The Plaza Theatre is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant in the amount of approximately $20,000 from the Barbara Young Estate Fund of the Wharton County Community Foundation. The grant will be used to replace the black stage drapes that serve as the backdrop to every production at the historic theatre.

In the photo above are A.C. Shelton and Jeffrey Blair, board members of the Barbara Young Estate Fund with Quinn Wrench, Plaza Theatre Manager.

The drapes being replaced have served the Plaza faithfully for three decades. They were originally donated by longtime Plaza supporter Jeanene D. Merka in 1995, and since then have been utilized in every single production held on the Plaza stage. Thanks to the generosity of the Barbara Young Estate Fund, the theatre will now be able to refresh this essential piece of stage equipment for the next generation of performances.

“This grant means the world to us,” said Quinn Wrench, Theatre Manager of the Plaza Theatre. “The drapes are such an essential part of every show we produce, and they had reached the point where replacement was long overdue. We are beyond thrilled and deeply grateful to the Barbara Young Estate Fund for making this possible.”

Jeffrey Blair, board member of the Barbara Young Estate Fund, shared his excitement about the grant: “The Barbara Young Estate Fund was established to support projects that make a lasting impact in Wharton. The Plaza Theatre is a cultural treasure in Wharton, and we are proud to help enhance its productions for audiences today and for years to come.”

With the new drapes in place, the Plaza Theatre looks forward to continuing its mission of bringing high-quality live theatre and performing arts experiences to the Wharton community and surrounding areas.

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About The Plaza Theatre: The Plaza Theatre, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community theatre in Wharton, Texas, has been providing live theatre, music, and cultural programming since its restoration in 1997. Located in the heart of downtown Wharton, the Plaza is dedicated to enriching the community through the performing arts, engaging audiences of all ages, and preserving its historic venue. Learn more at www.whartonplazatheatre.org.