American Savings Foundation Grant Awarded To Palace Theater

The Palace Theater in Waterbury is pleased to announce that the American Savings Foundation has awarded the not-for-profit performing arts center a $13,800 grant in support of an afterschool language arts and theater appreciation program titled Raising the Bar - Changing Perceptions, based on the Broadway hit musical Legally Blonde.

Beginning in January, the six-week after school workshop series Raising the Bar - Changing Perceptions, based on the Broadway musical Legally Blonde, will provide 20 middle and high school students an interactive performing arts experience facilitated by professional teaching artists, industry professionals, and performers. The program, which will encompass Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning Skills, will explore concepts of self-perception, conventions, and breaking boundaries. Using Legally Blonde's themes of positivity, being true to oneself and finding one's passion as a starting point for exploration, the program will empower students to challenge stereotypes and overcome negative perceptions through creative expression and critical analysis. The program includes a matinee performance of Legally Blonde, a Talk Back with cast members and a backstage tour.

Participants will also read and discuss excerpts from Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly. This insightful non-fiction book presents the lives of three women who challenged assumptions of gender, race, and educational norms in their personal and professional lives.

Presentations from professionals in a variety of fields who have raised the bar in their own careers are also planned, to encourage participants to set high expectations for themselves in their own lives, careers and communities. A central theme of Legally Blonde is making positive changes, and the students will be challenged to see how they can "raise the bar" for themselves.

The program will culminate with a celebration for students, their families, and instructors. The students will share social, artistic, musical projects, and findings from the program, as well as receive their Certificates of Completion from the program.

Schools and students from the Greater Waterbury area interested in participating in this program are encouraged to contact Peggy Terhune, Palace Communications Associate, at 203-346-2014 or terhun@palacetheaterct.org. There is no fee to students to participate. A limited number of slots are available.