Private Grant Provides Boost to Cider Mill Playhouse

The Cider Mill Playhouse has received some important financial support as the organization continues its search for a new home.

The Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation has awarded an initial grant of $50,000 to the non-profit theater group.

Cider Mill Playhouse executive artistic director Gail Belokur inside the Endicott theater. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Executive artistic director Gail Belokur said the foundation also is offering a challenge grant which will provide the Cider Mill Playhouse with up to an additional $50,000 by matching individual donations dollar-for-dollar.

In September, the organization announced it had been advised that its lease for the theater at the Cider Mill in Endicott would not be renewed when it expires next summer.

The board of directors decided to find temporary performance spaces and develop a plan for a permanent home. The board set a benchmark goal of raising $100,000 by the end of the year.

Belokur said with the guaranteed portion of the grant, as well as other donations and pledges, the group has reached the $67,000 mark. Organization leaders hope area residents will donate another $16,500 in the next six weeks to trigger funds from the challenge grant.

Information about upcoming shows and how people may support the Cider Mill Playhouse is available on the group's website: cidermillplayhouse.org.

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