January 6th, 2025
Special Thanks to King County’s Doors Open Grant Program and the City of Renton’s Lodging Tax Grant Program
Renton, WA — Renton Civic Theatre proudly announces the receipt of two significant grants to bolster its mission of enriching the community through the performing arts. The theater has been awarded $270,000 from King County’s Doors Open grant program, managed by 4Culture, and an additional $10,000 from the City of Renton’s Lodging Tax Grant Program.
“This funding is a transformative milestone for Renton Civic Theatre,” said Samantha Simas, Board Treasurer for RCT. “It enables us to preserve our historic building, expand our outreach, and enhance the experience for our patrons. We are deeply grateful to 4Culture and the City of Renton for recognizing the vital role we play in the community.”
The Doors Open grant is part of King County’s commitment to preserving and enhancing cultural spaces. With this funding, Renton Civic Theatre will make essential upgrades, including improving accessibility, safety measures, and preserving the historic character of the venue. This grant underscores the importance of cultural landmarks as vital community assets that inspire creativity and foster shared experiences.
The Lodging Tax Grant supports initiatives that enhance tourism and promote the city’s cultural vitality. Renton Civic Theatre will use these funds to amplify its marketing efforts, attracting regional and national visitors to its performances. By drawing more visitors, the grant contributes to economic growth and showcases Renton as a cultural hub.
“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the organizations who saw promise in Renton Civic Theatre and chose to support our future with these grant awards,” said Graham Arthur Blair, Board President for RCT. “The Doors Open grant, which is earmarked for facilities upgrades, will be dedicated to our energy efficiency and sustainability efforts, and we wrote our application with those updates in mind. We’re happy to say that this funding will finally propel the space into the 21st century.”
As Renton Civic Theatre looks to the future, these grants will serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to engage the community, attract new audiences, and continue offering high-quality productions. The theater invites individuals and businesses to join this momentum by becoming donors or sponsors, ensuring the arts remain accessible and vibrant in Renton.
For more information about Renton Civic Theatre and how to support its mission, visit rentoncivictheatre.org
About Renton Civic Theatre: Renton Civic Theatre (RCT) is a nonprofit, community-driven performing arts venue located in the heart of downtown Renton. Housed in a historic theater, RCT has been a cultural cornerstone for decades, offering a wide array of live performances that include comedies, dramas, musicals, and special events. Committed to fostering local talent and making the arts accessible to all, RCT provides an inviting space for audiences and performers alike, while preserving the rich legacy of live theater in the Renton community.
Media Contact: marketing@rentoncivictheatre.org