Inaugural Director's Grant Award

We had the honor and privilege of awarding the very first Director's Grant from the Mark W. Foreman Foundation for the Performing Arts tonight!! Bill Kershner, upcoming director for Commerce Street Theatre's production of Steel Magnolias, was the chosen recipient for these funds and we are extremely thrilled for him. Bill stated in his application:

"This play does best with selective realism - everything the actors touch is real. Since it is in a hair salon, I want real hairstyling chairs, blow driers, all the instruments and products that would be found in a hair salon - so lots os props, many of them period... I also want to do a sound score, and to do floor treatment - perhaps an actual period vinyl. We also need high quality wigs for that period southern look. The grant if we should be fortunate to receive it, would help greatly with these things."

This grant is for $1,000, given to a director and earmarked for a particular show he/she is directing. The grant is to be used in addition to the theater's budget so the production can be enhanced, whether it be through props, costumes, set design, a pit orchestra, etc. Mark Foreman often used his own funds to add something to shows he directed. We understand that not everyone can or should be expected to contribute more to their shows than able, and we also understand that community theatres are often volunteer-based with limited funds. This grant is continuing Mark's legacy by doing what we can to make a director's vision come true without breaking the theater's budget.

Our Director's Grant committee is comprised of seven members of the theater community that are not affiliated with any specific theater. The committee reviews the applications and makes a recommendation for the winner, which is voted on by the Board. The independence of this committee is crucial for the integrity of this award, and the recipient of this award was chosen based on his stated needs for the production and the benefits this show will bring to the theater.

The next grant will be awarded by September 30, 2023. Applications are being accepted now and the deadline is August 31, 2023. Visit the application page on our website if you qualify and you could be the next winner!

Congratulations Bill Kershner! Make sure you visit our ticketing page to get your tickets for Steel Magnolias, opening August 18 at Commerce Street Theatre!

"Let's all support each other and help the Lynchburg community theatres thrive."