The Williamston Theatre has received one of the National Theatre Company grants from the American Theatre Wing.
This kind of national recognition, according to Emily Sutton-Smith, gives the theatre the leverage it needs to apply for other grants. It compares them to theaters across the country and shows, “They think we are furthering the art form.”
While the theatre is a non-profit, it does pay all its employees, and the number of employees can sometimes be up to 75 in one season. These jobs, while not permanent, allow the actors, directors, designers, etc, to stay in the state. “We are creating an environment that supports a lifestyle…” says Sutton-Smith, “it allows them to cobble together a living and stay in the area.” The theatre relies on fundraising, and grants like this, to help them cover the expenses that keep the theatre up and running.
The founders of the theatre, of which Sutton-Smith is one, have made huge sacrifices and receiving this grant validates those sacrifices. The theatre is continually contributing to the community by creating jobs and bringing in people and businesses. “80 percent of the people that come to the the theatre don’t live in Williamston,” says Sutton-Smith.
The Williamston Theatre is only one of twelve theaters across the country to receive the grant.
Source: Emily Sutton-Smith, Williamston Theatre
Author: Allison Monroe, Innovation News Editor
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