Shelby County Players (SCP) recently received a $1 million Arts & Culture Award through the Regional Economic Acceleration & Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 investment program. The grant represents a significant step toward the organization's nearly $2.6 million Phase 2 building project, which will expand the theater's capacity to better serve the community.
The funding will provide professional-grade lighting, sound, audio-visual, and networking technology for the Wortman Family Civic Theatre's auditorium and community spaces. These improvements will enhance Shelby County Players' productions while also supporting festivals, educational programming, workforce training, and community events. The upgraded technology will help create a more accessible and versatile venue for rural residents, working families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
Shelby County Players was one of just 49 projects selected for Arts & Culture funding from nearly 320 proposals submitted across all 15 Indiana READI regions. The initiative is supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission. Shelby County Players expressed gratitude to Lilly Endowment Inc., the IEDC, the Indiana Arts Commission, Accelerate Rural Indiana, and the many local supporters whose continued investment is helping bring the vision for the Wortman Family Civic Theatre to life.