Williamston Theatre Awarded Grants from MCACA and Capital Region Community Foundation

The Williamston Theatre has been awarded two grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), and one grant from the Capital Region Community Foundation.

"This is very exciting news," said Williamston Theatre's Executive Director John Lepard. "This funding will provide support for our programming, as well as help us complete some capital improvements to our theatre space. Although these funds make up just a small percentage of our overall budget, every bit of support helps us to keep our doors open and work to preserve and present the unique voice of the Midwest in our work."

The first grant awarded to the Williamston Theatre by the MCACA will support the general operations of the Williamston Theatre for the remainder of the 2012-2013 Season. The Theatre will mount a total of six productions in the Season and expects to draw over 10,000 patrons to the downtown Williamston area.

The second grant awarded will help the Theatre to complete its 2013 Capital Improvement projects. With matching funds from the Capital Region Community Foundation and the Williamston Sunrise Rotary, the Theatre will work with local contractors on a two-phased plan to enhance production capabilities, as well as to the patron experience in the Theatre. Private donations from individuals have also helped the Theatre to meet their Capital Improvement needs for 2013.

Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars. Local business support of the Williamston Theatre 2012-2013 Season includes Cardinal Fabricating, the Williamston True Value Hardware store and ASAP Printing. The Williamston Theatre also receives private donations and significant volunteer support from the community.

The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 401 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2013 funding. The MCACA approved $5,675,400 in the form of 312 grants to nonprofit arts organizations, educational institutions and municipalities in 47 counties to support their efforts to produce high quality arts programming. The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MCACA at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MCACA website at www.michiganadvantage.org/arts.

The mission of the Capital Region Community Foundation is to serve the charitable needs and enhance the quality of life in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. The Foundation serves and seeks out a wide range of donors to build permanent endowments that are used to meet the changing needs and interests of the community. More information about the Foundation, their grant programs or how to support their initiatives is available on their website at crcfoundation.org or by calling (517) 272-2870.

The Williamston Sunrise Rotary's objective is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. More information on the club's meetings, projects and grants can be found online at williamstonrotary.org.

The Williamston Theatre will kick of 2013 with End Days, this season's collaboration with the MSU Department of Theatre and a co-production with the Jewish Ensemble Theatre. Additional information is available on the Theatre's website at www.williamstontheatre.org or by calling (517) 655-7469.

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