Today we’d like to introduce you to Burton Wolfe and Lawrence Wong.
Burton Wolfe is WORD THEATER’s Executive and Artistic Director. The World Theater mission is to bring the peoples and cultures of the world together through the performing arts and Special Events for the betterment of global peace and prosperity.
During past years, Mr. Wolfe produced “ASIAFEST” by negotiating ten nations’ performances through Washington D.C. Embassies. Burton’s background presenting fund raising shows for diverse charities plus his later presentations of international performing arts, led to his becoming the National Director of Productions and Special Events for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), working with Audrey Hepburn, Julio Iglesias, and other national and international celebrities to raise funds on behalf of the world’s children. – This lifetime background became the matrix for Burton’s creative and meaningful work as WORLD THEATER Artistic & Executive Director.
Mr. Lawrence Wong is Producer and Director of Operations for World Theater.
Lawrence Wong was an executive with the Hong Kong Tourist Board when he supported “ASIAFEST” by making arrangements to bring the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to America for their ASIAFEST performances. Lawrence Wong’s background has also been as an executive for major US Hotels in Hong Kong. He also was a travel agency executive in Toronto, Canada. His international expertise, dealing with people and organizations from around the world, along with his skill in translating dialogue and lyrics into Mandarin for Burton Wolfe’s original musicals, has made possible the many World Theater performances and cultural exchanges with China – and future World Theater international cultural exchanges and performances to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
WORLD THEATER’s growth over the past fourteen months has been steady. We have been blessed to have various multi-cultural performing arts groups approach us and participate in WORLD THEATER activities by holding dance classes, summer camps, theater arts and speech communication classes. The Golden Buddha Jazz Orchestra was brought to World Theater for premiere USA performances. Our Broadway Musicals are cast with local singers, dancers and actors. Our World Theater performing arts teams have been delighted to have had the experience traveling and performing overseas. – This Voyage Houston article and future multi-media press all contribute to getting the word out, to building our World Theater performer and audience participation.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with World Theater – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
World Theater believes that multi-cultural theatrical productions with local, national and international performers can become a bridge, contributing to peace and prosperity; that diverse performing arts and educational special events promoting both culture and commerce will enrich Katy and Greater Houston Life. The World Theater and Performing Arts Academy – through its partnerships with diverse organizations – produces cultural treasures performed by artists from our own back yard, from throughout the United States and the world. Children and adults of all ages and cultural backgrounds are invited to participate as performers as well as audience members in World Theater activities. We are most proud of the cross-cultural shows we have produced. “The Legend of Yin and Yang” had a Houston Hip Hop Dance Company perform alongside acrobats from China. The show was bi-lingual, performed in English and Mandarin. Houston’s “Sister City” Shenzhen, China asked us to write and produce a musical telling how Shenzhen became the World Class City it is today. The musical performances took place here in Houston – then in China, and was recently asked by Houston’s Mayor Office for International Affairs to reprise the production to celebrate the Houston-Shenzhen Anniversary. The Houston hip Hop Dancers who performed in “The Legend of Yin and Yang have said: “We will remember the experience for the rest of our lives! …”
World Theater’s Performing Arts educational programs includes: Ballet, Mexican Folk Folkloric, Flamenco Dance Training, Theater, Speech and Public speaking along with a series of Summer Camp programs
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We here at World Theater very much appreciate that Katy and the Greater Houston Area has become one of the most diverse locations in the United States; statistics show that our demographic is second in diversity to New York City! Katy has become one of the fastest growing areas in America – how wonderful for culture and commerce. – World Theater Executive and Artistic Director, Burton Wolfe believes that “If we all accept and grow to understand each other’s cultural backgrounds and beliefs, our mutual horizons will expand for greater local, national and international peace and prosperity…” And not to appreciate: “Rude, aggressive drivers on our roadways and parkways. Let’s all be kind and considerate while driving – and while driving, let’s not “Text” ourselves to the mortuary!”
Contact Info:
- Address: 1012 S. Mason Road, Katy, Texas 77459
- Website: www.worldtheater.us
- Phone: 832-552-5115
- Email: worldwidestage@gmail.com
Image Credit:
1. Burton Wolfe with Children’s Speech Class
2. “Legend of Yin and Yang”
3. & 4. “Metropolis” with international performers from China
5. “Ballet Folkloric” Performances
6. “The Tale of Kieu” Vietnamese Shows
7. “Sister Act” Performances
8. “Miss Saigon” Production
9. “Best of Broadway” songs and dances
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
