Staff Report / July 5, 2025
The Penn Yan Theatre Company (PYTCo) has secured multiple grants to support its upcoming Summer Youth Program, which kicks off Monday at Penn Yan Middle School. Committed to keeping the program free for participants, PYTCo relies heavily on outside funding to cover production costs, staff compensation, and materials.
This year, the program received financial support from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, a $4,500 grant from the Keuka Area Fund, and another $4,500 from the Yates County Youth Bureau and the Office of Children and Family Services. A $2,500 award from the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Arts Education program will also help fund costumes, sets, and meals on extended program days. A fourth grant application is still pending and, if awarded, will fund new wireless microphones for performances.
Program Director Dusty Baker emphasized the essential role of the high school and college-age counselors who mentor and supervise the 50-plus participants. “Without the counselors, camp wouldn’t happen,” Baker said. The program will culminate in a production of Seussical Jr., with performances scheduled for July 24–26. Tickets are available at www.pytco.org/shows.
