Oregon Children's Theatre Awarded NEA Grant

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced Oregon Children's Theatre is one of three Oregon theater companies (and 895 total nonprofit organizations nationwide) to receive an NEA Art Works grant.

NEA Acting Chairman Joan 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."

Oregon Children's Theatre is proud to be among such a stellar group of arts organizations receiving this national recognition, and congratulates its Oregon colleagues similarly recognized. The $10,000 Art Works grant from the NEA will support the commissioning of OCT's upcoming world premiere Zombie in Love, an adaptation of the popular picture book. Of particular note, this is the fifth consecutive year that OCT has received funding from the NEA for new play development-a testament to the NEA's recognition and support of the quality of OCT's work.

New play development is an essential element of OCT's vision. The company is committed to bringing fresh and relevant stories to the stage that will be enjoyed by diverse audiences for years to come. For instance, The Giver, which OCT adapted from Lois Lowry's Newbery Award-winning book, has been produced over 200 times nationally and internationally since OCT first premiered the play in Portland in 2006.

"Receiving financial support from the NEA is critical to sustaining OCT's commitment to new play development," says Ross McKeen, OCT Managing Director. "Equally important is that it signals that OCT's work is recognized and respected nationally."

Oregon Children's Theatre is one of three Portland theater companies receiving grants from National Endowment for the Arts this funding cycle, including: Miracle Theatre Company ($15,000) and Portland Center Stage ($15,000).