Phamaly Theatre Company Receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced today that Phamaly Theatre Company is one of 886 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. Phamaly is recommended for a $20,000 grant to support the company's production of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to be held in the Space Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex from July 10-August 10, 2014.

Phamaly chose to revive Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for its 25th anniversary, which it is celebrating this year. Phamaly first performed the musical in 2005 to major critical acclaim. The first collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat blends pop, country, and rock styles in a retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph and his eleven brothers.

NEA Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The NEA is pleased to announce that Phamaly Theatre Company is recommended for an NEA Art Works grant. These NEA-supported projects will not only have a positive impact on local economies, but will also provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the arts, help our communities to become more vibrant, and support our nation's artists as they contribute to our cultural landscape."

Phamaly's Executive Director Chris Silberman said, "We are thrilled to receive this award from the NEA and recognition for the important work Phamaly is doing. The funding that the NEA is providing will enable us to better compensate Phamaly performers with disabilities for their hard work and talent, while providing a highly professional experience and keeping ticket prices affordable and accessible for audiences."

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 enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,515 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $76 million in funding. Of those applications, 886 are recommended for grants for a total of $25.8 million. For acomplete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.

Phamaly Theatre Company (formerly known as the Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League) is now in its 25th anniversary season of professional-scale performances exclusively featuring actors with disabilities (physical, cognitive, and emotional). Its mission is to inspire people to re-envision disability through professional theatre. Phamaly produces plays and musicals throughout the Denver Metro region, in venues such as the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Arvada Center, the Aurora Fox Arts Center, and the Lone Tree Arts Center. The organization additionally has an expanding statewide touring program. This year, Phamaly is serving over 150 performers with disabilities and nearly 20,000 audiences across the state. For more information on Phamaly, visit www.phamaly.org.