Monsanto Fund Grants The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company $25,000

Young audiences throughout Missouri and Illinois will get their first taste of live theatre thanks to support from the Monsanto Fund.

The Monsanto Fund awarded The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis a grant of $25,000 to support its Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC), which brings professional theatrical performances to schools and community venues throughout the bi-state area.

"With support from the Monsanto Fund, ITC combines art and literature to invite young audiences to the wonder, joy, poetry, wit, drama and excitement that only live theatre can bring," said Marsha Coplon, The Rep's Director of Education. "The performances introduce the audiences to the vital human spirit around them and help create a powerful learning experience."

ITC not only presents top-rate productions, it supports educators through free study guides, as well as interactive theatre workshops in the classroom. Using theatre exercises, students explore the discipline and skills used by actors to create characters and communicate meaning. Live audiences also participate in actor Q&As after performances, learning more about the magic of theatre in the process.

"There's a strong connection between access to the arts and students having a well-rounded education," said Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund program officer. "The Imaginary Theatre Company enriches students' overall academic experience, introduces new audiences in our local communities to live theatre, and it does this in an interactive and engaging way that also provides valuable resources to educators. It's a unique program to which the Monsanto Fund is proud to extend its support."

KDHX reviewer Tina Farmer hailed ITC's December 2016 production of A Gnome for Christmas as "positive and stimulating family entertainment," that was "particularly well suited for introducing children age seven and younger to live theater."

ABOUT THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS
Since 1966, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has been the region's premier live, professional theatre. Member of the League of Resident Theatres. More information available at: www.repstl.org

ABOUT THE MONSANTO FUND
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

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