TheatreWorks Community Players is working on upgrades to its Black Box Theatre in Uptown Martinsville with support from The Harvest Foundation.
A $25,000 grant, funded from Harvest’s PUP! Small Grants Program will support work to construct a dressing room in the theatre’s downstairs area and repair the lift (elevator) so sets can safely be transported to the upstairs stage.
“I know firsthand the incredible impact theatre can have — not just on individuals, but on entire communities,” said Dr. Sandy Strayer, program officer for The Harvest Foundation. “This investment supports a space that fosters creativity, builds confidence, and brings people together. For our youth, it’s an opportunity to discover their voices and develop skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. For Martinsville and Henry County, this theatre serves as a vital anchor for community revitalization, inspiring pride and meaningful connection through the arts.”
Gracie Agnew, co-president of TheatreWorks, said being awarded a PUP! Grant allows them the opportunity to improve the Black Box Theatre so they can continue providing a safe environment for stage productions.
“Our focus has always been on community engagement and enrichment through theatre,” Agnew said. “For several years, we have strategically planned for more youth involvement in community theatre as well as outreach programs that will encourage participation from underserved populations. Our aim is to attract audiences who will dine out, shop, or stay in the area. This will lead to a broader impact for us as an agency in making uptown Martinsville an exciting cultural and arts mecca.”
Richard Dorr, chair of the facilities committee for TheatreWorks, recently took board members and Harvest staff on a tour of the facility. He described the importance of building a new and improved dressing space that’s private, especially as community outreach brings more youth to the theatre.
“We’re looking to have closets and shelving spanning the back wall, and enough space to walk inside the dressing room,” Dorr said. “We’d like to have plenty of seating and safe places to put belongings. We’ll need (volunteers) to seal and paint the wall. We have a curtained-off area that is sometimes used for privacy, but we need a space that is comfortable and safe for everyone to use.”
The Black Box Theatre is an essential asset in the arts and cultural identity of Uptown Martinsville. Ed Preston, treasurer of TheatreWorks, said, “The Black Box Theater is the place people can come to see the truth about life and social situations through our shows. We want to create an experience that gives our patrons that Broadway feel at a local community level. There are so many talented people in this local area and we want the Black Box to be the place they can come enjoy and showcase their performing arts skills.”
Established in 2004, TheatreWorks Community Players produces a variety of productions showcasing local and regional talents and teaching individuals interested in performing on stage. Upcoming shows include Grand Horizons in March and April 2025 and The Importance of Being Earnest in June 2025.
Follow them on social media or visit www.twcp.net to find out more.
