The Penn Yan Theatre Company is keeping its youth summer program free of enrollment fees, thanks to a series of generous grants. This year, PYTCo has secured more than $11,000 from three separate funding sources to support its summer production of Seussical Jr.
The first award that the youth program received for this summer’s production was awarded back in October by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes. Through the Keuka Area Fund, program director Dusty Baker was awarded $4,500 toward the operations of the program. Baker also successfully applied for a grant through the Yates County Youth Bureau and the Office of Children and Family Services for an additional $4,500. These two awards will work in tandem to fund a majority of the program’s operations.
“These generous funds will cover the royalties and materials required to put on the show and fund the honorariums we give to our counselors and staff,” said Baker.
More than a dozen high school and college-age students commit dozens of hours to the program. As a thank you, Baker and the Board of Directors give them a small honorarium for their time and commitment. “Without the counselors, camp would not happen,” Baker says. “With more than 50 youth involved, we need eyes on them at all times. Our counselors serve as not only assistants, but mentors and role models.”
The third funding source comes from the Rochester Area Community Foundation and its Arts Education Program. The award of $2,500 will be used for set construction, costumes, props, and hair and makeup supplies. These funds will also be used to provide program participants with a free meal on the six days that the program operates on extended hours.
A fourth pending grant application, if awarded, will be used to fund the purchase of wireless microphone units to help enhance the quality of the production.
The program started on Monday and runs for three weeks at Penn Yan Middle School.
The Summer Youth Program will present Seussical Jr. on July 24, 25, and 26 at Penn Yan Middle School. Tickets are available by clicking here
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
