Page 50 April 2012 ATC Continued from page 34 States Department of State World Affairs department. Faigen’s duties included entertaining international visitors invited by the U.S. government. “One night I had six journalists from around the world, and I had to do something with them,” Faigen said. “I didn’t know what to do, so I looked in the paper and the Arizona Theater Company was presenting Death of a Salesman .” Faigen placed a quick phone call and the ATC agreed to give Faigen complimentary tickets for the performance at the Scottsdale Center. “And I sat and watched and I was mesmerized,” Faigen said. “It was one of the best productions of Death of a Salesman I had ever seen. So that night I said to my husband, ‘We have to become subscribers,’ and we have been ever since. That was in ’78, ’77. “Then I really became involved with them because the quality of their work is amazing,” Faigen said. Prior to coming to Arizona, she majored in theater at Carnegie Mellon University. In 1997, Faigen served as the UK/AZ Foundation president, helping to bring the monthlong celebration of British culture to Phoenix. Speci fi cally, part of her efforts resulted in The Royal National Theatre’s local production of Othello. That opportunity was offered to her while she was volunteering with Sister Cities. Faigen also has volunteered for the 100 Club, a Valley organization supporting the surviving family members of public safety of fi cers who have been injured or killed on duty. For Faigen, it’s the people that make volunteering worthwhile. “Anything you do, as a volunteer, I think has to do with the people,” Faigen said. “I get to work with the staff, and we have an incredible staff, and that’s what I get from it more than anything.” Faigen said one childhood dream was to be onstage. “I suppose when I was a kid and wanted to be on the stage, I wanted to be a song and dance artist, but I couldn’t sing and I didn’t know much about dancing,” Faigen said. Her dream did come true, although perhaps not quite the way Faigen envisioned. “I did competitive ballroom dancing for 10 years,” Faigen said. “I started when I was 50.” Recently, Faigen has been more focused on her efforts as an ATC board member. “I really spend all my time and energy on the board of directors because I believe in it so wholeheartedly,” Faigen said. Tickets are available for the Curtain Up Cabaret for $250 each or $2,500 for a table up to 10 people. For more information, email Claudia Vasquez at cvazquez@ arizonatheater.org or call 602-256-6899.

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