Dame Mara New

Also known as MARA BELTRAMI-NEW Actress/Producer/CostumeDesigner/Artist. Born in Milan, Italy and hailing from the Beltrami House of Fashion that was launched in the early 1900's. To day the House of Beltrami is still active in Italy. In 2004, Mara's passion for clothes had her start the Golden Needle Awards to recognize and award emerging designers. www.thegoldenneedleawards.com . Moving from Italy to France, From France to Australia where she graduated in Architecture and studied acting with Diane Cilento and dance with Roger Hazel, founder of the American Theatre and Musical Academy in Brisbane. Moving to Canada to join a new Dance Group and sidetracked into radio with her own Radio Show in Toronto. During her stay in Canada, after seeing the Liberace show; she became friends with his protégée Marco Valenti who later became her brother in law. For two years she booked Marco Valenti on several national tours. Believing always that "Giving is Receiving", Mara stays active with several charities. She was given an award, in 2004 as "One of the Most Influential Women in LA. In June 2006, she was given the Y.E.S. Award (Young Educated Singers) at the LA Blues Festival. Also in June 2006 she received the "Angel Award" from Reef Check honoring Jean Michel Custeau. On December 1, 2006, on the 70th Anniversary of the Southern California Motion Picture Council, she received the Golden Star Halo Award for her preformance in theatre in the role of "Wife" in the play by A. R. Guerney "The Problem". She is an accomplished Painter having won several European Competitions and she had the priveledge to meet Pablo Picasso with her mentor Huala Dio. Board Member of: The Institure of The American Musical. Board Member of: Film Advisory Board www.filmadvisoryboard.org . Producer for Jazz/Blues singer Barbara Morrison. www.barbaramorrison.com .