Manley Thaler has been very supportive of Dreyfoos since he saw his first performance - the Theatre Department’s production of “West Side Story”. He and his wife, Dodie, were immediately wowed by the staging, costumes, and acting of our talented students.

A founding partner of the law firm Thaler & Thaler, P.A., Manley first joined the School of the Arts Foundation Board of Directors in 2002. After a move caused him to resign, he quickly rejoined the Board in 2014 when he returned to Palm Beach County.

A fan and avid supporter of jazz, Manley was involved with the Ithaca College School of Music for many years. “Jazz music was created in the United States in New Orleans and is one of America’s original art forms. It is inspiring to see young people learning this deeply rooted style of music. The Jazz department at Dreyfoos over the years has been outstanding. I make it a point to attend every Foundation Guild Musical Luncheon that they perform.”

When he learned that our Jazz Ensemble I was one of twelve of the Nation’s high school jazz bands selected to participate in the 10th annual SWING CENTRAL JAZZ High School Jazz Band Competition & Workshop in Savannah, Georgia, Manley made a donation to ensure that the students would not miss out on this amazing opportunity. Participating students will work with jazz masters across three days, perform in the “Jazz on the River” showcase on Savannah’s River Street, play in competition rounds, and attend a variety of Savannah Music Festival performances.

As well as attending luncheons, sponsoring Foundation events, and seeing school performances, Manley and Dodie often donate tickets for student to attend performances at the Kravis Center. “I donate tickets to permit students to attend performances at Kravis Center because I think it is a motivating event for them and gives them the understanding of acting and music performances in the community.”

Although Manley was thoroughly impressed by the sold-out Prism Concert this past year, he says that “all of the performances that I have seen, whether theatre or music, have been of such high quality that I cannot designate one a favorite against another. They are all my favorite.”

“The well-attended performances by the Dreyfoos students, such as the sold-out Prism Concert, visual art exhibits, and Broadway quality productions are an indication of the impact that the School has on our community. By supporting the Foundation, we help to create an outstanding environment for Palm Beach County students.”