“While we remain closed to the public, we have been working hard to continue improvements at Memorial Opera House,” said Executive Director Scot MacDonald. “Our house remains dark, but these grants and new Youth Theatre program will help assure that we have a brighter future.”
The grants include:
• $20,000 unrestricted grant from the Anderson Foundation. The funds will be used in part to help with completion of the new front doors, a project that the Memorial Opera House Foundation has been planning; purchase of a new computer for the use of projection backdrops which will help with better usage of backstage space; and for the conversion of our costume room to classroom space for the LimeLights youth theatre program.
• $4,500 matching grant from Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) for project support to allow for the inventory, restoration, and proper storage of our costumes.
• $9,300 grant from IAC for Operations Support. we are now eligible for AOS every year rather than every other year. The funds will be used to support operations for the LimeLights so that we can keep the program growing given the challenges that we're facing during the pandemic. In addition, the Opera House is now eligible for this grant program every year, rather than every other year.
• $3,000 grant from Arts Midwest (administered through IAC) from the federal CARES Act funds.
• $9,500 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation which will be used for the conversion of the costume room to classroom space.
“To have the confidence and strong support of these funders is phenomenal during these trying times,” said Porter County Commissioner Laura Blaney. “It directly speaks to the strength and skills of Director Scot MacDonald and the amazing management team at Memorial Opera House.”
The Opera House has also formed a new partnership with BAM Theatricals to offer virtual youth theatre programs beginning later this month. These online courses offer students from all over the country the chance to participate in classes taught by extremely qualified instructors who have participated in national tours and Broadway productions. There are choices ranging from Master Classes to virtual show choirs. Tuition for these courses will be split 60/40 between BAM Theatricals and the Opera House.
“This is a great opportunity to form a partnership beyond our immediate geographic region and offer our LimeLights students the chance to learn from a wide range of theatre professionals,” said MacDonald. “There's absolutely no cost to us, other than the time it takes to send out the program links to our Limelights students and their parents.”
“Keeping this historic landmark and cultural beacon alive has always been a priority,” added Blaney. “These achievements are another step forward in assuring the stability of the Opera House when conditions permit their reopening.”