Boulder Ensemble Theatre Receives NEA Art Works Grant to Support AND THE SUN STOOD STILL, March 2014

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced yesterday that the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company received an NEA Art Works grant. BETC is recommended for a $10,000 grant to support the March 2014 world premiere production of Dava Sobel's play And The Sun Stood Still.

The publication of Copernicus' masterpiece, On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres, transformed the history of science and man's understanding of our place in the universe. And the Sun Stood Still is the story of how it almost never happened. This play reveals Nicolas Copernicus' struggles to reconcile the disparate desires of his loved ones and the constraints of his faith, as he challenges the most fundamental beliefs of his time.

BETC is proud and honored to present the world premiere production of this new play from Pulitzer Finalist and award-winning novelist Dava Sobel. The production has also received support from the Sloan Foundation/EST Project, Producing Partners David & Diane Zile, and Premiere Partner Fiske Planetarium.

Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States. Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable experiences for the public to engage with the arts."

"We're so proud to welcome the NEA as the first federal funding agency to support BETC. Their support speaks to the quality of the work we're doing and this particular project demonstrates our commitment to the development and presentation of new American plays," says Stephen Weitz, Producing Ensemble Director.

Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence: public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,528 eligible Art Works applications, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 895 are recommended for grants for a total of $ 23.4 million.