Peninsula Players Theatre is pleased to announce it was awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) through their Creation & Presentation program. Funds from the grant will support the Peninsula Players continued development and presentation of outstanding theatrical productions and community programs as the theater prepares for its 84th season in 2019.
Peninsula Players completed a rigorous evaluation process in which panelists cited positive remarks for the 84-year old theater’s long-term financial health, increasing attendance, range of programming and creative efforts to stimulate community interest. The awarding of this grant indicates the Players programming and community engagement provides the highest level of excellence.
“I am extremely thrilled that this grant will assist Peninsula Players to continue to create high-caliber theater for the people of Door County and its visitors,” said Brian Kelsey, the Peninsula Players managing director. “It is particularly rewarding to see panel members from across the state, Minnesota and Illinois acknowledge the significance of this Door County theatrical gem.”
The Peninsula Players 2019 season opens with “A Trick of the Light,” the world première of a new comedy by Peter Moore. ““I couldn’t be happier seeing a brand new play launched from our stage,” said Greg Vinkler, the Peninsula Players artistic director. “Helping a playwright bring his or her creation into the world is one of the most satisfying things I’ve been able to do at Peninsula Players.”
“George Washington’s Teeth,” a new fast-paced comedy by Mark St. Germain, is another new work making its Midwest première at Peninsula Players. This light romp features a small town historical society trying to save itself by procuring a pair of historical dentures as an attraction.
“We are thrilled audiences beyond Door County and Wisconsin have enjoyed the wonderful new works we’ve produced in the past,” Kelsey said. “Grants such as this one from the Wisconsin Arts Board ensure new and diverse works continue to be added to the national theatrical landscape.”
The 2019 season also includes mystery, romance, music and the warm-hearted, yet riveting true story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a pioneering scientist in the 1890s. Laura Gunderson’s “Silent Sky” captures the essence of being a female scientist during a time when it was considered an illogical place for a woman.
The Wisconsin Arts Board, through its grant programs, helps to ensure that cultural resources like the Peninsula Players Theatre will continue to be integral to the quality of life in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every culture and heritage.
The Wisconsin Arts Board’s grants to arts and community organizations across the state help to make programs available to broad audiences and supports groups which undertake innovative programming, support creativity, artistic quality, community engagement, inspires curiosity as well as audience and patron development.
Arts studies report arts and culture travelers are ideal tourists, staying longer and spending more to seek out authentic cultural experiences. The State of the American Traveler published in October 2017 that 34.5% surveyed traveled specifically to attend a festival or special event in the past 12 months, almost double the percentage for sporting events travelers. American for the Arts reported in 2015 that more and 68% of American adult travelers included a cultural, arts, historic activity or event while traveling 50 miles or more from home.
“Communities which draw cultural tourists experience an additional boost to economic activity and grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and the state of Wisconsin signifies support and growth of the creative industry around the state,” Kelsey said.
Funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board, a state agency, will augment the strong support Peninsula Players receives from the community and visitors through ticket sales, individual contributions and corporate and foundation support. Organizations that receive Arts Board funding are required to match state tax dollars with such additional public and private funds.
Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theatre, produces a five-show season of Broadway-quality comedies, dramas and musicals. Season and group tickets are now on sale for the 2019 season. Single ticket sales begin on March 1. Learn more about Peninsula Players and its 2019 season at www.peninsulaplayers.com.