South Carolina Children’s Theatre receives Greenville Women Giving grant
May 15, 2024
The South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) has been awarded a significant grant from Greenville Women Giving (GWG) to support the theatre’s Transformative Theatre for Sensory Sensitive Families project.
GWG funds programs that provide an opportunity for important, positive change in Greenville’s Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Service areas. SCCT will use the grant to purchase Assistive Technology to aid in breaking down the barriers for patrons that experience sensory sensitivities while attending performances.
“With the purchase of two live feed cameras, viewing screens, side tab curtains for the stage and microphones, we will create open, sensory friendly viewing areas for audiences in both of our theatre’s performance spaces,” said SCCT Artist Director Matt Giles. “The grant also supports SCCT’s vision to be the most accessible theatre in the state and one of the first in Greenville to offer live feed Assistive Technology,” added Giles.
SCCT believes that art belongs to all. This includes patrons with disabilities such as sensory sensitivities and neurodiversity. Examples of sensory sensitivities include: heightened sensitivity to bright lights and noises, increased stress in large crowds or feeling panic in sensory-rich places.
“The enhancements from this recent funding will enable us to help educate the public about sensory sensitivities. This increased awareness will allow us to do what theatre does best – promote empathy and understanding,” commented SCCT Managing Director Katie O’Kelly. And, because all means all, this investment will also benefit breast feeding mothers, senior patrons, parents with crying children and more. The new Assistive Technology will be installed, tested and ready for use in the 2024-2025 season.
About SCCT
Founded in 1987, the mission of SCCT is to empower and inspire a new generation of changemakers through theatre, by providing high-quality productions, year-round education, and accessible outreach. SCCT serves 30,000+ children and their family members each year, with 11,800 of those patrons receiving deeply discounted or free admission to our programs. SCCT envisions a community where all children experience the transformative power of the arts, which nourishes creativity, grows empathy, and inspires confidence.
