Courtesy photo Players de Noc recently received grants that allowed the organization to purchase these lighting instruments.

ESCANABA — Players de Noc was recently awarded operational grant funds from both the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the Michigan Non-Profit Relief Fund for 2024. These assets allow the organization to keep moving forward as it emerges from the devastation COVID caused to community theaters all over the world.

At Players, many lighting instruments required replacement at the same time in order to ensure the level of production Players is known for presenting to the community. Technical Supervisor Jamie Peterson spent countless hours searching online for instruments that would work with the existing infrastructure at the Bonifas Arts Center. The 30 instruments will be a great help for Players upcoming production of Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Operations grants can be used for any expenses that keep PDN running, such as rent and utilities, but also performance rights and licensing fees.

These resources allow the use of funds earned from ticket sales or fundraising to be used for capital improvements. As such, work has recently been done to shore up the basement of the scene shop building and is soon to start in renovating the costume shop.

Players de Noc’s mission is to create high-quality theatrical experiences to entertain, enrich and educate people of all ages. The Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the Michigan Non-Profit Relief Fund aid in that mission through their generous gifts.