Longtime Santa Clarita Arts Commissioners Susan Shapiro and Dr. Michael Millar will be inducted into the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival’s Court of the Lord Chamberlain on Friday night in recognition of their leadership and support of the arts in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Since before Shakespeare’s time, the post of the Lord Chamberlain was responsible for patronage of the arts.

Susan Shapiro

Induction to the Court is a designation to honor patrons who have made a significant contribution to the arts in our community.

Both Shapiro and Millar have been instrumental in their support of the arts in our community, the development of an Arts Masterplan, and have been ardent supporters of arts in education.

The two join past honorees including Retired Newhall Superintendent Dr. Marc Winger, Retired LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Councilperson Laurene Weste, Former President of CalArts Dr. Steven Lavine, Frank Kleeman, and Dr. Dianne Van Hook, Chancellor of College of the Canyons.

Dr. Michael Millar

In addition to the two new inductees, a special recognition will be presented for Dr. Alan Z. Barbakow, longtime community patron and first president of the former Santa Clarita Arts Council. Barbakow died on Friday, June 28, at age 77.

The Court of the Lord Chamberlain gala marks the opening of the 9th season of the Summer Theatre Festival, which takes place throughout Santa Clarita.

The event will take place at The Main, 24266 Main St. in Old Town Newhall 91321, and begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Included are dinner, drinks, dessert and a preview of the season.

Tickets prices are $65 and are available for purchase here.

All proceeds support the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival, the free Shakespeare production, and the Summer Theatre Festival. The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival is a 501(c)3, non-profit public benefit organization.

Find out more about Shapiro and Millar and the Arts Commission here.