$90,000 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Helps Marquee Theatrical Productions promote diverse intergenerational arts opportunities

Newmarket, ON – On Friday evening, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy was at the Marquee Theatrical Productions’ opening night of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ to celebrate the $90,000 Seed grant that the non-profit group received late last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

“Arts and culture play a vital role in strengthening our community, and Marquee Theatrical Productions has been a leader in making these opportunities accessible to everyone.” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Newmarket—Aurora. “This $90,000 Seed grant will support their efforts to enhance programming and ensure that children, youth, adults, and seniors can continue to learn, perform, and grow together. I commend Sheryl Thomas and the entire Marquee team for their dedication to enriching the lives of so many residents.”

The OTF grant is being used by Marquee Theatrical Productions to pilot new programs and enhance existing ones to strengthen accessibility, inclusion, and community impact through diverse, intergenerational arts opportunities. The grant is helping with some staffing costs for a Production Coordinator, as well as fees for a music director, music theory instructor, ASL interpreters and a videographer. The funds are also being used to help with rental costs, buying sheet music and covering royalty costs, and some administrative costs too.

“The impact of this grant enables Marquee Theatrical Productions to respond directly to the growing need for inclusive, affordable, and community-centered arts programming in York Region. By reducing financial and accessibility barriers, the grant expands meaningful performing arts opportunities for children, youth, adults, seniors, and individuals with special needs. It also addresses the lack of spaces where people of different ages and abilities can create together, fostering intergenerational connection, shared learning, and a stronger sense of belonging through the arts.” said Marquee Executive Director, Sheryl Thomas.

Marquee’s Mission is to teach and promote positive, valuable life skills in the lives of the children in the community through their drama and musical theatre based educational programs.

Founded in 2003 Marquee is an award-winning, community theatre group and performing arts school, located in Aurora, Ontario. Their goal is to inspire excellence, motivate learning, build confidence and spark a lifelong appreciation for the arts. By helping children develop their artistic talents and coaching them to strive for excellence, they teach them how to achieve – in the performing arts, in school, and ultimately in life. Visit their website at www.marqueetp.com to learn more about their upcoming programs, auditions and performances. The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.