The theatre program at Spoon River College announces opportunities for performing grants for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Typically, SRC Theatre holds open audition/interview events each spring for applicants interested in grant money for both acting and technical positions in the program for the upcoming academic term. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, individual applicants are asked to contact Douglas Okey, the director of the theatre program, to arrange an audition or an interview, depending on the individual area of interest.

Okey, an instructor of drama and English at the college, says that SRC’s theatre performing grants are good for both the program and the students who participate. “The grant group forms a solid core for the program and makes many of the program’s features possible,” such as the season of two full-scale productions each academic year and the program’s slate of academic course offerings.

Grant amounts vary, Okey says. “These funds are all grants to be applied to direct costs at SRC, not loans that students will be required to pay back.” The grant funds can be used for tuition, fees, or books and supplies in the SRC Bookstore.

The SRC theatre program includes credit-bearing academic classes as well as a co-curricular season of classic and contemporary theatre productions. Okey says that the  program of coursework and theatre production—including grants—is open to students in any academic program or major. No prior theatre experience is required.

Those interested in more information about the theatre program, especially those wanting to apply for a performing grant, can contact Douglas Okey at 309-649-6308 or Douglas.Okey@src.edu. Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the end of April, 2021.