Suzan Etkin & Brenden Fitzgerald, Chairs
Merideth Maddox, Program Director

Celia Rose was the 7-year-old daughter of Suzan Etkin and Brenden Fitzgerald, and the big sister of Stella Fitzgerald. Taking after her artist parents, the P.S. 41 second grader possessed a talent beyond her years. Her poems and drawings, displayed beautifully on her website, www.celiarose.org, are awe-strikingly insightful, depicting themes of possibility and magic. Celia, a well-rounded artist, was also a flourishing actress. She was a student of Katie Cappiello, PTC President, and Brandon O’Neil Scott, PTC Vice-President, at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute where she was famous for her out-of-this-world characters, quirky costumes, and impressive accents! The tragic death of Celia Rose Fitzgerald in February 2005 was felt by many in New York City, especially members of the downtown art community. Celia Rose inspired many with her motto: “Do Fancy Things for the World!” The memorial scholarship fund established in her name honors her legacy by awarding scholarships to young artists who believe in the magic and possibility within.

For more information on the programs supported by the Celia Rose T. Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship Fund, please visit www.celiarose.org

In the words of Katie Cappiello and Brandon Scott:

Cece was a dream of a student; she embodied the joy and excitement of the performing arts. Her dreams were limitless, her creations wonderfully strange, and herself, fully expressed and "Fancy Free". She would skip into class every Saturday fearless, filled with curiosity and giggles, toting her journal and wearing something "Fancy", of course, pink or red and covered with sparkles. Cece possessed a pixie-like charm; she was a magical little performer! As all of our students, Celia Rose was a symbol of hope and possibility. When we lost Cece, we found comfort in her words...

These words inspired The PossEble Theater Company. We came together to carry on her belief in magic and possibility. We vow to build an artistic jungle gym for our peers... and, most important, fancy "playgrounds" wherever possible for young artists!