Pioneer Drama Service is proud to offer Touching Lives Through Theatre™ Grants available for the upcoming 2012-13 school year. Because we believe so strongly in the power of theatre to make a difference in a student's life, we are awarding a total of $5000 of grants in the form of Pioneer Drama credit to qualifying middle and high schools.

Our goal with these grants is to create and support school theatre programs, generating positive opportunities for students and giving them a place to shine. Theatre allows children to involve themselves in an experience that brings growth, maturity, teamwork and responsibility — qualities that are relevant to all aspects of life. A 2010 applicant summed this up quite eloquently:

"The theatre program at my school is one of the most important and beneficial aspects of the school… Students enter the stage apprehensive and shy and leave the stage with confidence, poise and grace. Whether students are destined for Broadway or the corporate world, no doubt about it, theatre has a positive influence on their lives."

Each grant is intended to help create a complete drama experience for students in a school and must be used to stage at least one theatrical production. Grants will range from $100 to $500 of credit at Pioneer Drama Service, which is to be used for production materials, royalty fees, texts, DVDs and makeup. Grant funds will be awarded by August 15, 2012 and must be spent in their entirety by June 15, 2013.