Foundation Makes 21st Annual $7,500 Contribution to the Los Angeles Opera Wally Russell Lighting Intern

	Wally Russell

The Wally Foundation has now provided annual funding to the Los Angeles Opera totaling over $157,500 since the foundation was formed following the untimely death of Wally Russell in 1992.

"This annual contribution has underwritten over 36 Wally Lighting interns for the Los Angeles Opera who otherwise could not have afforded to spend the time working with the Opera to gain the experience needed to work professionally," commented Jeff Kleeman, technical director of the Los Angeles Opera. "Most of these individuals are still in our industry, and many of them are still working professionally in freelance positions in the Opera."

"This has been an excellent partnership, and we are happy that the Foundation has had the financial resources to continue the annual support," commented John Wiseman, Wally board member and senior vice president of PRG Nocturne. "I would not be in my current position if not for the support and mentoring that Wally provided to me years ago. He was a true visionary, and all about supporting the youth in our industry and presenting new technologies," Wiseman concluded.

The Wally Foundation also supports a similar intern program at the Canadian Opera and annually provides an award to the "Mentor of the Year" in partnership with USITT and provides a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Any and all contributions to the Wally Foundation may be made at:
Wally Russell Foundation, Inc.
16458 Bolsa Chica Street, #221
Huntington Beach, California 92649 USA
714-699-3573