2nd Story Theatre Announces Major Grant Award from The Champlin Foundations

2nd Story Theatre is honored to announce that it has been awarded a $125,000 grant from The Champlin Foundations to assist in the restoration of The Liberty Street School, acquired by the theatre in 2013 for use as a set building workshop and rehearsal studios.

Lynne Collinson, 2nd Story's Executive Director, stated that the funds would be used to gain control over variable utility costs at the 1847 building, purported to be the first public high school in the State, by replacing eighty-seven 1960's era windows, restoring exterior doors and insulating the roof. In acknowledging the grant, Ms. Collinson said, "This significant support from The Champlin Foundations allows 2nd Story to expand its footprint in the East Bay community while remaining focused on its goal to increase the number of people served rather than raise ticket prices."

Artistic Director Ed Shea added "Funding from The Champlin Foundations, along with individual donations, has made it possible for 2nd Story to honor its commitment to the Town of Warren by restoring the exterior of two prominent buildings in the Town's Voluntary Historic District. Preserving these local landmarks will continue to have a positive impact on all of the Town's citizens, whether they attend the theatre or not."

ABOUT 2nd STORY THEATRE: 2nd Story Theatre is a professional, non-union company with a unique aesthetic and the highest standards for artistic excellence. 2nd Story's facility at 28 Market Street, Warren, RI houses two performance venues: UpStage - a 150 seat proscenium-style theatre, and DownStage - an intimate 70-seat second space.

Founded in Newport, Rhode Island in 1978, 2nd Story established a permanent home in the historic district of Warren, RI in 2001 under the leadership of Artistic Director Ed Shea and Executive Director LynneCollinson.

2nd Story Theatre is a fully accessible venue.

Funding for 2nd Story Theatre is provided in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and private funders.

To post a comment, you must register and login.