
2008 Production Support and 2008 "Musical Interactive" Support
Foundation funding will enable support for Lyric Theatre's 2008 productions and Musical Interactive, an outreach and touring performance program featuring selected songs and scenes from an established Broadway musical. Free of charge and geared towards all grades, a companion study guide will be available for teachers and students for a more in depth history of musical theatre. Lyric serves approximately 105 Oklahoma communities, 110,000 patrons and school children in 131 schools (elementary, middle and high schools), including many rural communities from Idabel to Elk City and Ada to Muskogee. The project directly relates to Lyric's 2008-2010 Strategic Plan, which details the need for expanded programming and continuing a tradition of producing excellent musical theatre.
The project is evaluated through different methods throughout the year, including ticket sales, third-party reviews and patron feedback. Classroom teachers fill out brief surveys to evaluate performances and the Lyric staff refers back to the Strategic Plan to measure progress and success.
Lyric collaborates with The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, an important partner in any Lyric production. Also, strong ties are held with the Oklahoma City University School of American Dance and Arts Management, the University of Oklahoma Musical Theatre Department and several other university departments. Lyric employs university students during the summer to fill many technical, performance and front of house roles, providing valuable on the job experience for many students.
Lyric's production component is led by Paul Stover, Executive Director; Nick Demos, Artistic Director; Paul Gebb, Education Director and Robert Matson, Academy Administrator. Robert Matson and Ashley Wells lead the Musical Interactive program. Lyric Theatre was incorporated in 1963. Their mission is to produce excellent professional musical theatre, nurture artistic talent, promote collaboration among the arts, and enrich the lives of Oklahomans.