Vol 2.  Issue No. 1  Fall/Winter 2002

Program Enhancement Grant

Program Enhancement Grant Update: Acting Learning was enhanced for Riverland students and area high school students, instructors, and community members through the performance of the Guthrie Touring Show Molly Sweeny. The Riverland Community College Foundation, through a Program Enhancement Grant, and other generous College and community sponsors made this cultural experience possible.

In addition to the community performance of Molly Sweeny, the Guthrie Touring Show offered four Master Class workshops for students in the areas of Shakespeare, characterization, theatre movement and technical theatre. More than 135 high school students and faculty from Stewartville, Pacelli, Southland, Albert Lea, Blooming Prairie, Hayfield and Lyle high schools, including a number of Riverland students, participated in any two of the four workshops offered.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn from Guthrie actors and directors," says Jerry Girton, Riverland Theatre Director and Faculty member. Girton wrote the Riverland Foundation grant and worked with community people to raise funds to bring the Guthrie Touring Show to the area.

Girton remarked that the students were very excited about the workshops and the production. "They had a great time. The actors said that this was one of the most well-behaved and reactive student audiences they have ever had."

For more information about the Foundation's grant programs, contact Heidi Schara, Director of Institutional Development at 507-433-0508.