When Turner Broadcasting System once again opened the application process for its Turner Voices grant to local organizations, Actor's Express Theatre Company submitted the final play in their current season for consideration.
Credit: Jewel Wicker
Credit: Jewel Wicker
Turner Voices, the Atlanta-based media company's philanthropic effort to provide financial support to "community arts and culture, and youth development," grants $15,000 to a deserving organization.
The grant will assist Actor's Express in producing "Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 and 3)," the final show in the theater's current season. The play, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated series created by Suzan-Lori Parks, tells the story of a slave who is offered his freedom in exchange for fighting alongside his owner in the Civil War.
Kristen Stilton, development director at Actor's Express, said Turner typically looks to their employees to see what art they are supporting when considering what groups to invite to apply for the grant. One of the theater company's board members also works for the media company.
In exchange for the grant, Stilton says Actor's Express is planning to host a special event for Turner employees where they will be able to see the play and interact with the cast and crew.
“Turner is proud to be a community partner to the Actor's Express Theatre, Betsy Holland, Turner's director of workplace culture, culture and engagement said in a statement. "Actor's Express is a unique arts space that produces consistently high-quality and challenging productions, and we’re particularly excited to play a part in bringing “Father Comes Home from the Wars” to the stage. It should spark meaningful conversation in our community.”
"Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 and 3)" opens May 13.
8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. May 13-Jun 11. $21.60-$43.20. Actor's Express, 887 West Marietta St., Suite J-107, Atlanta. Actors-express.com.
