Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association Receives $3,000 Grant
As the casting began in McCook last November for the Hunchback of Notre Dame musical, no one could have predicted that the production would eventually be cut short because of a world-wide pandemic.
But on March 15, Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association made the difficult decision to cancel the production after just two performances.
Months of rehearsals suddenly become useless. Hundreds of community members didn’t get to see all those hours of hard work in action. And the local theater association suddenly found itself with an uncertain future because of debt from production costs.
With the future of SWNCTA at risk, the McCook Community Foundation Fund has granted $3,000 from its’ COVID-19 Response Account to help offset costs from lost revenue because performances were cancelled.
The MCFF COVID-19 Response Account was established in March 2020 with a grant from MCFF, as well as donations from MNB Bank and Graff Charitable Foundation, along with donations since. The account was designed to meet immediate needs in the community because of the pandemic as well as address long-term needs. Funds are still available from the COVID Response Account if needed.
SWNCTA and the Hunchback musical are an example of a local entity deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, through no fault of their own.
Practices began in early January with four nights a week dedicated to learning lines, perfecting songs and mastering choreography. And on March 14, the first performance featuring veteran performers as well as newcomers to SWNCTA took to the stage to perform the production based on the Victor Hugo book.
A second performance took place Sunday, March 15 but then SWCNTA was left with little choice but to cancel the final four performances.
The cancellation affected not only the current production, but also the future of SWNCTA. Admission income from the spring musical not only covers those costs, but also the fall dinner theater and the Missoula Children’s Theater each spring.
And all hope is not lost for those who have not seen the production. Fortunately, SWNCTA organizers had the foresight to tape the last showing and now have a CD created with footage from that performance.
At some point, SWNCTA would like to show the recorded version of the musical to the public but must meet a few criteria first, including determining royalty fees and creating a safe environment.
SWNCTA president Gene Weedin does not know when that public showing of the recording will happen but still holds out hope to provide a free showing for the community. “This would be great thank you from SWNCTA for all the years the public has supported our organization,” Weedin said.
But he stressed that they will wait until they can show the musical to as many people as possible in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
“It was a great show and a great performance,” Weedin said. “And we want as many people to see it as possible, because it truly is a great musical with a dedicated and talented ensemble of performers and crew.”
MCFF continues to accept grant applications for the COVID-19 Response Account, which are available online at mccookfoundation.org. MCFF is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.
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Getting Outside of National Night Out Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter. I pulled into the wrong lane when making a turn, which is illegal. But in my defense, it was an act of self-defense to just get through the intersection of East B and Sixth streets alive. Since the drivers haven’t seen a stop-light since Holdrege, cars and semis regularly run the traffic light, which makes me a wee bit vulnerable as I pass through the lanes. I got off with a warning but the true punishment were the texts throughout the day from everyone who saw me with my scooter and the police officer. Since most exchanges with police and fire are not on good terms, National Night Out was created to have an evening of positive interactions, to remind the public that the police and fire departments are just normal people, doing their jobs, looking out for their friends and neighbors, trying to create a safe community for everyone. National Night Out is designed to simply join your friends and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and fun. It is an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, creating safer and more caring neighborhoods. McCook is joining thousands of other communities across the country in hosting National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. in and around Norris Park in McCook, the night includes a bike parade, a walk, awards for bike decorating, desserts and more. In other words, it is simply a block party to hang out. Numerous organizations have come together to make the evening possible. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the McCook Rotary Club are hosting a bike parade that starts at 6 p.m. Linda Maiden with State Farm, a bicycle helmet advocate, will also be in Norris Park. The streets around Norris Park will be shut down to provide a safe area to ride, as well as more space to cruise around the block. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, roller skates or anything on wheels. This could mean streamers, pompom balls, markers or even the old classic - playing cards in the spokes of your wheels. Some supplies will be available at the park for use if you show up and realize you are the most underdressed person at the party. If your bike has an inch of dust on it, this is a great time to get it out, wipe it off and get it rolling. And if your bike needs minimal fixes like a flat tire or a brake adjustment, bike tools will be on hand along with myself and my hubbie, who know just enough about bike repair to be dangerous but did manage a 300-plus mile bike ride last week so we must be doing something right. But let’s say you don’t have a bike or biking isn’t your cup of tea? Then you are still encouraged to join the “Walk in the Park,” hosted by Community Hospital. Designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, walkers will stroll around the park and the neighborhood at whatever pace you feel like with strollers and dogs on leashes welcomed. And perhaps most importantly, there will be a chance to meet members of the McCook Police and Fire Department, getting to see police cars and fire engines close-up in a non-emergency manner, always the best way to see them. And if the weather cooperates, there may be a fire hose, water and spraying involved. If you have been at the Culbertson Fourth of July parade, you know it is up to you to stay out of the line of fire if you want to remain dry. We all have excuses for why we don’t want to go out at night, especially after a long day at work. But National Night Out in McCook on Aug. 5 is a great reason to get out your bicycle and lace up your walking shoes. Hang out with your friends, get to know your neighbors and meet your first responders. That is what makes our communities just a little bit better.
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