VALPARAISO —  A grant for $5,600 from Porter County Community Foundation to The Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso makes possible the “Theatre for a New Audience” project conceived by the historic venue’s Artistic Director, Scot MacDonald.  The Memorial Opera House, built in 1893 as a memorial to Civil War veterans, is located at 104 Indiana Avenue in Valparaiso, IN

“The idea to apply for the grant came about six months ago,” explained Memorial Opera House Business Director Michelle Smith.  “We wanted to implement a program benefiting our mission – “spotlighting history, community and the arts” – and this grant makes that program a reality for our 2014 season. It targets underprivileged children and their families.  We have a dress rehearsal Thursday before each new show opens; a complete run through from start to finish.”

The goal of “Theatre For A New Audience” as the name suggests, is to build a new audience for live theater by introducing children to all aspects of the craft — acting, set building, lighting, audio production, etc.  Each evening will include educational insight by following the dress rehearsal performance with a panel discussion and/or workshop by the cast, crew and special invited guests.  These will allow the children to interact, ask questions and even go on stage to experience the thrill of live theatre.