Community saves La Crosse Community Theatre’s production led by kids with disabilities after feds cut funding

The La Crosse Community Theatre’s commitment to inclusivity was put to the test recently when unexpected federal funding cuts threatened to cancel a production featuring children with disabilities.

The Big Bad Wolf nearly stopped the show, but the La Crosse community rallied, ensuring the Penguin Project would go on.

Erik Vose, executive director of the theatre, joined La Crosse Talk Tuesday to share how the project — which pairs youth with disabilities with peers in a fully staged theatre production — overcame the hurdle thanks to generous outside donations.

After four years participating in the Penguin Project, the theatre finally qualified for a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant this February. But last month, funding was abruptly terminated because the production no longer aligned with the current administration’s priorities.

Facing a financial gap, the Penguin Project’s upcoming production, Big Bad Musical — a sequel to The Three Little Pigs — was at risk. Vose said the community’s response was overwhelming, raising twice the amount of the lost grant, securing funding not just for this year but next as well.

Vose encourages local supporters to attend the show June 13–15 at the Lyche Theatre. Tickets are available at www.lacrossetheatre.org or by calling [phone].

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