ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Virginia Children’s Theatre is putting on an emergency fundraising campaign to support youth productions in the arts.
Virginia Children’s Theatre (VCT) remains one of the only professional theatres in the state solely dedicated to youth, schools, and their families.
VCT is a nonprofit organization that offers many different programs to the community.
Economically disadvantaged students in the Roanoke Valley have been able to perform for the past 15 years through VCT efforts. The theatre also holds a tuition-free summer camp for young people with special needs.
Some productions by VCT performers have toured around the region, teaching fellow middle and high school students about health and social issues.
All of these efforts have made an impact on the community, especially during the pandemic.
“For 15 years Virginia Children’s Theatre has been dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and transforming the lives of the theatre makers and audiences of tomorrow,” said VCT Managing Director Jeanne Bollendorf.
The theatre was able to continue programming during COVID-19 through outdoor and online events. While provided students and families with a much-needed sense of normalcy, it also put the theatre in a great deal of debt.
The current financial state of VCT will prevent future programming and productions from happening if they do not receive funding soon.
“We want to be transparent about our current situation, but we cannot forge this next path alone. This is a heartfelt plea to the public: we are in need of your help and financial support in order to continue serving area youth. We must raise the necessary funds to go forward. Please consider making a gift to VCT to help us retire this debt. The time is now,” said Bollendorf.
You can donate to VCT by clicking here.
