Laguna Playhouse Recieves Laguna Beach FOA Foundation Grant

The Laguna Playhouse was recently awarded a 2016 Laguna Beach FOA (Festival of Arts) Foundation Grant of $5,000 to support its year-round, award-winning Youth Education Programs: Youth Theatre, Conservatory and Workshops, according to the Playhouse's Artistic Director Ann Wareham.

"We are extremely pleased to provide this grant, which enables our mission to preserve and promote the fine arts and artistic endeavors in Laguna Beach to be carried out," added Scott Moore, President, Laguna Beach FOA Foundation.

"Laguna Beach FOA Foundation has become an important partner in support of our youth education programs. We are convinced that participation in the arts is necessary and highly beneficial for all youth. Playhouse Youth Programs provide the joy of live theatre based on classic children's literature and innovative, high-quality arts education for youth. Grant support also enables low-income children to participate, it is often their first exposure to live theatre," adds Ms. Wareham.

"Support of our Youth Education Programs helps us provide innovative, high quality arts education for approximately 5,000 youth throughout the year. Arts education improves critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills, while encouraging creativity and stimulating imagination. Theatre training encourages discovery and innovation, offering children a more complete picture of their own identities and an expanded view of the world around them," explains Donna Inglima, Playhouse Director of Youth Programming.

The Laguna Playhouse is widely noted for its Youth Theater, Education and Outreach programs. In 1989, The Youth Theater was recognized as an "Outstanding Children's Theatre" by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, and Donna Inglima was named Arts Educator of the Year in 2009 by Arts OC. The THEATEREACH program, which brings books to life on- stage for elementary school children, was awarded the 'Outstanding Arts Entity Award' by Arts Orange County.