Arts & Entertainment
Worcester Theater Production Gets $150K State Award
The Worcester organization will receive state funding to support a production of a holiday classic.
WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester theater organization will receive more than $150,000 from the state to support a production of a holiday classic.
The Worcester Center for the Performing Arts Inc. was awarded $150,360 for its production of "A Christmas Carol" through Massachusetts' Live Theater Tax Credit Pilot Program, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday.
"A Christmas Carol" will return to the Hanover Theatre's Main Stage from Dec. 17 through Dec. 23 for its 19th annual production.
This year's version of Charles Dickens' holiday classic will be reimagined by director Billie Aken-Tyers, whose credits include the national tours of "SIX" and "Beetlejuice," and will feature a new set and projections designed by Kelly James Tighe.
Worcester Production Among 23 Across MA
The Worcester production was among 23 across Massachusetts selected to share $7 million in tax credits aimed at supporting live theater, local jobs and businesses while drawing visitors to communities across the state.
Eligible theater companies can receive credits worth up to 35 percent of qualifying payroll costs and 25 percent of production, performance and transportation expenses. Productions must have at least $100,000 in eligible Massachusetts costs and be performed multiple times a week for at least two weeks, among other requirements.
"These investments help bring more productions to our state, support good jobs and local businesses, and give residents and visitors even more reasons to spend time in communities across Massachusetts," Healey said in announcing the awards.
The Live Theater Tax Credit Pilot Program is in its second year of a five-year run, with $7 million in credits expected to be available annually.
Other productions receiving awards this year include "The Nutcracker" by Boston Ballet, "Les Misérables" by Lyric Stage Company of Boston, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Huntington Theatre Company and "Frozen" by New Bedford Festival Theatre.
