The Theatrical Outfit, one of Atlanta's oldest non-profit theater companies, announced it has received a $100,000 gift from the Arthur W. Blank Family Foundation to help research ways to improve access to theater (and other events) through MARTA.
In a press release, the theater company said that the gift will help it “research the intersections between MARTA users and performing arts patrons by identifying barriers between patrons taking MARTA to performances.”
Lee Foster, managing director of the Theatrical Outfit, said the grant will help “potentially innovate the role transportation has in performing arts audience participation in greater Atlanta.”
The Theatrical Outfit will be working with MARTA’s Office of Research and Analysis, consulting firm TRG Arts, and marketing outfit J. Walter Thompson.
The grant was made through the Audience Building Roundtable, an initiative by the Blank Foundation to help grow the audiences for arts organizations.
Founded in 1976, the Theatrical Outfit performs in the Balzer Theater in the former Herren's restaurant, in downtown Atlanta.
The last show of the company's 2016-2017 season will be the world premiere of "The Dancing Handkerchief," June 1-18, with music by Tony winner Robert Lopez. It is part magic show, part puppet show, starring Theatrical Outfit artistic director, Tom Key.
Arthur M. Blank Facts
Business: Co-founder of Home Depot.
Net worth: $3.5 billion, according to Forbes.
Sports ownership: Blank bought the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. Blank's Major League Soccer team, Atlanta United FC, began competing this year.
Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation: Created in 1995, the foundation "promotes innovative solutions to transform the lives of youth and their families."
Related: Who is Angie Macuga Blank?
About the Author
