Every summer since 2003, the theater has come to Southwest Nebraska, specifically to the children of the area thanks to the Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association.

This summer, SWNCTA once again hosted the Missouri Children’s Theatre and put on the production, The Frog Prince.

But there was something different this year. For the first time, SWNCTA did not charge a tuition fee to participate in the production.

According to Gene Weedin, president of SWNTCA, many families have 2, 3 or even 4 children participating in the children’s theater and that tuition charge can add up quickly.

“Not having to charge a tuition is a tremendous savings for many families,” Weedin said. “And may even encourage some to audition for a spot in a future MCT production.”

SWNCTA was able to cover costs this year thanks to a $1,800 grant from the McCook Community Foundation Fund, along with generous donations from the McCook Optimist Club and VFW Post 1652.

MCFF’s grant to the theater program was one of six grants approved during MCFF’s 2017 spring grant cycle. The fall grant deadline is approaching quickly, with a Sunday, Oct. 1 deadline.

The grant to SWNCTA was made possible with funding from the L. Arvene and Neva Meyers Family challenge grant, which is part of MCFF’s unrestricted endowment.

The Myers family has a strong commitment to give back to the community as well as support people and organizations now and in the future.

The children’s theater is a great example of providing opportunities for the local young people.

This summer’s production featured 58 young actors on stage with another dozen helping backstage, ranging in age from kindergarten through seniors in high school.

Weedin said one way they measure success is watching performers continue to act or be part of the theater community as they grow up. As SWNCTA continues to bring the children’s theater to McCook, kids get hooked on acting and the theater at a young age. “Many then choose to take part in high school drama and SWNCTA productions,” Weedin said.

Other spring MCFF grants included:

* Nebraska 4-H Council’s Washington Trip

* McCook Community College’s Leadership Program

* Republican River Fitness Series’ trailer

* Prairie Roots Festival’s concert

*McCook Humane Society’s calendar

With most of those projects complete, it is time for the next round of grants from MCFF. The deadline for the 2017 Fall Grants is Sunday, Oct. 1.

McCook Community Foundation Fund nurtures innovation, economic and educational opportunities, quality community leadership, cultural arts, and healthy families and lifestyles. The MCFF committee those with projects, ideas and events which meet that mission to apply for a grant this fall.
Applications are available online at www.nebcommfound.org/fund/mccook . Or send an email to mcffund@gmail.com for an application or more information about the grant process.

MCFF is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.