Pen Players Receives Increased WAB Grant

Photo by Len Villano.

Fish Creek’s Peninsula Players Theatre has received a matching grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) in the amount of $22,583 – an increase of 17 percent from what was awarded to the theater last year through the WAB’s Creation & Presentation program.

The Players ranked among the highest-scoring applicants for these state grants, which are awarded on a competitive basis through a rigorous evaluation process. Panelists cited the 74-year-old theater’s long-term financial health, increasing attendance, and its range of programming and creative efforts.

2008 was a record year for Peninsula Players, with more than 40,000 patrons attending the five productions at its 16-acre setting throughout the summer and fall. Another 4,000 attended a range of free community outreach programs including theater tours, seminars, school programs and the Players’ signature winter program, “The Big Read Door County.”

The grant funds received will support the Players’ continued development and presentation of outstanding theatrical productions and community programs as the theater prepares for its historic 75th Anniversary Season in 2010.

“It’s nice to see that panelists across the state recognize the quality of this Door County icon,” said State Representative Garey Bies. “I’m pleased that this grant helps Peninsula Players continue to produce quality entertainment for Door County residents and visitors.”

Peninsula Players’ allocations from the Wisconsin Arts Board have increased to record levels the last two years as the Arts Board revised its grant-making programs to better reflect its goals to nurture creativity, cultivate expression, promote the arts, support the arts in education, stimulate community and economic development and serve as a resource for people of every culture and heritage in Wisconsin’s communities.