GREENE – The Theatre Panel of the New York State Council of the Arts has announced that Chenango River Theatre is one of the select theaters statewide to receive direct funding for General Operating Support for their upcoming 2014 season. The award of $5,000 annually covers two years, extending through the 2015 season.

Funding from the panel is considered indicative of meeting the highest levels of professional standards in production and is available only to professional, non-profit theatre companies.

The Chenango River Theater is the greater Binghamton area’s only theatre company authorized to use members of Actors’ Equity Association – a union for professional actors and stage managers in the United States – in every production.

Chenango River Theater’s Artistic Director Bill Lelbach noted that of the total theaters funded statewide, the vast majority of selected ensembles were in the greater New York City area.

Said Lelbach, “Very few upstate companies, located in rural areas such as Chenango County, receive this honor. The funding matters to us, but perhaps even more important is the recognition that our community can see truly terrific theatre that’s on a par with much larger companies in major metropolitan markets.”

According to the New York State Council of the Arts grant information website, “Over the last six seasons the Chenango River Theatre has significantly altered the theatre landscape in the tri-county area. Located in rural Chenango County, 20 miles north of Binghamton, Chenango River Theater is the fastest growing and only Equity, non-profit theatre in the area.”

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the greater Binghamton area a regional theatre of note,” added Lelbach. “We’re only 15-20 minutes from much of Binghamton and want to invite those that care about the importance of high quality cultural arts in the region to come see us.”

Chenango River Theater’s 2014 season will be announced in March, with over 60 performances scheduled from May to October. To receive a season brochure, call 607-656-8499 and leave your name and address or simply email info@chenangorivertheatre.org with the information.

-Matthew White