Since its opening in February of 1991, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has made an indelible mark on the cultural scene of South Florida. Along the way it has worked its way into the hearts and lives of many South Florida residents. For some the memory is the experience of an unforgettable theatrical performance, for others it may be walking across the Broward Center's Au-Rene stage to pick up a high school diploma, a school trip to experience theater for the first time, or the place where a couple became engaged.

The Broward Center is inviting patrons to share their favorite memories in the "Best Broward Center Memory" contest by submitting a brief story along with a photograph (if available). Ten lucky winners will be chosen to enjoy a night for two at the theater during the exciting 2010-2011 season. Each winner will receive two tickets to a Broward Center performance, complimentary valet parking and access to the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale Intermezzo Lounge for that evening to enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Winning entries and stories will be featured in upcoming 20th anniversary-themed publications, and on the Broward Center for the Performing Arts website.

Entries for the contest can be submitted online at www.BrowardCenter.org or by mail and must be received by August 31, 2010. A panel of judges will select the winning entries and winners will be notified by mid-September. Contest rules are available on the Broward Center website.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts houses the Au-Rene Theater, the Amaturo Theatre, and the Abdo New River Room, and has affiliated venues at the Parker Playhouse, the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, the Miramar Cultural Center and the newly opened Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Helping their patrons make memories are some Broward Center presenters who have been with them since the start:

Broadway Across America:
Each year, Broadway Across America brings Broadway to Broward. First-run Broadway productions, touring shows, the best of West End London—all this, directly to Fort Lauderdale—directly to the Broward Center stages.

Florida Grand Opera:
One of the nation's elite opera companies since 1941, the Florida Grand Opera has long dazzled its audience with critically-acclaimed artists performing opera's finest repertory. Each season includes several Broward Center productions.

Gold Coast Jazz Society:
Now in its 14th season, the Gold Coast Jazz Society's subscription series presents concerts featuring jazz, pop and big band artists in the Broward Center's intimate Joseph C. Amaturo Theater.

Miami City Ballet:
The Miami City Ballet is a world-caliber company with a unique South Florida ambiance. You'll enjoy the 24th season of one of the country's most exciting ballet companies at the Broward Center.

Symphony of the Americas:
Bringing the best of classical music to the multicultural population of South Florida, the Symphony of the Americas presents a diverse orchestral repertoire at intimately scaled concerts with a wide range of international guest artists."The Broward Center is much more than a place where the curtain goes up and the action happens on stage.

The newly opened Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, which is a Broward Center affiliated venue, hopes to provide yet another place for South Floridians to make memories. The 324-seat waterfront performing arts facility is located at 3385 N.E. 188th St. in Aventura, Florida. On October 17, 2010 their will be a free "Curtain Up" event, open to the public, offering a behind-the scenes view of the center. For more information on the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center you may contact them by phone at 954-462-0222, or online at www.AventuraCenter.org. Their inaugural season will be:

Double Chai Theatrical Series:
Lansky: January 19 - 30, 2011
Zero Hour: February 16 - 27, 2011
Circumcise Me: March 6 - 27, 2011
Meshuggah-Nuns: April 27 - May 8, 2011

Melodies And Memories Series
Say it With Music: The Songs of Irving Berlin: January 12 - 16, 2011
Time After Time: The Songs of Jule Styne: February 9 - 13, 2011
A Grand Tour: The Songs of Jerry Herman: March 9 - 13, 2011
The Night is Filled with Music: The Music of the RKO Pictures Era: April 13 - 17, 2011

Smart Stage Matinee Series
Sticks and Stones: October 25, 2010
Brazilian Voices' Afro Brazil: January 10, 2011
The Wizard of Oz: February 4, 2011
Doktor Kaboom! : May 6, 2011

On Sale Now!
An Evening with Patti LuPone: October 23, 2010*
Jim Witter's The Piano Men: November 12, 2010
Kathy Kosins' Ladies of Cool: December 18, 2010
A Neil Diamond Tribute: April 2, 1011

On Sale August 6th
Family Fun Series (Subscriptions are currently on sale)
Junie B. Jones: October 9, 2010
Giggle, Giggle, Quack: November 6, 2010
The Wizard of Oz: February 5, 2011
Stuart Little: May 14, 2011

"Magic takes place every day on the other side of the footlights where the Broward Center truly plays an important role in many people's lives," said Kelley Shanley, President and CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. "More than 700,000 patrons attend Broward Center events each year, and more than 150,000 students attend our educational performances annually. We often hear stories of how people are deeply connected with the Broward Center through their own personal experiences. This contest is our way of capturing some of the special moments that have enriched the lives of many in our community over the past 20 years —and learning about what makes the Broward Center memorable to them, inspiring us as we plan for the future."

Presentations at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Support is also contributed by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment Consortium is a cultural partnership between the Performing Arts Center Authority, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera., Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and The Historic Stranahan House Museum. It is supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Visitors Bureau. For any of the offerings of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts you may contact them by phone at 954-462-0222 or online at www.browardcenter.org.

*An Evening with Patti LuPone is available exclusively at the box office to Aventura residents with proof of residency, before going on sale to the general public on August 1.

See the current theatre season schedule for southern Florida.

-- John Lariviere