The Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts (PTPA) received a $5,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to pay for the licensing rights for at least two of its community theatre shows this season. The grant funding will allow the organization to use the money it receives from ticket sales for the maintenance of its building.
PTPA, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, has performed more than 250 musicals, dramas, comedies, and children's shows since its founding. The volunteer organization is dedicated to offering local citizens a fulfilling cultural experience through its theatre productions.
PTPA performs as many as 10 productions a year, ranging from classic Broadway musicals to contemporary dramas, and conducts two intensive children's theatre workshops every year. Its productions have won dozens of Northeastern Pennsylvania Theatrical Alliance awards and even a statewide Alliance of Community Theaters award.
Jane Dougherty, PTPA's Director of Fundraising, said PTPA is committed to providing quality theatre productions for the community and remaining a presence in Downtown Hazleton.
“The performing arts are about being creative and without a creative voice, a community will not be a healthy one. The importance of having people in society who can express themselves creatively is without doubt. The theatre, dance, and other performing arts teach people how to express themselves effectively. Our ticket sales support much of our program, but we struggle to maintain our building, and the costs associated with each play, such as licensing fees and costumes, are high. We are grateful for the support of organizations like the First Federal Charitable Foundation because they help us to remain an integral part of the Greater Hazleton community.”
Megan Kennedy, executive director of the First Federal Charitable Foundation said, “For many years, the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts has provided a venue, not only for adults but for children as well to take part in the performing arts. At the same time the PTPA has created shows for people from our communities to attend. Many people believe the PTPA can just put on any show they want but in fact they have to pay for the performance rights for the shows.”
The First Federal Charitable Foundation was established to support worthwhile community causes. It strives to nurture nonprofit institutions and programs that will effectively serve those in need from the community, empower nonprofit institutions and programs that will expand their presence in and services to the area, and promote opportunities for new nonprofit institutions and programs that will serve the unserved.
Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation located in Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon and Columbia counties are eligible to apply. Any organization whose headquarters is in another county but services either Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon or Columbia counties may apply for a grant to be used in one of those counties.
For more information on the foundation or to obtain a grant application, visit www.1stfederalcharitable.org or email
CAPTION: The Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts (PTPA) received a $5,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to pay for the licensing rights for at least two of its community theatre shows this season. In this file photo, cast members perform in the production of Legally Blonde.