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Cramer, who was raised with an appreciation for the arts, was interested in the opportunity to work with the Nashville Opera in part because of his family's experience in the performing arts.
"My family has always been involved in the arts because my mom was in theatre and my sister actually is still involved in theatre," said Cramer. "It's just been something that I've been around and gained an appreciation for."
When asked about his first modeling experience for the photo shoot, "It was definitely an experience," said Cramer. "My face hurt toward the end from trying to hold the smile the whole time."
The "Raise Your Glasses" billboards will appear on a rotating basis on two electronic billboards located at I-65 North at Armory Drive and I-40 West at Hermitage Avenue.
The campaign is part of an effort to raise $12 million for educational outreach through the Fund for Artistic Excellence and the Noah Liff Opera Center, the company's first ever permanent headquarters. Currently, the campaign has helped raise just over $9.5 million of its $12 million goal.
The 26,000 square foot Liff Center will house the company's rehearsal studio, costume shop, scenery warehouse, an event meeting and administrative space. The Opera, with its main stage performances at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, plays to more than 17,000 people annually. The Opera also reaches more than 25,000 students in 18 counties in Middle Tennessee through its extensive education and outreach touring program.
One lucky Nashvillian will be given the opportunity to become a local celebrity and see their own face on a highway billboard. Hopeful models can log on to www.RaiseYourGlasses.org and answer the questions to be eligible for the competition. The candidate with the most creative and inspiring answer will be professionally photographed for his or her very own "Raise Your Glasses" billboard to be featured during the month of April.
For more information, photos of Cramer and a full list of the other featured local celebrities, log on to their website at www.RaiseYourGlasses.org.
