Eight local arts groups receive state grants; Reading Civic Theatre announces auditions [Spotlight]
Dec. 24—Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Financing Authority on Wednesday approved $405,809 in PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program grant funding for eight Berks County organizations.
The Pennsylvania legislature created PACR to provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts and arts and culture professionals to ensure the stability and recovery of the commonwealth's arts and culture sector from the COVID-19 pandemic using federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
"Supporting local arts and culture is an investment in creativity and an investment in the heart and soul of Berks County," state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said. "We are blessed to live in an area populated with so many talented folks that add character, beauty, and entertainment to our community. With today's funding announcement, Pennsylvania is ensuring that our arts and culture sector thrives for years to come."
The award recipients and funding totals are as follows:
Berks Art Council — $187,715 from two grants: $132,000 to distribute pandemic recovery payments to arts and culture professionals as the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts regranting organization for Region 7 that includes Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill Counties, and an additional $55,715 for operating costs and establishing new programs for the Arts Organization located in the city of Reading.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts — $56,258 to establish new outreach and marketing programs.
Foundation for the Reading Public Museum — $40,000 to establish new programs and marketing.
Reading Symphony Orchestra — $37,929 for operating costs.
Yocum Institute for Arts Education — $36,668 for operating expenses for the arts organization in Spring Township.
Reading Musical Foundation — $23,688 for operating expenses.
Barrio Alegria — $13,551 for operating expenses for the performing arts organization located in Reading.
Berks Youth Chorus — $10,000 for operating and marketing expenses for the arts organization located in the Reading.
"I am excited about these grants," said State Rep. Manuel Guzman (D-Berks). "This funding ratifies my commitment to the city's local art setting. I praise these investments because they will help cover operating costs and support our artists. The arts are necessary in our lives not only as an opportunity to distract ourselves or help us reflect and express, but arts are also a great catalyst for change."
State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks), said: "I am excited to see these important arts institutions in our community to receive state support. I am proud to have secured this funding that will be used to boost current programs and support much-needed operating expenses. I will continue advocating for the awarded organizations to help further advance and uplift their invaluable work in our community."
Theater
Reading Civic Theatre has announced auditions for "Cinderella" and "Wizard of Oz," the first two shows of its 2024 season.
Auditions for "Cinderella" will be held Jan. 16-18. Visit readingcivic.org for more detailed audition information after the new year. For specific questions, email the director, Jeannette DeAngelo, at jmbway@aol.com.
"Wizard of Oz" auditions are set for March 9-10 and March 17, with adult individual vocal auditions on March 9 from noon to 8 p.m.; adult dance auditions on March 10 from noon to 3 p.m.; callbacks for vocals and reading on March 10 from 3 to 6 p.m.; dance auditions for children March 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and vocal auditions for children on March 17 from 2 p.m. until completed. To sign up, visit readingcivic.org.
If you are unavailable for those dates, email director Brandon Kegerize at Brandon.kegerize@gmail.com.
Munchkin auditions are for children 7-12. No sign up is needed; just show up prepared to start with dance and then learn the song for vocal auditions.
Age ranges for lead roles are Dorothy, 16 and older; Glinda, 40 and older; The Wizard, 40 and older; Tin Man, 18 and older; Scarecrow, 18 and older; Lion, 18 and older.
Materials and audition tracks will be posted at readingcivic.org at the start of the new year.
