Cygnet Theatre Receives $10K NEA Grant for SPRING AWAKENING and More

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced that Cygnet Theatre is one of 895 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. The $10,000 grant will support forums, creative marketing and school workshops in conjunction with the electrifying and provocative musical, Spring Awakening.

"The musical features a rock score and looks at rebellious teenagers and the journey they take to self discovery," explained Artistic Director Sean Murray. "This grant and additional matching funds give us an opportunity to address these subjects in a thoughtful way with younger audiences, as well as incorporate marketing strategies that resonate with that generation."

Specific outreach and educational events include a forum with composer Duncan Sheik, in-school educational programs and a special dramaturgy forum on the history of the play. Additionally, the grant will support younger audience engagement through a social media night specially targeted to CygNext members - Cygnet's 30 and under club.

This is the third National Endowment for the Arts grant awarded to Cygnet Theatre. Past grants were in support of productions of Parade and Gem of the Ocean.

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."

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.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, visit the NEA website at arts.gov.

ABOUT CYGNET THEATRE: Eleven years ago, when Cygnet Theatre opened the doors in a strip mall near La Mesa with the premiere of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, they were announcing the birth of an unconventional, exciting, and fresh New Theatre Company in San Diego. Since that opening night, Cygnet Theatre has grown into one of San Diego's largest theatre companies and has become known for producing adventurous, entertaining and thought-provoking live professional theatre year round. At the recently renovated, state-of-the-art Old Town Theatre in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Cygnet presents at least six main stage productions annually, ranging from classics and musicals to contemporary works that celebrate the human story. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Sean Murray and Executive Director Bill Schmidt, Cygnet has won more than 100 local awards for artistic excellence, including Theatre of the Year, Producer of the Year and multiple Best Production awards. Cygnet has been the recipient of grants from the National Endowment of the Arts and The James Irvine Foundation, among many others. In addition, Cygnet Theatre is committed to education outreach, new play development and community collaborations.For more information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

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