Owen Sound Little Theatre announces today that they have been awarded a $135,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This grant will be paid over 12 months, and will assist OSLT in rebuilding and recovering from impacts of COVID-19 by purchasing technological equipment to create virtual content, continuing the development of local Youth Theatre, preparing the theatre and training volunteers for re-opening and upgrading theatre facilities to create a safer experience for the community.
The Roxy, home of Owen Sound Little Theatre, has been closed since March 13, 2020. Roxy@Home presented several virtual programs from early December 2020 through January 2021, and has more endeavors planned. This grant allows acquisition of equipment that will facilitate the addition of live and video streaming capabilities to expand our presence beyond the Roxy stage to screens in the community and beyond.
“The cameras, training, and equipment funded by this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will enable us to connect with our community and audience while providing our volunteer members of all ages, including our growing youth theatre program, with opportunities to perform and create,” said Marcia Cunningham, Executive Director.
In addition, The Roxy will use these funds for needed upgrades. “The investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation comes at the pivotal time for us. The theatre is currently closed, so we can focus on the much-needed renovations and additions to our facility. We can now install plexiglass to allow for social distancing, install hand sanitizing stations and replace the bathroom fixtures with touchless fixtures, providing safety and peace of mind for our staff, volunteer and patrons,” said Cathie Locke, president of OSLT.
Local MPP, Bill Walker was unavailable for comment.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Over $100 million each year is invested in community-based initiatives that improve the lives of people living in Ontario.
source: media release, Owen Sound Little Theatre
