During this time when the Palladium family is not together at the theater, I wanted to bring us together online by featuring some of the volunteers who donate their time and talents to help make the Palladium such a special place.
We asked volunteers to fill out a questionnaire. We’ll be sharing stories from all the folks who replied. Look back at previous blog posts for more profiles. There will more to come this week.
If you’re a volunteer and didn’t get a chance to reply to our survey, please reach out to Nancy Jones and she’ll get you included! Did I mention how much we love our Palladium volunteers? We look forward to seeing them all back in the theater soon.
JUDE BAGATTI
Where are you from?
Jude Bagatti
Born a Jersey girl, my family relocated to Hollywood, Florida where my father and grandparents resided. Subsequently, I moved to Coconut Grove and South Miami where I ushered at various theatres and appeared in several grand operas as a supermumary (extra).
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
After buying a Gulfport home in 2002, it was only natural that I performed in numerous plays, then found another home at the Palladium where I’ve enjoyed the ambiance, co-volunteers and staff.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
15 years.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
Reading, writing, photography, “yardening” and adventure travel.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
Love, the jazz, meeting Florida Orchestra conductor Michael Francis, being greeted by Palladium regulars who find my face friendly and familiar. (Also, the sustaining cup of coffee and chocolates in the snack bar – they’re a plus, too!)
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
In Belize at a rural outdoor bar, I was taught to put a couple of dashes of a super hot sauce in my cold beer. I still do this. Also, as a (still) FL licensed massage/Reiki therapist, I treated Debbie Reynolds and Lance Armstrong, among other celebs.
MARY & GENE STENOV
Where are you from?
Mary and Gene Stenov
I am from Berlin, Germany and Gene is from Kiev, Ukraine. We traveled for years before we became American citizens and landed in New York City where Gene became a mechanical engineer and I an art teacher. We also lived in the Middle East for 24 years where we worked and traveled.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
I taught art at the Canterbury School where many of our students performed at the Palladium – during those times, backstage there became home! When after 50 years of teaching I retired, my sister Pat recommended I consider volunteering at the Palladium, so here we both are!
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
We’ve been volunteering for about 5 years. Gene and I are like remnants of old paint on the ceiling plaster in the Palladium lobby
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
I enjoy walking, teaching art and singing in the SPC Community Chorus. Gene likes birding, butterflies (they grow their own milkweed!), and photography.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
We like revering in memories and thoughts about the Palladium when we’re here. Watching, like the theater’s corner stone blocks, we smile at the world as it goes by and participate in the magic created by artists from all over the world here.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
Gene and I represent the Russian Club for SPIFFS, parades and other cultural activities.
DAWN LAINE
Where are you from?
Dawn Laine
I am originally from Westboro, Massachusetts, now living in Redington Beach.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
My friend Kali Dolgin encouraged me to volunteer here. I love the venue, as well as the variety of performances offered.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
I’ve been volunteering here for about three years now.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
I love spending time at the beach. The sounds of the water and seabirds make my heart sing. I am in complete awe of God’s majestic creations.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
I was blown away when I saw Kafkasso here for the first time. Their sound is magical, but when paired with the dancers, it is transcendent. I’ve seen them just about every time they’ve performed at the Palladium since.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
I used to haul fish tanks in a 44-foot race car-type trailer. I used a CB. I was also part of the crew that set them up in Petco stores all over the country.
GLORIA HYDE
Where are you from?
I’m from Jamaica, in the West Indies.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
While attending a show, I was approached by a staff member asking if I would be interested in volunteering. I was!
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
I’ve been a volunteer here for about 16 years.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
In my spare time, I am an active member of my church where I also volunteer.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
One of my favorite memories is seeing an opera that was actually sung in English.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
I used to spend almost every evening fishing when I lived on Coquina Key here in St. Pete.
JOHN AMSALLEM
My name is JohnPierre Amsallem.
Where are you from?
I was born in Africa (French territories)
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
I was a docent at the Dali, a docent at Tampa’s Big Cat Rescue sanctuary for 8 years and decided to concentrate my time to music and opera. The Palladium is the perfect place for that.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
I believe I’ve been volunteering at the Palladium for 5 years.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
I am following the classes to become a docent at Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. Music and art are my passions. But I also love to exercise – bicycle, gym club.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
I don’t have a specific memory, but a constant happiness with the quality of the programs at the Palladium, especially the St. Petersburg Opera.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
I have been a Tai Chi instructor for 15 years and teach classes every week.
John Ansallem
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