Kirk Players presents grant, scholarship money to Carmel
Kirk Players Community Theatre of Mundelein, a nonprofit organization producing live theater and educational programs, recently presented a $500 grant to Carmel Catholic High School’s theater department.
They also presented a $1,500 John W. Lynn Performing Arts Scholarship to be awarded to a graduating Fine Arts student in music, dance, theater or tech crew.
“We are so pleased to be building a collaborative relationship with Carmel Catholic High School,” said Sheila Bourque, president of Kirk Players. “We’ve both been active in the community since the 1960s and we love what we see the school doing with the fine arts, particularly the school’s investment in a new Fine Arts Center. In the area renovations to facilities, I have seen enhancements here and there but I honestly don’t remember this large of a commitment to renovation and new space for the arts. This grant and scholarship is our way of formally recognizing Carmel’s investment in and support of the arts.”
Denise Sebastiano, Carmel’s theater director, said she is thrilled with the relationship the school is establishing with Kirk Players.
“Two years ago, our theater department loaned costumes for their production of Cinderella and I learned of their vision to work with Carmel in the future. Everyone involved with this organization is deeply committed to theater education for students and they have made it their life’s work to promote theater in our community.”
She said the Kirk Players’ love of the fine arts is evident because they give so much of their time and talents to the arts.
“I remember seeing the Kirk Players perform for many years at Street Scenes adult shows and they had a huge following. Any investment in the arts is a win for the community at-large,” Sebastiano said.
The Kirk Players have been performing, serving the community, and furthering the arts since 1966. Since that time, the organization has raised more than $75,000 for numerous organizations throughout Lake County.
In addition their fundraising endeavors, the Kirk Players provide free summer theater workshops for children and adults and answer special requests for appearances, performances and workshops.