NEW HOPE, PA — In support of its education program, Bucks County Playhouse announced that $31,500 in funding has been received through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. Six local corporations committed to support the Playhouse’s education program with gifts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
The Playhouse received grants from the following corporations: Fred Beans Family of Dealerships, Waste Management, Brotherston Homecare, Inc., Megawholesale, Inc., Sentex Settlement Services, Inc., and Meridian Bank.
“Our company annually participates in the EITC Program to further our support of the communities where we operate and where our employees and customers live,” said Beth Beans Gilbert, Vice President of the Fred Beans Automotive Group. “We appreciate the opportunity to give back through this program to organizations like the Bucks County Playhouse, which offers truly engaging programming that enriches the lives of area youth through exposure to the arts.”
Administered through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offers tax credits for corporate contributions to the following nonprofit organizations: scholarship organizations (SOs), which provide private school scholarships; educational improvement organizations (EIOs), which support innovative programs in public schools; or prekindergarten scholarship organizations (PKSOs). The Playhouse participates as an educational improvement organization (EIO) —working directly with students and Pennsylvania school districts from around the region to provide innovative arts education programming.
“We are grateful for the support from our EITC partners,” said Michaela Murphy, Director of Education. “Coming out of a disruption in education due to the pandemic, the arts in our schools fill an especially important need in reactivating the creative minds of some of our most vulnerable students. This year’s EITC funding allows us to expand and improve programming for our annual Student Theater Festival, summer Playhouse Youth Company, and partnership in-school residency program Bounce, with the Morrisville School District. Through weekly theater classes, BOUNCE students gain proficiency in self-expression, an awareness of their connection to others, and a greater understanding of their emotional lives.”
Funds from EITC support the expansion and enrichment of Playhouse education programs. The Playhouse Youth Company, comprised of a top-notch ensemble featuring 17 local teen performers in the premiere of a new musical, “ALiEN8”, performed on its historic mainstage. The Bounce Program, a theater-education residency with the Morrisville School District, expanded to serve 137 4th and 7th graders in weekly theater classes. From 20 regional schools, 551 students participated in its 54th Annual Student Theater Festival — the first in-person Festival since 2019.
By providing a creative space for artists, teachers, and students, the education program at Bucks County Playhouse integrates mainstage performances and the classroom — demonstrating that art is education. From pioneering workshops that pair theater professionals and arts educators, to classes and performance opportunities for all ages, Bucks County Playhouse serves the needs of students, teachers, and artists through a wide range of programs that foster community engagement, critical thinking, and a passion for the arts.
“We feel honored to be able to support our local community and are humbled by the acknowledgement. We feel strongly about supporting the youth and having the opportunity to participate in these culturally enriching experiences that the Playhouse has to offer,” said Saumil Ambani, President of Megawholesale, Inc. “We hope our contribution inspires and benefits not only our youth but people of all ages.”
“A contribution to the Playhouse’s education program is a gift to the vibrant cultural canvas of Bucks County. Our education program fosters a love for the arts that will resonate for generations to come as we are committed to enriching the community with accessible artistic opportunities for all ages,” said Adele Adkins, Managing Director at Bucks County Playhouse. “With their EITC gifts, these local businesses have pledged their support of the vast impact the Playhouse’s education program makes. We are immensely grateful for their contributions.”
Approved businesses can convert tax dollars into support for Bucks County Playhouse initiatives by enrolling in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. EITC provides companies with a 75% state tax credit for donations to an approved non-profit educational improvement organization that enhances the lives of children in their immediate communities. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.
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