Randolph Commission approves funding for Old Brick Playhouse
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ELKINS -- The Randolph County Commission approved a funding request from the Old Brick Playhouse during its most recent meeting at the James F. Cain Courthouse Annex.
Commissioners David Kesling and Cris Siler voted to approve $15,000 in funding after a presentation from Old Brick Executive Director Missy McCollam. Commissioner Chris See was not present at the meeting.
McCollam told the commissioners that the Old Brick would never turn away any students wanting to take part in the program, and that funding was needed to help with many of the students' tuitions.
"Last year alone we saw 380 kids for classes and we performed for over 6,00 people in our audience," McCollam said. "We also provided educational programs for 10,000 kids in the county and others…
"Generally we have 50 percent of our students request scholarships, and last year we had 75 percent, which is a significant increase. So the Old Brick is definitely feeling the fluidity of the economy and we think our students are. But we would never exclude a student because of financial means, so we find ways to fund them."
McCollam talked about how the Old Brick Playhouse is entering its 33rd year and how its program helps those who participate.
"Students who study the arts, score 20 to 30 percent higher on standardized tests, including ACT and SAT," said McCollam. "So what we find is that if we can go into schools and work with kids, it really helps them with all of their academic achievements."
The Old Brick Playhouse's Apprentice Program highlights the list of programming offered by McCollam and her staff. The Apprentice Program has been awarded twice at the White House as one of the Top 15 Arts Programs in the nation.
The Old Brick currently has 98 students enrolled for two full-length plays at its facility. The enrollees will also perform plays for 4,000 of the county's school students at D&E College.
In addition to the aforementioned plays, the Old Brick also has a Summer Camp, which is currently over capacity; performs two art therapy workshops weekly at the Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center; and is hosting a Murder Mystery Train with the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
The Old Brick tours all the schools in Randolph County and presents a play about tolerance. It also helps students write college essays and helps prepare them for auditions for professional employment in the arts field.
The Old Brick collaborates with several state and local agencies including World Vision International and Randolph County's Summer Sole Program.
"Because of all the things we do, we'd like to request more support from the commission," McCollam said. "Thirty percent of all performance art venues closed around the world during COVID, but Old Brick remains sturdy and a lot of that was thanks to you guys. We really appreciate everything you do for us."
Kesling said the commission was happy to help something that has been "a staple" in the community for such a long time.
"We have the hotel/motel tax, which is the tax the county collects from hotels that are outside of the city limits," said Kesling. "We get that money and half goes to the CVB. The other half is for the county commission to support projects like this…
"You are so passionate about how much you help the kids and this is a very worthwhile project that we should support."
For more information about the Old Brick Playhouse, call 304-637-9090 or visit www.theoldbrickplayhouse.org.