FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation Announces Recipients of Its Annual Social Impact Theatre Grant Program, Including New Change Capital Grants
Seattle, WA – The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation (www.billerfamilyfoundation.org) announced today the 14 new recipients of its annual Social Impact Theatre Grant Program. The program supports theatres in Western states that ignite positive change in their communities through timely and compelling productions.
“These theatres share our Foundation’s belief in the power live theatre has to expand opportunities for dialogue, build bridges between different viewpoints, and help audiences grapple with the challenges we face in our communities today,” says Sheri Biller, President of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation. “We are so appreciative of their commitment to raise up important voices and give visibility to critical issues.”
This year’s Social Impact Theatre Grant awardees include:
- American Conservatory Theatre, “Co-Founders”
- Berkeley Repertory Theatre, “Mexodus”
- Denver Center for the Performing Arts, “The Reservoir”
- Geffen Playhouse, “Furlough’s Paradise”
- Portland Center Stage, “The Brothers Size”
- Rubicon Theatre Company, “Crazy Mama”
- Seattle Repertory Theatre, “Blues for an Alabama Sky”
- The Old Globe*
- Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, “Here there are Blueberries”
- Z Space Studio, “The Day the Sky Turned Orange”
*Production will be named following their 2025 season announcement
These productions were chosen for their commitment to uniting diverse perspectives on challenging subjects and engaging new audiences with a wide spectrum of contemporary issues, including our justice system, income inequality, reproductive rights, immigration, and antisemitism.
For the first time, this year the Foundation also awarded Change Capital Grants to six theatres that are implementing new business models to increase their organization’s vitality and sustainability. The grants are designed to kickstart new initiatives or to enhance existing strategies with the aim of broadening its support for the field.
This year’s Change Capital Grant awardees and projects include:
- Geffen Playhouse, New Blackbox Theatre Vision
- Latino Theater Company, Succession Planning
- Portland Center Stage, Membership Ticketing Model
- Portland Playhouse, Social Prescription Pilot
- Seattle Children’s Theatre, Resource Sharing Initiative with Seattle Repertory Theatre
- Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, Cohort Based Audience Research
“Recognition of the innovative work we’re doing in this challenging post-pandemic world is incredibly motivating,” says Edwina Kane, Development Director of Portland Center Stage. “While we are proud to forge new territory, we are acutely aware of the risks involved. It’s truly reassuring when funders see the value in taking these risks. It not only encourages us to keep pushing forward, it gives us a moment to take a breath and celebrate our success.”
“Doing what we can to support the health and vibrancy of the theatre sector is incredibly important to us,” says Audrey Haberman, Foundation CEO. “The creativity and innovation of the theatres who applied to adapt and respond to a changing theatre sector is an inspiration and we are honored to learn from this cohort of change capital awardees.”
The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports theatres throughout Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State, with 501(c)(3) status, at least two years of operating history, and annual revenue of at least $1,000,000. The next grant cycle will open in May of 2025.
About The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation works to expand access to systems and solutions that expand economic opportunity, supportive care for life-threatening illnesses, and the transformative power of the arts. Founded in 2001 by Sheri and Les Biller, the Foundation supports leaders with bold ideas and explores innovative approaches that can be tried locally and, if successful, implemented nationally. For more information, please visit The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation’s website at www.billerfamilyfoundation.org.