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Depot Theatre awarded more than $40,000 in grant support

Westport, N.Y. — The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York, has been recently awarded grants for technology improvements and expanded education programs. 

Technology Improvements

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has awarded the Depot Theatre a $25,000 capital projects grant for a new scenic projection system.

Scenic projection design technology is becoming more prevalent on Broadway, on the road, and in regional theaters nationwide. In short: it allows the ability to project images on the stage and to present changing scenery and truly mixed media productions combining live performances with filmed sequences. The system will largely eliminate the time and costs associated with building entirely physical sets while transforming the stage in more creative and exciting ways.

For the Depot Theatre, adding this technology presents a number of financial benefits: savings in personnel, time, materials, and storage space costs. It also provides an opportunity for the theatre’s scenic designers to implement more elaborate designs. In addition, this contemporary technology will be a great tool for teaching artists to include in training for Academy program participants who are interested in theatre technology careers.

“We’re grateful to NYSCA for this vital support,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre’s Executive Director. “The projector system will not only enhance the quality and variety of the live theatre experience we can provide for our audiences but will be a sustainable solution to a number of capacity challenges that plague our small professional theatre.”

“The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” Governor Hochul said. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand the accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism, and creating jobs all across New York State.”

The system will be purchased and staff training will occur in 2024 so that it can be used for the 2025 season.

Expanded Education Programs

The Charles R. Wood Foundation has awarded the Depot $15,000, and the Essex County Arts Council has awarded $750 in support of the Depot’s expanded Academy outreach and education program.

The Depot Theatre Academy has implemented expanded programming in 2024, beginning with the addition of an opportunity for experienced student artists ages 13 and older enrolled in school, inclusive of home school and college. The program features the same process that professional artists experience on the main stage, with competitive auditions and demanding rehearsals, culminating in performances of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE on the Depot Theatre’s main stage June 7-9.

Expanded 2024 Academy Summer programming also includes a new program for 5-8-year-olds who are new to theatre from July 15-19 at the BVCS Mountain View Campus. The Depot will also host its three-week program for ages 8-18, culminating in three performances of SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. on August 2-4 at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.

The grant will support the Depot’s ability to offer scholarships for the summer programs as well as attendance at the annual New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) conference — an opportunity that is pivotal to the growth of young artists as they decide on their future careers. The Academy also seeks to increase participation by school districts in its Arts In Education programs during the school year.

Over the past five years, the Charles R. Wood Foundation has awarded nearly $10.2 million dollars to charitable organizations in the Capital Region, North Country, and western Vermont. “We are so pleased to be able to support so many worthwhile projects. From small community soup kitchens to the larger capital projects, we are committed to investing in children, healthcare, and the arts in our geographical focus area,” said Charlene Wood, Chair and Trustee.

The Essex County Arts Council administers the Cultural Assistance Program (CAP) Grants, which are funded by Essex County and the Essex County Board of Supervisors.

“We are extremely appreciative of the continued commitment from the Essex County Arts Council, and for the generous support of the Charles R. Wood Foundation,” said Ginene Mason, Depot Theatre’s Director of Outreach and Education. “This funding will allow us to expand the reach of our summer programming, and our year-round Arts In Education programs, effectively introducing the arts to North Country students that are historically underserved.”

For more information about the Depot Theatre and the Academy program visit DepotTheatre.org.

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ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Depot Theatre’s 2024 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council. The Depot Theatre 2024 Season is sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation.

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage. The Depot Theatre 2024 Academy summer program is sponsored by the TrailNorth Federal Credit Union. The Academy is underwritten by the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $127 million in FY 2024, serving over 2,000 arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

ABOUT THE CHARLES R. WOOD FOUNDATION

The Charles R. Wood Foundation was founded in 1978 with its mission to provide assistance to areas of special need in the Lake George Region and surrounding areas. Not-for-profit organizations with an emphasis on programs for children, healthcare, and the arts are the beneficiaries of Mr. Wood’s generosity. A Board of Trustees oversees the Foundation with a goal to preserve the mission established by Charles R. Wood.

ABOUT THE ESSEX COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

The Essex County Arts Council is a 501c3 non-profit organization serving Essex County in the beautiful Adirondack region of upstate New York.

Essex County Arts Council promotes and advocates a vibrant culture for the arts through an effective county-wide system to proactively connect organizations, artists, and students with full-time and seasonal residents and visitors.

Depot Theatre awarded grants for facility and technology improvements

The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY has been awarded several grants in support of facility and technology improvements.

The Charles R. Wood Foundation has awarded the Depot a grant of $16,000, and the J.M. McDonald Foundation awarded a grant of $5,000 toward the Depot Theatre Historic Property Exterior Painting Project.

This grant funding will be used toward painting the exterior of the historic Depot Theatre train station, which is owned by the Town of Westport and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Depot Theatre building is not only home to the Adirondacks’ only professional Equity theatre, but it serves as an information hub for travelers and residents, and a working train station that, in non-pandemic times, welcomes Amtrak passengers traveling to and from the Lake Champlain and High Peaks regions year round.

”We’re grateful to the Depot Theatre for being dedicated stewards and securing funding for this iconic structure,” said Ike Tyler, Town of Westport Supervisor. “It is important that we maintain and preserve this vital facility, which has such a direct cultural and economic impact on the community and greater Adirondack region.”

The Depot was also awarded a grant of $2,000 for the Depot Theatre’s Virtual Streaming Technology Initiative from the Adirondack Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs Fund.

The Adirondack Foundation grant funding will be used toward the purchase of vital, updated camera equipment for archiving main stage performances and producing educational resources for the Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program.

“Preservation and improvement of the train station and updated technological equipment are both integral parts of the theatre’s strategic master facilities and technology plan,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “We are grateful to these Foundations for their vital support of these initiatives.”

The Depot Theatre’s 2021 main stage season begins on July 1. Tickets and more information about the organization are available online at www.DepotTheatre.org.

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About Charles R. Wood Foundation
The Charles R. Wood Foundation was founded in 1978 with its mission to provide assistance to areas of special need in the Lake George Region and surrounding areas. Not-for-profit organizations with an emphasis on programs for children, healthcare and the arts are the beneficiaries of Mr. Wood’s generosity. A Board of Trustees oversees the Foundation with a goal to preserve the mission established by Charles R. Wood. http://charlesrwoodfoundation.com

About J.M. McDonald Foundation
In the spring of 1952, J.M. McDonald established the J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. This is a trust whose income is to be used as donations to deserving charities. Primary interests of the Foundation are education, humanities, health, and a variety of social and human services.

As of the year 2014, 62 years after its inception, the J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. has grown many times over and is active in awarding grants primarily in upstate New York. Thanks to the foresight of J.M. McDonald, Sr., the Foundation will continue the charitable example he modeled years ago. https://www.jmmcdonaldfoundation.org/

About Adirondack Foundation
Support for this work is from Adirondack Foundation – the community foundation serving the Adirondack Region working to enhance the lives of the people in the Adirondacks through philanthropy. Adirondack Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs Fund (SUN) is a responsive granting resource that can be deployed to assist Adirondack communities and nonprofits during times of crisis. It can also be deployed to help organizations leverage additional resources to help them rise to the next level, deepen partnerships, or take advantage of extraordinary opportunities or trainings that fall outside of your budget and would otherwise be out of reach.To learn more, visit adirondackfoundation.org.

About The Depot Theatre
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by Essex County Arts Council. www.DepotTheatre.org

Depot Theatre Launches Capital Campaign for Enhanced Audience Amenities

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Professional theatre to add new seating and carpeting upgrades

to historic train station venue

The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce the launch of a new capital campaign to upgrade audience seating in its historic 1876 train station theatre.

The new seats, upholstered with 100% recycled fabric, will replace the existing 60+ year-old seats which are difficult to maintain and for which replacement parts are obsolete. Dedicated wheelchair accessible seats with companion seating are part of the upgrade, as well as LED aisle lighting. Additionally, new commercial grade tile carpeting will be installed throughout the seating area. Plans are underway to install the new seats by the opening of the 2017 summer season.

The Depot Theatre, located in Westport on Lake Champlain, is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing professional theatrical arts in the Adirondacks.

The launch of the campaign is an important requirement to the recently awarded matching gift grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Charles R. Wood Foundation to improve infrastructure which will enhance the patron and artist experience.

“We’ve been receiving huge rounds of audience applause since first mentioning this at the start of our new season!” said David Howson, President of the theatre’s Board of Trustees. “We’re excited about formally launching this campaign and are aiming for a sold out show of seats by the end of the campaign.”

Each new seat can be sponsored by contributing $500 per seat, which includes a personalized name plate on the seat, as well as choice of seat (on a first come, first serve basis).

Recognition on Front Row seats has been especially reserved for donors wishing to contribute $1,000+ per seat.

All contributions of $250+ will provide recognition to the campaign on permanent display, and all contributors will be recognized in the theatre’s programs for the coming 3 years.

“Put your name permanently on a seat, or in honor of a family member or friend!” said Lawrence Masle, Board of Trustee Member and Chair of the Capital Campaign. “This limited time opportunity is a very unique way to further ensure the long term viability of professional theatre in the Adirondacks.”

The campaign has literally just kicked off, and donors are already making contributions and choosing seats with their names on them. For further information, direct online contributions, and the latest about the 2016 season, please visit www.depottheatre.org.

ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2016 Season, its 38th, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.

DEPOT THEATRE INC. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Maureen Carlo, Jim Carroll, Alisa Endsley, Beth Glover (secretary), David Howson (president), Lawrence Masle, Amy McNamara (vice president), Diana McGuigan, Cheri Phillips, Kathy Recchia, Kimberly Rielly (treasurer) and Shirley Bacot-Shamel.

DEPOT THEATRE INC. ADVISORY COUNCIL

Bobbi Atz, Linda Beane, Bonnie Brewer, Randy Buck, George Davis (honorary chair), Howard Fish, Jonathan Hadley, John Klipper, Karen Lewis, Michael McDonald, Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, Libby Pataki, Jane Preston, Annie Scavo, Sally Struthers

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Depot Theatre Receives Grants for Theatre Improvements

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Depot Theatre, Westport, NY

The Depot Theatre, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing professional theatrical arts in the Adirondacks, has received grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Charles R. Wood Foundation to improve infrastructure which will enhance the patron and artist experience.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has awarded the Depot with a matching-grant of $16,653 to replace audience seating and carpeting in the 140 year-old building. The new seats will replace the existing 60+ year-old seats which are difficult to maintain and for which replacement parts are obsolete. New commercial grade tile carpeting will be installed throughout the seating area, as well.

“While there is a nostalgic fondness for the existing seating, we believe our patrons deserve to experience professional theatre in modern comfort. And, NYSCA agrees!” said David Howson, president of the theatre’s Board of Trustees.

The matching-grant, which is in addition to $6,000 in annual operating support from NYSCA, will also provide for dedicated accessible and companion seating sections for patrons with disabilities. The theatre will begin a campaign this summer to raise the matching funds and installation of the new seats is anticipated to be completed before the opening of the theatre’s 39th season in 2017.

“I have no doubt these new seats will be put to very good use,” said Senator Betty Little, a member of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee. “We’re fortunate to have some really unique cultural assets in the North Country, including the Depot Theatre in Westport. I am grateful the New York State Council on the Arts is offering financial support to ensure this theatre remains the jewel it is so that it may be enjoyed by area residents and tourists in the years ahead.”

The Charles R. Wood Foundation has awarded the Depot Theatre with a grant of $11,000 for stage technology improvements including new lighting and sound equipment. “Though our historic venue was built in 1876, today’s theatre artists and stage technicians need state-of-the-art sound and lighting,” said Kevin Cochran, Producing Director. “I’m thrilled that the Charles R. Wood Foundation can make these upgrades possible for us.”

Located in the historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., the Depot Theatre operates under an agreement with the Town of Westport to lease the property as a theatre and art gallery. “Over the years, the Board of Trustees and staff of the Depot Theatre have been tremendous stewards of the train station,” said Ike Tyler, supervisor of the Town of Westport. “We are fortunate to have such partners who are dedicated to the preservation of both this historic building and one of the greatest arts institutions in the entire region.”

The Trustees and Staff of the theatre are grateful to NYSCA and the Charles R. Wood Foundation for their support. For more information about the Depot Theatre and the 2016 season, visit depottheatre.org.

ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2016 Season, its 38th, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.

DEPOT THEATRE INC. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Maureen Carlo, Jim Carroll, Alisa Endsley, Beth Glover (secretary), David Howson (president), Lawrence Masle, Amy McNamara (vice president), Diana McGuigan, Cheri Phillips, Kathy Recchia, Kimberly Rielly (treasurer) and Shirley Bacot-Shamel.

DEPOT THEATRE INC. ADVISORY COUNCIL

Bobbi Atz, Linda Beane, Bonnie Brewer, Randy Buck, George Davis (honorary chair), Howard Fish, Jonathan Hadley, John Klipper, Karen Lewis, Michael McDonald, Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, Libby Pataki, Jane Preston, Annie Scavo, Sally Struthers and Michael Thomas.

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Our Mission & Vision

Mission: The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

Vision: The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.

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The Depot Theatre receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

With special thanks to the following for their support of the Depot’s ongoing strategic objectives: Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, Cloudsplitter Foundation, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Adirondack Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Rogers Carroll Family Foundation, Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

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