Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Theatre Under The Stars
Legal Name (if Different): Theatre Under The Stars Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 800 Bagby, Suite 200
City: Houston
State: Texas
Postal Code: 77002-2525
Main Phone: 7135582625
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.tuts.org
Employer ID Number: 74-1621647
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 31, 2025
Requested Amount: $7,000

Project Title: The River
Project Description:

While many amateur and even professional theatres around the country deliver exceptional local productions, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is unique in that everything we do, from our mainstage productions to education programs, is to make transformative art experiences accessible to everyone in our community. High-quality art consumption and education, especially relating to musical theatre, are so often only accessible to a select group of Americans – those who are wealthy, and educated, able-bodied. As a musical theatre company founded on the principles of inclusion, TUTS breaks through these traditional barriers by welcoming all Houstonians to the theatre.

The River, one of TUTS’ education programs, gives children and young adults with disabilities in Houston a welcoming space to explore and engage with the arts. Offering courses in voice, dance, acting, and visual arts, students experience the joy of self-expression in a nurturing and encouraging environment. The River is unique in that it not only provides artistic training for young people with disabilities but also provides meaningful performance opportunities featuring them. The River’s performance troupe, comprised of children and young adults, is invited to perform at community events and TUTS mainstage productions throughout the year. While other community productions squeeze actors and actresses with disabilities into productions ultimately designed for non-disabled performers, TUTS shapes their shows to feature and showcase the abilities of all performers. From costumes to set design, TUTS designs shows to make musical Theatre a welcoming and inclusive place for actors and actresses of all abilities. In FY 2024, The River served 142 students with disabilities through 526 class placements and distributed $7,882 in need-based scholarships to nine recipients.   

Total Project Budget: $90,337

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Sterling Turner Foundation, Martha Sue Parr Trust, Corporate Sponsorships, Individual & Board Donations

Project Duration: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Houston, Texas
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 6-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Lauryn
Contact Last Name: Herpin
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 713-285-2656
Contact Email: development@tuts.org