The Live Design Honors, recognizing “The Design Aesthetic of Hal Prince,” took place on Tuesday, May 15th at the Kimmel Center at New York University in a gala evening that benefited Behind the Scenes. This event marked the 2nd annual Live Design Honors, in which the magazine pays tribute to a group of outstanding individuals and the collaborative spirit of the designers who work together to create memorable and innovative productions.

A raffle and silent auction were held during a cocktail reception prior to the evening's panel. Auction items included VIP tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, a week in St. Barth’s, tickets to several NY Mets and NY Yankees games, a quartet of wines from Piedmont, original photographs from Andrew Hefter, and a copy of The Designs of Tharon Musser signed by all living 'Musser University Alumni' participants. There were many bidding wars over these wonderful items raising almost $7,500 for Behind the Scenes.

The raffle drawing, which took place at the end of the evening, was conducted by Hal Prince himself. The lucky winner went home with a 30GB video iPod and CDs of Hal Prince productions including Sweeney Todd, Cabaret and A Little Night Music.

The evening would not have been the success that it was without the generous contributions of our donors. Thank you to Altman Rentals, CAST Software, Cirque du Soleil, City Theatrical, Theresa De Turris, Design & Drafting Software Co., Rosemond Gréaux, Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, Andrew Hefter, Lee Filters, John McGraw, John McKernon Software, Rob Strohmeier, and Wybron.

The Mount Vernon High School Chapter of USITT held its first annual Short Reach Short Riders Tricycle Race on Saturday, May 12. Thirty-eight students and friends rode in events ranging from sprints and relays to The Enduro. The participants had a great time while raising $2,000 for Behind the Scenes. Also attending the event were Long Reach Long Riders Moe and Christine Conn and Greg Williams. The LRLR were the inspiration for the event.

Kim Cragie, of sponsor Vincent Lighting Systems, notes, "It wasn't just about the money raised (which is important), but rather you showed future generations how they can make a difference for the better. That's a priceless lesson."

Contributors to the ride were Apollo Design Technology, Scott Church (Selecon), J.R. Clancy, MVHS Chapter of FFA, Barbara E.R. Lucas (USITT), Reid Neslage (H & H Specialties), Lori Rubinstein and John McGraw, Bill Sapsis, Vincent Lighting Systems, and Rich Wolpert (Union Connector).