Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Cadence Theatre
Legal Name (if Different): Cadence Theatre Company, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7119
City: Richmond
State: VA
Postal Code: 23221
Main Phone: 804-972-0364
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.cadencetheatre.org
Employer ID Number: 80-0493723
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/29/2024
Requested Amount: $2,500

Project Title: STAGE WRITE College Prep & Workforce Readiness Program
Project Description:

Now in its 10th year, STAGE WRITE College Prep & Workforce Readiness Program trains high school students in performing arts skills to increase confidence and gain communication and teamwork skills, and then apply those newfound strengths to build their abilities in postsecondary readiness and community leadership. Through participation in the program, students gain: 1) materials to be used for college essays and the workforce; 2) workforce readiness skills to carry them into the future; and 3) video work samples including PSAs and oral presentations (prior themes include Dreams, The Hero’s Journey, Community, Story, Transformation, Integrity, Social Justice, Empathy, Impact and Manifest).

STAGE WRITE is an original program implemented in schools through the support of the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The program started in two schools and built over time to serve eight Richmond Public Schools (RPS) high schools within the school day, mostly through English classes (Creative Writing and Public Speaking, if they are offered). It is based on a pedagogy that demonstrates that performing arts training builds lifelong personal strengths and team-building skills, preparing students for the workforce. STAGE WRITE is unique, however, in that it combines theater performance skills, creative writing, and workforce readiness into one cohesive program. STAGE WRITE curriculum was designed to satisfy all 21st Century skills and many of the achievement goals created by Virginia’s Department of Education.

The target population for STAGE WRITE is 150-200 high school students annually in Richmond Public Schools. This is an urban, highly diverse, and largely low-income demographic. Among participants, 77% are Black/African American, 17% are Hispanic/Latino, 5% are White/Caucasian, and 1% are Asian. Over 85% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Total Project Budget: $48,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Dominion Energy (pending) – $10,000; People’s Bank (pending) – $2,500; Hansen Family Foundation (pending) – $2,500; Hermanowski Family Foundation (pending) – $2,500; Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond (received) – $15,000; Individuals (received) – $8,500; Shelton Short Trust (received) – $5,000; Anonymous (received) – $2,500

Project Duration: 9/1/2024 – 8/31/2025
Geographical Area Served: City of Richmond, VA
Age Group To Be Served: 14-19

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Anna
Contact Last Name: Senechal Johnson
Contact Title: Artistic & Managing Director
Contact Phone: 804-972-0364
Contact Email: CadenceGrants@gmail.com