Lincoln, New Hampshire – March 30, 2015 – JEAN’S PLAYHOUSE RECEIVES LINCOLN FINANCIAL FOUNDATION GRANT FOR YOUTH ARTS PROGRAM
Jean’s Playhouse has received a $5,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation in support of Jean’s Teens, a theatre arts youth development program serving North Country pre-teens and teens. This innovative, professional-level theatre education program entering its third year of operation offers area youth the opportunity to build their self-confidence, learn new skills, create a sense of team, and participate in plays and musicals with their peers. All local youth are invited to participate free of cost, whether they dream of a career in theatre or are simply looking for a fun social project.
Jean’s Teens provides an avenue of exposure to the arts at a professional level for local kids in an economically-disadvantaged region where there are few other opportunities. Theatre draws students who might otherwise slip through the cracks; after viewing a Jean’s Teens production, Lin-Wood School principal Robert Nelson commented that there were “four or five kids who are normally not vocal in class or active in other programs, but who rose to a new level and came out of their shell in a positive way.”
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group, believes that strong economies begin with strong communities. Its grant is part of Lincoln Financial’s nearly $10 million in charitable contributions to support education, human services, arts and economic/workforce development programs in key cities across the country where the company has a strong business presence.
About Jean’s Playhouse
Jean’s Playhouse produces live theatre and arts education for the economically disadvantaged communities of the White Mountains and serves as a valuable tourist attraction to distinct crowds of visitors travelling in the region twelve months of the year. Jean’s Playhouse operates the 29-year-old professional Papermill Theatre and IMPACT Children’s Theatre Companies during the summer and fall, and two educational community theater programs, the Playhouse Players for all ages and Jean’s Teens for local youth, during the winter and spring seasons. The Papermill Theatre Company also instructs the annual Broadway Bound Summer Camp. Guest musicians, comedians, magicians and puppeteers from around the country are invited to perform at Jean’s Playhouse to broaden the variety of performing arts offered to the local community and tourist populations.
About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is a nonprofit organization formed and supported by Lincoln Financial Group. Under the Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and economic/workforce development.
Jean’s Playhouse is located at 34 Papermill Drive in Lincoln, adjacent to ongoing construction of the Riverwalk at Loon Mountain site off I-93 Exit 32. Visit JeansPlayhouse.com or call 603-745-2141 for more information.
