The Chester Playhouse is the recipient of a $7,000 federal grant.

 The money will be used for the Chester Playhouse to present its 2010 program of theatre productions, concerts, musical performances, summer theatre-school productions, play readings, films and other activities.

 For many artistic programs, government aid at all levels has become a reality.

 "Funding received from the government of Canada plays an important part in our programming choices," said Erick Bickerdike, general manager of the Chester Playhouse. "It allows us to reach out beyond our Maritime borders and present a diversified program of unique music and theatre to our community."

 For more than 10 years, the Chester Playhouse has offered a strong blend of in-house productions and touring works.

 The grant, from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, was announced on December 1 by South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy.

 "The Chester Theatre Council Society [which runs the Playhouse] plays an important role in bringing diverse artistic experiences to the people of South Shore-St. Margarets," he said. "This funding demonstrates the government of Canada's support of arts and culture here and across Canada."

 Mr. Keddy was making the announcement on behalf of James Moore, minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

 "Our government is pleased to support the Chester Theatre Council Society as it continues to present high-quality cultural events to the community of Chester," said Mr. Moore. "The Chester Playhouse is a cultural mainstay for both residents and visitors and we are proud to see it continue to contribute to the region's cultural vitality."

 This is the second major grant received by the playhouse is as many months.

 Last month, the Chester municipal government granted $10,000 ($5,000 for two years) to the playhouse after a visit from Mr. Bickerdike to the council table in September.

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 The projected budget for the playhouse in 2009 is $359, 650.

 In 2008, $56,491 of the theatre revenue was a result of grants from the three levels of government.

 In recent years, the Chester Playhouse has engaged a high number of professional artists from both Canada and abroad.

 As the only professional facility between Halifax and Liverpool, the Playhouse continues to present diverse artistic experiences to large audiences.

 The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances and other artistic experiences.

posted on 12/08/09