MTVarts Education announced its appreciation on June 7 for the Knox County Foundation's grant support of the MTVarts Education: Taking Wing program. The funding, provided by the J. William & Helen F. Baird Fund ($1,500) and the Sue Webster Fund ($8,500), will help expand access to theatre education for children and teens in Knox County.
The Taking Wing program will offer a range of educational opportunities in 2026 aimed at inspiring creativity, building confidence, and providing arts learning experiences for young people at various stages of their theatrical development. "With the support of the Knox County Foundation, including the J. William & Helen F. Baird Fund and the Sue Webster Fund, MTVarts Education is able to nurture curiosity, imagination, and collaboration through live theatre," said Carrie Haver. "This investment ensures that students across our community can learn, grow, and find their voices through the performing arts."
Grant funding will be used to support several MTVarts Education programs in 2026. These include artsIQ Spring and Summer Workshops—two weeklong immersive theatre experiences for students ages 10–18 focusing on performance fundamentals and ensemble work—and Footlights Workshop, a summer introductory program designed for ages 7–10 or those new to theatre.
Other supported initiatives are the Classics Series production of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in May with school and public performances; a large-scale fall production of "The Wizard of Oz" for ages 12–18 featuring professional flying effects by ZFX; and ongoing fall afterschool classes offering continued theatrical instruction.
MTVarts expressed gratitude to both Ariel Corporation as title sponsor of "The Wizard of Oz" and Triple P Positive Parenting Program as event sponsor. According to MTVarts Mount Vernon’s press release, this collective support strengthens cultural opportunities in the community while ensuring that high-quality theatre remains accessible to young audiences.
