Niagara students will continue to have greater access to Brock University’s Theatre in Education Series at the Centre for the Arts this coming season because of a $10,000 donation from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.

The money, announced this week, will be used to provide discounted tickets to the 2013-14 Theatre in Education Series to all students in junior kindergarten through Grade 12.

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

The companies also made a donation to the program last year.

“The support we receive for the Theatre in Education Series allows the centre to provide rich, artistic and accessible performing arts experiences to all Niagara students, regardless of income or regional location,” said Sara Palmieri, Centre for the Arts marketing and sales manager.

Since its inaugural season in 2004-05, the Theatre in Education Series has presented 50 national and international companies and 80 performances.

Over the past nine seasons, nearly 30,000 Niagara students have had the opportunity to experience performing arts at Brock University.

This latest donation means even more students will be able to share ideas about performances, and see and learn about the world in a new way.

“We’re pleased to continue to help make the centre’s Theatre in Education Series accessible for Niagara’s youth,” said Richard Kemp, regional director with Freedom 55 Financial. “Seeing the immediate positive response from the students who have the opportunity to experience world-class performing arts in their own backyard illustrates not only the power of the arts, but the impact of organizations working together to engage members of a community.”