Community Foundation Grant

MCF grant to support new theater lighting

A generous $9,000 grant from Middletown Community Foundation is a big step toward funding new lighting in the FHS Auditorium. The $12,024 project will fund LED cyc lights for background lighting behind performers on the stage.

The 1989 auditorium has older, repurposed strip lights with inefficient incandescent bulbs that require frequent replacement. While the lighting control console is new, the lights are old and FHS theater students don’t learn newer theater lighting systems.

Audiences will notice clean, professional, richer, more vibrant color on the cyc behind students in band and choir concerts.

The entire district will benefit from the lighting upgrade, as the auditorium is heavily used for events by every district building, plus community groups and local dance studios.

Additional funds must be raised to complete the project, which has been challenging as COVID has limited fundraising activities and reduced audience sizes.