Bethany Area Repertory Theater Announces Scholarship in the ARTS

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Bethany Beach, DE – February 1, 2016: The Bethany Area Repertory Theater (BART) is pleased to announce the availability of applications for its 2016 Scholarship in the Arts. An eligible applicant must be a graduating high school student in Sussex County who plans to pursue a higher education degree in the arts. Completed applications are due April 1st for the 2016-­‐17 academic year.  

In its fourth year of operation, the Board of Directors of the Bethany Area Repertory Theater approved a major initiative, referred to as “20-­‐by-­‐20.” Under the 20-­‐by-­‐20 Program, BART’s goal is to support the educational aspirations of local high school students by awarding 20 scholarships by the year 2020. BART will award its first scholarships this year in amounts up to $1,000.

From its beginnings in 2012, BART has established itself as a key contributor to the cultural life of the greater Bethany area by presenting live theater through the kind generosity of local area residents, volunteers, and patrons. “By the end of our current season we will have produced over 18 full-­‐length plays totaling close to 110 performances, bringing over 2,000 Bethany-­‐area residents together for entertainment and camaraderie during the fall & winter months,” says Bob Ravida, Vice-­‐President of BART, and Director of the Scholarship Program. To that end, BART has relied on sponsorships and donations to augment ticket sales to manage the operational costs of the productions.

To achieve the goal of 20-­‐by-­‐20, BART has engaged the community through its plays and musicals, earmarking donations and show profits to the BART Scholarship Fund, held by the Encore Foundation, established by Rich Bloch, owner of the Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville, DE.  “It is our hope that the BART Scholarship Fund will not only produce several student scholarships annually”, says Mr. Ravida, “but that the funding will at some point reach a level that will permit BART to meet this goal freely on top of operational costs.”

To request a scholarship application, please send an email request to, [email protected] or call Bob Ravida, BART Scholarship Program Director, at (240) 483‐1338.

To support BART’s 20-­‐by-­‐20 initiative, please request a Donation Form at [email protected], or send your donation directly to BART, 38335 Canal St., Ocean View, DE 19970.  All donations are tax-­‐deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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