Funding Directed to Student Activities in 2026
Jan. 23, 2026: Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT) has received a $11,300 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to fund its student theatre education series in 2026.
SEACT hosts and presents a series of theatre activities that serve multiple ages and any level of experience as students join a high-energy program that introduces fun fundamentals and techniques to improve vocals, choreography, acting, theatre skills, and general stage presence. Participation opportunities range from on stage roles to learning backstage technical production. Classes are only limited by enrollment as financial needs are bridged by tuition waivers and scholarship funds supported by the community.
• After-school classes & workshops: Accessible, entry-level and advanced learning opportunities led by teaching artists. Students develop acting, movement, voice, and technical theatre skills in supportive, judgment-free spaces.
• Summer theatre camps (ages 7–14): Weeklong sessions provide hands-on experiences in theatre-making, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and self-confidence.
• Summer Intensive – A rigorous three-week experience that immerses students in musical theatre, culminating in public performances for the community.
“Together, these activities engage more than 200 students annually while drawing hundreds of family and community members as audiences. By investing in young people, SEACT strengthens the cultural fabric of the Wiregrass, bridges rural arts access gaps, and nurtures the next generation of artists, patrons, and community leaders. The Alabama State Council on the Arts is critical to ensuring that SEACT activities are free or low-cost, and that the community can attend and enjoy the presentations,” said Executive Director Jennifer Love Doherty.
Through its student programming, SEACT is an active participant in developing young minds to embrace new century work skills such as creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Every program at SEACT is motivated with a desire to create and reward lifelong learners. These two ideas work together to support workforce development goals by both creating and attracting well-rounded employees who drive innovation. Communication skills like those learned through participating in theatre activities form a foundation for building relationships, and arts education is proven to enhance academic performance. Information about 2026 classes and camps is available at SEACT.com.
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Southeast Alabama Community Theatre
Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT) has a mission to enrich the cultural lives of Wiregrass residents through the presentation of high-quality theatre, to provide creative opportunities to talented individuals to perform on stage and behind the scenes, and to introduce the theatrical experience to school-aged children. SEACT is a 501(c) organization and depends on the support of its community to bring theatre to life in the Wiregrass. The organization serves Houston, Henry, Dale, Coffee, and Geneva Counties, and is funded through season tickets, sponsorships, advertising, and donations. Learn more at seact.com.
Alabama State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Alabama. The Council works to expand and preserve the state’s cultural resources by supporting nonprofit arts organizations, schools, colleges, units of local government, and individual artists. Arts programs, assisted by Council grants, have a track record of enhancing community development, education, cultural tourism, and overall quality of life in all regions of the state. Alabama State Council on the Arts grants are made possible by an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and additional funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Learn more at arts.alabama.gov.
