MTVarts Education is proud to acknowledge and extend sincere thanks to the Knox County Foundation for its generous grant support of the MTVarts Education: Taking Wing. This funding, made possible by the J. William & Helen F. Baird Fund ($1,500) and the Sue Webster Fund ($8,500), plays a vital role in expanding access to high-quality theatre education for children and teens throughout Knox County.
The Taking Wing program supports a full slate of 2026 educational offerings designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and provide meaningful arts learning experiences for young people at every stage of their theatrical journey. “With the support of the Knox County Foundation, including the J. William & Helen F. Baird Fund and the Sue Webster Fund, MTVarts Education is able to nurture curiosity, imagination, and collaboration through live theatre,” said Carrie Haver. “This investment ensures that students across our community can learn, grow, and find their voices through the performing arts.”
Grant funding will support the following 2026 MTVarts Education programs:
artsIQ Spring and Summer Workshops
Two immersive, weeklong theatre experiences for students ages 10–18, focused on performance fundamentals, ensemble work, and creative exploration.
Two immersive, weeklong theatre experiences for students ages 10–18, focused on performance fundamentals, ensemble work, and creative exploration.
Footlights Workshop
A summer introductory program designed for ages 7–10 and students new to theatre, offering a welcoming and engaging first experience on stage.
A summer introductory program designed for ages 7–10 and students new to theatre, offering a welcoming and engaging first experience on stage.
Classics Series: To Kill a Mockingbird
Presented in May with both school and public performances, this high-quality production gives high school students the opportunity to experience a classic work of literature they have studied in the classroom, brought to life on stage.
Presented in May with both school and public performances, this high-quality production gives high school students the opportunity to experience a classic work of literature they have studied in the classroom, brought to life on stage.
Production of The Wizard of Oz
A large-scale fall production for ages 12–18, featuring professional flying effects by ZFX. The program includes eight weeks of theatre instruction culminating in school and public performances.
A large-scale fall production for ages 12–18, featuring professional flying effects by ZFX. The program includes eight weeks of theatre instruction culminating in school and public performances.
Fall Afterschool Classes
Ongoing instruction that allows students to continue developing theatrical skills in a supportive, educational environment.
Ongoing instruction that allows students to continue developing theatrical skills in a supportive, educational environment.
MTVarts is deeply grateful to the Knox County Foundation and its fund holders for their generous commitment to arts education and youth enrichment. This support, together with Ariel Corporation’s title sponsorship of The Wizard of Oz, strengthens the cultural fabric of our community and expands access to high-quality theatre experiences for young audiences. Additional support for our education programs comes from Ariel Corporation and The Wizard of Oz event sponsors Triple P Positive Parenting Program. This support is crucial and ensures that the transformative power of theatre remains accessible to the next generation.
