CITY AWARDS $20,000 TO HONOLULU THEATRE FOR YOUTH

            (Thursday, August 27, 2009) -- The City and County of Honolulu has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) in support of its 2009-2010 performance season.

The grant supports the production of free community performances as an extension of HTY’s educational outreach program, which includes performances for youth in the Olomana Correctional Facility.  The community performances are directed to children and families who are unable to attend HTY performances at Tenney Theatre or at school.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann is scheduled to present the check to HTY on Friday, August 28, at the opening for the 7:30 p.m. showing of Nightingale at Tenney Theatre.

“Now in its eighth season, the Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s educational outreach offerings continues to grow and enrich children and their families throughout our communities,” said Mayor Hannemann. “The City is proud to support HTY’s efforts to bring the performing arts to our young people.”

“The partnership the City has with Honolulu Theatre for Youth helps ensure Honolulu’s performing artists continue to have opportunities present their work,” said Michael Pili Pang, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts.  “In addition, the public-private partnerships that are facilitated through this program contribute to the viability of our cultural economy.”

            Founded in 1955, HTY is Hawaii’s only professional nonprofit theatre. The grant was awarded by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts.  Funding by MOCA supports HTY’s efforts to broaden its reach in the community.

-30-

Contact:

Dymian Racoma, 768-6622