More students will be able to enjoy Brock University’s Theatre in Education series at the Centre for the Arts, thanks to a $10,000-donation from Freedom 55 Financial.

The donation, made through the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life, of which Freedom 55 Financial is a division, and Canada Life, provides discounted tickets to all Niagara students in senior kindergarten through Grade 12 for the 2012-2013 season.

It also supports in-school workshops with professional artists and a ticket subsidy program for students in need.

“The Centre for the Arts 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, Centre for the Arts sales and marketing manager.

Theatre in Education has presented 43 national and international companies and 71 performances since starting in 2004.

During the past eight seasons, 25,613 Niagara students have had the opportunity to experience live performing arts at Brock University’s theatres.

While attendance over the years has grown, ticket prices remain a financial barrier for many students.  With this financial contribution, more students will be able to share ideas and interpretations of performances and see and learn about the world in a whole new way, Palmieri said.