2008 Grant Proposal Details

Hult Center Visit   Corridor Elementary

Total: $2000

Description:  Corridor School is submitting this grant as our top priority, requesting funding for Hult Center matinees, which are performed only for area students. Two “annual musical” matinees are performed by Corridor students at Hult Center for local elementary school students.

Why is this important?  For many years, about 1,000 students from area schools have filled the two matinees of the annual Corridor Musical at the Hult Center. The cost has been $4.00 per seat. We are requesting grant money due to diminishing resources in public schools and the desire to continue this outreach to our 4J elementary student population.

Who will be served?  Approximately 970 students will benefit from this money, which will go directly to the matinee fees. Students from many schools attend the two matinee performances.

How will this be evaluated?  Offsetting student ticket prices with an EEF grant will enable Corridor to continue to offer matinees for area students. Our success continues to be defined by attendance at our matinees. We now conduct a lottery for seats because the interest exceeds the availability.

Does this build on existing programs?  Corridor has been performing at the Hult Center since 1982. Matinee attendance by area students has been at capacity every year, in fact, we have to turn groups away regularly because the sell out performances are so well received. Through feedback from teachers, we know that the annual production provides a theme around which a wide range of curriculum activities is woven. From thank you letters by students, we know that Corridor performances show other students that theater is an exciting, creative, and possible road for any student to travel. The feedback from audience members also tells us that we are on a very special track-performing students open doors for other students by demonstrating that working together as a team and entertaining in a professional venue are rewarding and worthwhile ways to be involved in school. The matinees are truly of the kids, by the kids, for the kids, and should be accessible to the kids.

Budget:  $2000 will be spent directly on the student ticket costs. As you know, schools are more financially strapped each year, making them less able to provide enriching activities that support the school mission of educating the whole child. We will supplement the $2000 matinee grant with additional funding to guarantee zero cost to matinee audiences. Hult Center matinees costs are approximately $6000 and include hall rental operations, labor, and patron user fees. Last year’s account settlement can be provided upon request. This is Corridor's most important EEF request and the money will be spent on eliminating matinee expenses for school audiences, maximizing student access to this theatrical experience.

Proposal #:  27