Stage Right in Greensburg distributes $30,000 in scholarships and financial aid to its students each year.
About a third of a $175,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation in Pittsburgh will help the nonprofit theater company continue supporting students of all socioeconomic backgrounds, Executive Director Anastasia Robinson said.
Stage Right works with local school districts to identify recipients for scholarships to its annual summer camp, which typically costs $600, Robinson said. Financial aid is also available to students who need help paying for classes, workshops or private lessons.
“I think that it’s just really important to give those kids the opportunity to experience live theater in a really supportive and welcoming environment,” Robinson said. “We can help hone their skills if they want to go into theater, but I think it also helps just in life in general with communication, working together, public speaking and cooperation.”
Stage Right works with about 300 students and performs five or six productions per year. Its professional company performs two or three shows per year, Robinson said.