youth. Tyler Civic Theatre Center was blessed to be one of five organizations that fit the criteria and to be awarded a generous gift that benefits the Theatre’s Acting Conservatory and S.T.A.R. (Summer Theatre Arts Review) camps.
Tyler Civic Theatre Center is blessed by the generosity of all of these families.