Ogunquit Playhouse Receives 10K Grant from Bank of America

The Ogunquit Playhouse is the proud recipient of a $10,000 grant from Bank of America to help subsidize performances for school groups and for those served by Maine social service agencies. The income from this grant will fund admission for those who would not otherwise be able to participate, primarily due to financial hardship.

Jerry Bazata (right), Vice President-Senior Client Manager of Bank of America and Patty Hayes (center), Ogunquit Branch Manager presented Executive Artistic Director, Bradford Kenney (left), the award before an audience of 650 students, who attended a recent school performance of Les Misérables. For the first time in its 76-year history, the Ogunquit Playhouse offered special performances for youth school groups in 2008. The grant from Bank of America will not only help bring new audiences to the Playhouse, but hopefully encourage other businesses to support future Playhouse outreach and education efforts.

“We must expand not only funding, but also programs that enrich the Playhouse and our community. Without these social service and education initiatives by Ogunquit Playhouse, these audiences would not have the opportunity to enjoy professional live theatre,” says Brad Kenney, “We are grateful to Bank of America for supporting us through this grant.”

The Ogunquit Playhouse's commitment to education and outreach is based on the understanding that participation in the arts is beneficial not only to the organization but to the community as a whole. With the support of the business community, individuals and other granting organizations the Ogunquit Playhouse’s commitment to reach out and give back to our community will continue to grow.

The Ogunquit Playhouse will close the longest season in its history with Les Misérables on October 12 and the final performances of Disney’s High School Musical Columbus Day Weekend, October 11-13. For a complete list of show times and ticket prices visit us online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org. Tickets and 2009 Season Subscriptions are available online or through the box office at 207-646-5511.

Photo courtesy Ogunquit Playhouse