Susquehanna Bank has stepped up to support an annual event to recognize local drama students with a cash donation.
The bank, based in Pottsville, donated $1,500 to the Majestic Theater Association in support of the Majestic Awards, Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of Pottsville Area Development Corp., said Friday.
PADCO manages the Sovereign Majestic Theater, Pottsville. The theater's board of directors organizes the Majestic Awards, an annual event that began in 2006.
"This is the first time Susquehanna Bank has stepped up to be the main sponsor of the awards. The money will go toward support of the awards. Being the largest event we have each year, the production costs $3,500. That largest expense is the trophies. We budget $1,250 for them. Renting the sound system will cost between $850 to $1,000 and printing will be about $700. The remainder will be used for supplies for the awards and judges, applicable facility fees and technician expenses," Burkhart said Thursday.
The rest of the program is financed through ticket sales and sales of ads in the event program, Burkhart said.
"And we try to keep ticket prices low - $5 per person," Burkhart said.
"We are thrilled to be able to take part in this great community event. Part of our mission at Susquehanna is to be a partner in the community, and this is a great opportunity to be able to support artistic excellence in our region's youth," Catherine Lintner Wolfe, Susquehanna Bank branch relationship manager, said last week.
The Majestic Awards are an initiative for the Schuylkill County high school arts community, recognizing and rewarding excellence in high school musical and theatrical productions.
This year, the awards ceremony was held in May at North Schuylkill High School Auditorium, Fountain Springs, and 10 schools participated.
The next event is tentatively slated for May 23 also at North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium, Burkhart said.
"The Majestic Theater is grateful for the support demonstrated by Susquehanna. We truly consider the awards to be our flagship of high school theater programming, and hope all the participants enjoy the process. It is by far the best event that we run during the year," Vanessa Mihoda, president of Sovereign Majestic Theater, said last week.