Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (144th District)

secures grant for ART

(L to R) Renee Filip, Board President of ART; Sam Hoyt, New York State Assemblymember; Matthew LaChiusa, ART Artistic Director

Through the efforts of Sam Hoyt, NYS Assemblymember 144th District, the American Repertory Theater of Western New York, Inc. has been awarded a $ 5,000 grant from the 2007-08 state budget.

The newly formed not-for-profit theater company is committed to present several theatrical performances and at minimum, two community dialogue programs before the end of the traditional theatrical season in June.  Matthew LaChiusa, ART Artistic Director, has spent the last ten years "processing and developing" the theater company.  "It has always been my passion to create a theater company that not only produced unique and dynamic performances, but also had the ability to give back to the community.  I am quite grateful for the faith that Sam Hoyt has placed in this vision.  These initial state funds will help my vision now come to life."

The theater company will be unique in the delivery of performances and production values.  There is a conscious effort to express the work in a way that is suitable for the 21st Century theatergoer, more interactive and engaging.  Guests will be able to have additional resources available to them during their visit.  For example, an expert from the library or other resources might be available to discuss an issue related to the play after the curtain call.

There is a second and equally important component to ART, the Community Dialogue Series.  Artistic Director, Matthew LaChiusa has always believed that a theater is the perferct vehicle to bring people together.  "ART is my way of giving back to the community in the sense that our Dialogue Programs won't have someone standing in front of a room talking to a group of people.  We will have community leaders, both public and private, engaging our guests in conversation using a more informal approach.  Historically, going back to the the time of ancient Greece, theater has always been a focal point for people to gather for entertainment and to gain information and news."

The board of directors and LaChiusa recognize the untapped potential of the local citizenry and intend to provide opportunities for everyone to gather and learn more about what impacts our community, whether it be social, cultural or political.  In having people become more informed, they become more invested in what happens locally and are likely to feel a greater sense of ownership in what goes on within our region.