STAGES St. Louis Receives Grant from Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund generously has awarded STAGES St. Louis a $40,000 grant to support its Urban Arts Initiative (UAI) program. The program, which dovetails on the Monsanto Fund's work to substantially and meaningfully improve people's lives in underserved areas and communities, provides performing arts education to underserved students in the St. Louis area.

This grant will allow STAGES to expand efforts bringing its arts programming to nearly 30 partner schools and community groups, including Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, City Academy, Marian Middle School, Howard Park School, and more. This grant also will provide opportunities for UAI students to participate in Summer Performance Workshops and attend the STAGES Performing Arts Academy production of Annie, Jr. in the spring of 2016. To ensure that all students are given an equal opportunity, UAI students participating in STAGES' Summer Performance Workshops will be eligible for nearly $5,000 in scholarships and transportation options for daily rehearsals by STAGES' Education staff. Without these accommodations, many students would be unable to attend such programs.

"We are very grateful for the generous grant from the Monsanto Fund," said STAGES Executive Producer, Jack Lane. "As many schools continue to cut back on arts programming, it's even more critical for arts organizations to fill that need. This grant will allow STAGES and its UAI program to continue providing students who typically would not have access, with an opportunity to enjoy the invaluable art of Musical Theatre, while honing core skills for both academic and future success."

"Participating in the arts and having increased access to creative opportunities can boost confidence and lead to higher academic achievement," said Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund program officer. "The STAGES St. Louis Urban Arts Initiative has enriched the lives of the students who perform as well as those who enjoy these performances, and the Monsanto Fund is proud to support the program."

Since 2004, STAGES UAI has conducted more than 200 programs ranging from one-hour workshops to full-semester residencies, for free or at reduced cost, to over 3,800 underserved students and community members. Thousands of additional students are reached through public performances at partner sites. These STAGES workshops and residencies introduce underserved students to the magic of Musical Theatre and the empowering potential of an arts experience.

STAGES St. Louis is the region's foremost not-for-profit company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2016, STAGES celebrates its 30th year of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting 144 performances from May through October to nearly 50,000 patrons, during its mainstage season.