(Seattle, Wash.) — Seattle Children’s Theatre has been approved for a $20,000 Art Works grant to support its upcoming production The Best Summer Ever! which follows the adventures of nine-year-old Maurice Abernathy Anderson during his final summer before things get complicated.
Written and performed by nationally acclaimed storyteller Kevin Kling and directed by Steven Dietz, the production is on the Eve Alvord stage March 19 through April 19, 2020.
In a world where anxiety grows in velocities for young people The Best Summer Ever! offers a counter narrative as it stirs the imagination and intellect of audiences, inviting them to hold on to the joy of youth while accepting the reality of growing up.
“We are honored that the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts has approved SCT for this grant to support bringing this powerful work by Kevin Kling to our stages,” said Kevin Malgesini, SCT Managing Director.
In this production, Kling gently and humanely walks us through the joy, challenge, and reverberations of childhood. To further support audiences in this journey, SCT offers post-show discussions and complementary resources that encourage teachers and families to bring the themes of the play into their children’s lives to expand their learning and richness of the theatre experience.
Overall, the National Endowment for the Arts has approved 1,187 grants totaling $27.3 million in the first round of fiscal year 2020 funding to support arts projects in every state in the nation, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The Art Works funding category supports projects that focus on public engagement with, and access to, various forms of excellent art across the nation; the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence; learning in the arts at all stages of life; and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life.
“The arts are at the heart of our communities, connecting people through shared experiences and artistic expression,” said Arts Endowment chairman Mary Anne Carter. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support projects like Seattle Children’s Theatre.”
Tickets for The Best Summer Ever! start at $20 and can be purchased online or by calling the Ticket Office at 206.441.3322. The Best Summer Ever! will play in the Eve Alvord Theater from March 19 through April 19, 2020 and is recommended for patrons aged eight and older.
For more information on projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
