Grant from Phyllis & Dennis Washington Foundation Helps Offset Cost of Professional Live Performances in Small Towns

Since at least the 1940’s, rural communities in Montana and neighboring western states have benefited from the creativity and dedication of small touring theatre groups who brought live performances to places that often had no other exposure to live theatre.  With the current economic downturn though, the chance to enjoy professional performances in rural areas is in jeopardy.

The Bozeman-based Vigilante Theatre Company (VTC), one of the best-known groups carrying on the tradition of rural touring theatre, responded to this crisis by interviewing contacts at their previous performance venues. “Many of the small local arts councils that used to host us are struggling. Some have folded and the rest are short on funds,” said John Hosking, Co-founder of the theatre group that performs original works by regional playwrights, traveling to small towns throughout Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, and Idaho, and as far as Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada.

Hosking and his board members quickly discovered that people missed their regular appearances; they simply couldn’t afford to bring the group in. “But during hard times, that’s when people really appreciate the arts,” Hosking added. VTC Co-founder Rhonda Smith commented that, after recent shows, audience members have told her how great it was just to laugh at something. “Everyone needs a little comic relief in their lives right now,” Smith said. “It’s also the value of coming together as a community. Touring theatre performances have always helped make that happen.”

Now, thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Phyllis and Dennis Washington Foundation, the VTC will be able to help offset performance costs for the small communities which, without assistance, would be unable to afford live theatre. The Company is currently reviewing requests from arts councils and other non-profit organizations interested in partnering to support theatre in rural, remote, or otherwise underserved areas. The group also welcomes sponsorship from local and regional businesses that wish to help make the performances possible.
The Vigilante Theatre Company, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been performing original theatrical works throughout Montana and neighboring states since 1981.  Its mission is to stimulate and promote interest in theatre, to educate both adults and children in the dramatic arts, to advance the culture of the West in drama, and to bring theatre to areas of the West which lack adequate opportunities to enjoy live performances.
To learn more about the Vigilante Theatre Company, or to book a performance, please visit www.vigilantetheatrecompany.com or call 406-586-3897.

Anika Hanisch is a Bozeman freelance writer who covers healthy living, local history, and the arts, along with teaching memoir-writing workshops – more at www.anikahanisch.com.