2nd Story Theatre Awarded NEA American Masterpiece Grant

2nd Story Theatre received a $5,000 National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpiece Grant, awarded by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA). The grant supported 2nd Story Theatre's production of the American classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, dramatized by Christopher Sergel.

According to Artistic Director, Ed Shea, "2nd Story's straightforward storytelling style brought Harper Lee's story to life. What, for some, may have been a solitary experience, sitting alone reading the book, became - through the magic of theatre - a communal experience; an opportunity for audiences to collectively experience the material and reflect on its message."

Lynne Collinson, Executive Director, noted that "To Kill a Mockingbird", which ran from November 22, 2009 to January 10, 2010, closed as the highest attended play in our nine year history in Warren. "This master work deserves to be shared from generation to generation, and RISCA support helped keep the production affordable for audiences in the East Bay and statewide."

About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency, supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.

About 2nd Story Theatre

2nd Story Theatre is a professional, non-union company with a unique aesthetic and the highest artistic standards for excellence in the performance of great plays in its relaxed 130 seat black box theatre. Founded in Newport, Rhode Island in 1978 by Pat Hegnauer and Ed Shea, the theatre found a permanent home in the historic district of Warren, RI in 2001 under the artistic direction of Ed Shea. 2nd Story Theatre offers acting classes through its studio arm, the Actorsworkshop.