Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

AMERICUS — The Fox Theatre Institute awarded the Friends of the Rylander Theatre an Urgent Needs Grant in the amount of $50,000 for repairs to the theater following Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) is a dynamic outreach program of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta offering historic preservation and operations expertise, consultation, and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and the region. The Urgent Needs Grant is available to historic theaters in emergency situations when immediate and unanticipated work is needed to save a historic structure.

During Hurricane Michael, the Rylander Theatre sustained wind damage to the roof, damage to the iconic “torch” sign, and water infiltration in the basement. Managing Director, Heather Stanley, submitted the Urgent Needs grant request to the Fox Theatre Institute to repair the torch sign and to begin Phase I of the basement water infiltration work which involves brick and mortar restoration and waterproofing.

“We are working with all possible entities to ensure the sustainability and continued operation of our beautiful and historic theater,” says Stanley. “We are so fortunate to have this partnership with FTI and the resources it provides.” The Rylander Theatre has been an active part of the Fox Theatre Institute since it began in 2009.

Stanley and members of the Friends of the Rylander board of directors will be presented with a big check at a ceremony in August. Presenting the check and representing the Fox Theatre will be Leigh Burns, director of the Fox Theatre Institute.

For more information on the Fox Theatre Institute visit www.foxtheatreinstitute