North Carolina Theatre, Shaw University Collaborate On NEA-funded Initiative
Raleigh, NC – The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Mary Anne Carter has announced that North Carolina Theatre, the region’s non-profit professional theatre, has been selected to receive federal funding for its musical production of Memphis. This funding supports a collaboration with Shaw University that engages students and the community in the exploration of the power of social influencers in the promotion and proliferation of arts and music through mass communications.
“This funding will help bring to life North Carolina Theatre’s mission of art and citizenship,” said NC Theatre President & CEO, Elizabeth Doran, “connecting to Shaw’s mission to advocate for social change.”
Through the Department of Mass Communications at Shaw University, led by Dr. Cassandra Mitchell, the collaboration will involve student and alumni engagement with NC Theatre in the examination of social influencers – by radio disc jockeys in the Civil Rights era in which Memphis is set, and by social media influencers moving culture forward today.
“This will allow students and audiences to make real-world and personal connections using performing arts, Shaw history and curriculum as its lens,” said Dr. Mitchell. “We established an internship partnership in 2017 with NC Theatre, and now we will develop our institutional connection further. We look forward to vibrant teaching artist residencies in our classes and experiential learning for our students, bringing in alumni connected to the music industry as guest speakers for post-show dialogue, providing Memphis tickets to students, and enlightening audiences on Shaw’s social influence using radio in the past and digital media in the future.”
With analysts, according to the New York Times, estimating the influencer marketing industry surpassing $15 billion in value within the next two years, NC Theatre and Shaw will illuminate the trajectory of this ever-expanding form of mass communication.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support grants throughout the entire country that connect people through shared experiences and artistic expression,” said Arts Endowment Chairman, Mary Anne Carter. “These projects provide access to the arts for people of all abilities and backgrounds in both urban centers and rural communities.”
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency whose funding and support give Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
About Shaw University
Shaw University is a private university located in vibrant downtown Raleigh has dedicated to providing every student with access to the opportunities that will lead them to a brighter future since 1865. Shaw engages each student through academic excellence and empowers them to make an impact in their communities and the world. Excellence. Opportunity. This is Shaw U! Learn more at www.shawu.edu
About North Carolina Theatre
Established in 1984, North Carolina Theatre is Raleigh’s premier, non-profit professional regional theatre. With its successful formula of producing top quality musicals with top national performers and local talent, North Carolina Theatre has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Raleigh over the years. Through its conservatory, it has provided exceptional arts training to hundreds of local youth. By offering broad access to live theatre, while strengthening economic growth, the organization continues to fortify the cultural vitality of the region. North Carolina Theatre is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.
