Shubert Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Trustus Theatre

Trustus Theatre, located in Columbia's Vista, has received a $10,000 grant from the Shubert Foundation for the 2013-14 theatre season. The Foundation provides general operating support for not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies across the nation. The grant award was based on a strong track record of artistic achievement, administrative strength and fiscal responsibility.

Larry Hembree, managing director of Trustus, says "This is a great conclusion to what has been a positive first transitional season for the theatre. This grant award is a great testament to Trustus' strong artistic history and also a belief in a positive future. "

Hembree, along with artistic director Dewey Scott-Wiley, became the new leadership team last September after the retirement of 27 year co-founders Jim and Kay Thigpen.

Scott-Wiley adds, "We are honored to be awarded a grant that recognizes not only the theatre's contribution to professional theatre in the U.S., but also the development of new work, which continues to be a vital part of the mission at Trustus. Being acknowledged by The Shubert Organization in this way is a profound affirmation of our longstanding commitment to producing important new American theatre."

Trustus' Board of Directors purchased its current facility at 520 Lady Street in the Vista, over twenty-five years ago and has consistently served its mission to bring the best of the newest and original plays to an audience craving professional theater in a setting that is comfortable and unique.

Trustus concludes its 28th season with the Fats Waller musical, "Ain't Misbehavin,'" the premiere of this year's Trustus new play winner "Pine" and "Collected Stories," a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Hembree concludes, "As we enter our 29th season, our board and staff is focused on rediscovering where our organization fits into the canvas of our city and state and work toward growing into a regional presence. We are excited about this process."

The Shubert Foundation, Inc. was established in 1945 by Lee and J.J. Shubert in memory of their brother Sam, and is the sole shareholder of The Shubert Organization, Inc., which currently owns and operates 21 theatres: 17 on Broadway, one Off-Broadway theatre (The Little Shubert), and one each in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

For more information about Trustus, visit www.trustus.org.

Pictured: Trustus Marquee. Photo Credit: James Quantz Jr.

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