Whitman Theater supporters outline successes, fundraising needs in public comment

At the Greenwood Common Council meeting, Kathy Benes, president of the Whitman Theater Support Organization, urged support for the school theater program and described recent successes and funding needs.

"I'm Kathy Benes, and I am the president of the Whitman Theater Support Organization," Benes said, outlining volunteer efforts and program growth. She told the council that the program drew more than 1,100 people to a recent production and noted the program’s invitation to perform at an international Thespian Festival. "Participation at that level could cost up to $40,000," she said, adding the group was actively seeking major community sponsors.

Benes described the program’s structure: volunteers handle costumes and set construction; advanced students contribute technical and artistic work; the group seeks to recycle and reuse materials to keep costs down. She said the organization was not asking for a specific city appropriation at the meeting but invited council members to attend performances and explore sponsorship opportunities.

Her remarks highlighted the theater’s role in student development and community engagement; the council thanked her for the presentation and congratulated the volunteers and students for their successful production.