Niagara students have greater access to theatre in education thanks to a $10,000 contribution on behalf of Freedom 55 Financial.

The donation provides students from senior kindergarten to Grade 12 with discounted tickets to the Centre for the Arts’ Theatre in Education series. Full subsidies are available for students in disadvantaged areas.

“The Centre for the Arts continually seeks to build and strengthen relationships and make Theatre in Education more accessible to all Niagara students, regardless of income or regional location,” said Sara Palmieri, sales and marketing manager for the Centre for the Arts.

The Theatre in Education series has presented 29 national and international companies and 58 performances since its inaugural 2004/2005 season. With this financial contribution, made available through the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West life, London Life and Canada Life, more students will share ideas and interpretations of performances, and see the world in a whole new way, Palmieri said.

As an Imagine Caring Company, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life donate a minimum of one per cent of average pre-tax profits to non-profit, charitable and community organizations across the country in support of health and wellness, education, social services, arts and culture and civic initiatives. Staff boost the efforts by volunteering in their own communities.

“We’re pleased to help make the Centre’s Theatre in Education series more affordable for young people,” said Richard Kemp, Regional Director with Freedom 55 Financial and a Theatre in Education volunteer. “This season’s performances are going to result in a lot of smiling faces.”

For a complete listing of the Theatre in Education Series and program details, visit the Centre for the Arts.