$500 Grant Awarded by ABQ Theatre Guild to Rio Grande Players

The Albuquerque Theatre Guild (ATG) has awarded a $500 grant to the Rio Grande Players (RGP) as part of a pilot program to fund member-generated projects. The grant will to help defray the cost of purchasing portable sound-amplification equipment to enable the group to take its free productions to more venues that do not have sound systems.

“The program encourages ATG members – both theatre groups and individual practitioners – to apply for assistance with creative projects they might otherwise be unable to realize. There were few restrictions on the types of projects that could be considered, beyond a stipulation that the projects ‘must enhance the state of live theatre’ in the Albuquerque area,” says Ray Orley, Selection Committee Chair. “Grants could be requested for up to $1200, plus possible non-financial assistance.”

RGP presents several productions each year of radio scripts (chiefly comedies and mysteries) from the “Golden Age of Radio” in the 1940s and '50s. Prior to each public, paying production, RGP presents the show to two senior centers or assisted-living facilities, at no charge to the venues or the audience members. Many senior audience members require sound amplification, and RGP has been limited to taking its free performances to facilities that have their own sound systems.

“The selection committee felt that this project makes a laudable effort to extend the reach of live theatre to an underserved audience that often is also unable to travel to see live theatre,” continues Orley. “Also, we think the grants program can provide an important way for ATG to ‘give back’ to its members, both organizational and individual, with thanks for their continuing support of ATG.”