Venango Area Community Foundation is an affiliate of Bridge Builders Community Foundations, the community foundation serving Clarion, Forest, Venango Counties, and the Punxsutawney area.

Previously, all donations to the Barrow-Civic Theatre were controlled internally through the Barrow Civic Foundation. All funds have now been transferred to the Barrow-Civic Theatre Endowment Fund and will be managed through as an Endowment Fund administered by the Community Foundation.

Although the majority of donations toward long-term growth are now controlled through the Community Foundation, community members may continue to provide cash or monetary donations directly to the Barrow Civic-Theatre, for capital projects and other operational expenses. Donations of clean and slightly used period clothing items appropriate for costuming, functional specialty items used for properties, or unique pieces of furniture are also accepted.

“This new relationship allows the community foundation to assist the Barrow-Civic Theatre in growing contributions and helps to ensure sustainability for the theatre’s ongoing financial and development needs,” said Trenton Moulin, executive director at BBCF.

“Donors should feel assured that their previous contributions are well kept and will be assisting the Barrow-Civic Theatre for generations to come. All funds will be honored as initially specified, to benefit the Barrow-Civic Theatre in a perpetual endowment.”

The previous Barrow-Civic Theatre Foundation was established over 20 years ago, with a concerted mission to give perpetuity to the gift from Charles Barrow, the benefactor of the beautiful Barrow-Civic Theatre.

Through collaboration with the Franklin Civic Operetta Association (FCOA), the Barrow-Civic Theatre Foundation funded the purchase and renovation of the former Kayton Theatre.

“Partnering with Bridge Builders, and placing the remaining foundation funds in their hands, allows us to continue to keep Mr. Barrow’s and FCOA’s visions alive, as well as form yet another community partnership,” said Zachary Covington, executive director at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. “Our Board of Directors have been working on this partnership for over a year, and we are very excited to see it coming to fruition.”

Since its establishment in 1959, the Barrow-Civic Theatre has continued to grow and provide the community with quality entertainment, educational programs, and support. The Barrow-Civic Theatre is committed to being a leader in the cultural growth, diversity, and vitality of our region.

“In the many years I have been involved with the Barrow-Civic Theatre, I have enjoyed watching it continue to thrive and serve our community,” said Stephen Teig, chairman of the FCOA Board of Directors. “I’m excited to see how this partnership will help the theatre and region moving forward.”

Upcoming shows at the theatre include the production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” during the 35th Annual Applefest and FCOA Advanced Youth Theatre’s showing of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Various programs are also provided through the theatre, including the Barrow Theatre Institute (BTI), an arts education program providing after school or work and weekend classes and workshops for all ages.

“Our organization cannot survive without the generosity of our wonderful donors and patrons, and this partnership allows another way for gifts to support our theatre for many years into the future,” said Covington.