Cynthia Gries, Artistic Director

Cynthia is the founder and Artistic Director of Tampa's Girl Song and Dance Troupe Entertainment Revue. Entertainment Revue has become widely recognized for its talented group of performers who entertain at corporate events, community events, and in professional theaters across the Southeast. The group has appeared on "CBS This Morning," the "Today show,” “Star Search,” and at special events including the 1997 Democratic Convention with Vice President Gore, the 1999 Democratic Convention with President Clinton, an election rally with President Bush, and a Republican fundraiser with Governors Jeb Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The group has also appeared at the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Super bowl Host Village, and the World Team Tennis benefit with Elton John. They have been featured as halftime performers for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, performed at the NCAA Final Four, and in the Broadway tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Entertainment Revue is a unique arts group based in Tampa, which performs over fifty shows each year.  The group consists of three separate casts of performers, ranging in age from 6 – 18.  The group is not associated with any dance or voice studio and is a 501 C non-profit organization. 
           
Entertainment Revue has become widely recognized for its talented group of performers who entertain at corporate events, community events, and in professional theaters across the Southeast.  The group has appeared on “CBS This Morning," the "Today show,” “Star Search,” and at special events including the 1997 Democratic Convention with Vice President Gore, the 1999 Democratic Convention with President Clinton, an election rally with President Bush, and a Republican fundraiser with Governors Jeb Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger.  The group has also appeared at the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Super Bowl Host Village, and the World Team Tennis benefit with Elton John.  They have been featured as halftime performers for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, performed at the NCAA Final Four, and in the Broadway tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” 
           
Entertainment Revue has become recognized nationally as an outstanding training group for young recording artists.  In the last six years, eight cast members signed major recording contracts with Epic, RCA, Arista, Atlantic, and Curb.  The group has also produced the winner of American Idol Juniors on Fox and three finalists on American Idol, including 2005 top ten finalist, Jessica Sierra. 
           
In addition to showcasing the artistic talents and achievements of its members, the Foundation exists to nurture emerging musical talent and to develop well-balanced individuals.    Cast members are expected to meet high academic standards and participate in service–related activities within the community.  The goal of the organization is to develop well-balanced young ladies who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
           
Entertainment Revue is able to offer need based tuition grants to students who cannot afford the monthly expenses of the program.  It has awarded thousands of dollars in college scholarships annually.   It is the intent of the foundation and its directors that the experience of Entertainment Revue be available to any qualified individuals regardless of their financial resources.   The group also subscribes to the belief that its young performers should not be “paid” but rather participate for the love of music and the intrinsic rewards that come from being part of a team.   Proceeds from performances are used instead to provide college scholarships.
           
Entertainment Revue cast members are an exceptional group of young ladies.  Last year their cumulative grade point average was 3.8.   Currently, our three seniors have an average GPA of 4.3.  Graduates of our program have been accepted at the University of Florida, Florida State University, Boston Conservatory of Music, Berkeley School of Music, Notre Dame University, Georgetown University, Northeastern University, Carnegie Mellon, the University Of Miami, and many other prestigious schools.   Our first two scholarship recipients (from 1999) currently attend graduate school at William and Mary and the University Of Florida.
           
Entertainment Revue is also making an impact in the community by using its talents to raise monies for various charity groups.  Each year, the group donates approximately 25% of its performance monies to groups such as the American Cancer Society, Make A Wish Foundation, Hillsborough Education Foundation, All Children’s Hospital, and many more.   The cast stands as a shining example of how musical talent, intellect, and social consciousness can be combined to produce exceptional young women.   For more on Cynthia visit www.entertainmentrevue.com