Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre

Your generosity gives kids a stage to belong.

“It’s not just putting on a show. It’s building friendships.”

For more than six decades, Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre has united our community through the performing arts. But when the pandemic closed its doors, the dream of launching a youth program seemed almost out of reach. Mainstage lost both volunteers and income, forcing the theatre to dip into savings just to keep the lights on. Yet the vision remained clear: to give young people a safe, inclusive space to explore their creativity, discover their confidence, and experience the joy of live theatre.

Thanks to a $5,000 grant from Madison County Community Foundation, that dream is now becoming a reality. The funding provided the foundation for Mainstage’s new youth initiative, supporting quality teachers, curriculum, show rights, and materials to launch performing arts classes and student productions.

Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre provides more than just a stage for the youth of Madison County. A young boy had been struggling to find his place at school and often felt isolated, unsure of where he belonged. When he discovered the youth program at Mainstage, something changed. Surrounded by peers who accepted him and mentors who encouraged him, he began to thrive. He’s now been involved in every production since joining, his confidence has soared, and even his grades have improved.

Kara Critchlow, board secretary, describes the heart of the program this way: “There is no discrimination. No matter who you are, you come in and you belong.” She adds, “It is really inspiring to see how one theatre and program can make such an impact on kids from so many different walks of life.”

With your continued support, Mainstage Theatre will keep opening doors for local youth. Your generosity ensures that every child has a place on stage, and a place to belong.

Learn more at mainstagetheatre.org

Every gift, large and small, contributes to the mission of Madison County Community Foundation to invest in lasting positive change to elevate and strengthen Madison County. Our vision is for this to be a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive and this drives everything that we do. Consider giving to the Impact Madison Fund to help us continue to meet emerging local needs through discretionary grantmaking. Impact Madison Grants support nonprofit programs in the areas of Arts, Culture, and History, Health and Human Services, Education, Thriving Community, and Women and Children.